Non-Executive Director (Commercial Operations Expertise)

Location: Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester

Position: Non-Executive Director (Commercial Operations Expertise)

Salary: Unpaid Voluntary + Reasonable Travel Expenses

About Us: 

Steeped in history, Lancashire Cricket is a 160-year-old iconic sports club based at Emirates Old Trafford (Manchester), an award-winning multi-purpose venue, with a burgeoning year-round Conference, Hotel and Events business.

Our purpose is to win, inspire play and to make memories with a vision to make Lancashire Cricket the best place to enjoy cricket in the world.

We are dedicated to growing the love of cricket and developing talent, hosting major international cricket matches and concerts, delivering world-class events in a venue of international renown, and connecting people and communities through the best experiences making lasting memories shared between family, friends or colleagues.

In 2025, our Women’s team were double champions, winning both the Metro Bank One Day Cup and the Vitality T20 County Cup.

Role Summary:

We are seeking a Non-Executive Director to join the Board of Directors, bringing a strong background in Commercial Operations and Development within a business with a £35m+ turnover.

The ideal candidate will play a critical role in guiding the Clubs operational and development strategy and ensuring sustainable growth. This individual will bring strong commercial acumen, strategic insight, and independent judgment to support the Board (specifically the Club Treasurer) and Executive team in driving the Club’s commercial and financial performance.

Responsibilities:

Board & Governance

• Provide independent oversight, challenge, and support to the executive leadership.
• Contribute to effective governance, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and fiduciary duties.
• Participate actively in Board meetings, offering impartial, informed, and constructive perspectives.
• Support the Chair in promoting a culture of integrity, accountability, and transparency.

Commercial & Strategic Contribution

• Review and challenge site-level and group-wide operational performance metrics
• Ensure appropriate KPIs are in place to monitor productivity, quality, cost and safety
• Support the Board in identifying systemic underperformance or execution risks
• Provide objective input on turnaround and optimisation initiatives
• Ensure operational and development decisions align with the Club’s long-term strategic objectives.

Risk Management

• Oversee operational risk management across all locations
• Ensure appropriate frameworks exist for health & safety, regulatory compliance, and quality control
• Provide challenge on business continuity, crisis management, and resilience planning
• Ensure lessons learned from incidents are acted upon at board and executive level

Executive Support & Challenge

• Act as a sounding board to the CEO and senior leadership on Operational/Development issues.
• Maintain a constructive, independent stance, supportive yet willing to offer robust challenge.
• Mentor and coach key executives where appropriate.

Qualifications & Experience:

Essential

• Proven senior-level commercial experience (e.g., Managing Director, Business Owner, Chief Operating Officer, Strategy or Business Development Lead) within a business with a 35m+ turnover.
• A strong track record of driving profitable growth and commercial performance within a large company.
• Demonstrated ability of site development and Facilities Management experience.
• Ability to manage multiple complex profit centres and or sites as well as new development projects.
• Experience in board-level or advisory roles, with a deep understanding of governance.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to question constructively.

Desirable

• Prior Non-Executive Director experience.
• Sector knowledge in property development.
• Multi-site operations experience.
• Experience in lifestyle, events, leisure, sport or destination specific business relevance.
• Understanding of ESG considerations and their commercial impact.
• A current Member of Lancashire Cricket (if not already a Member, a Membership must be purchased prior to the Annual General Meeting)
• An understanding of Cricket at any level

Skills & Attributes

• Independent, objective, and principled.
• Strategic thinker with a forward-looking mindset.
• Strong ethical compass and commitment to good governance.
• Collaborative, supportive team player who values diverse viewpoints.
• Willingness to commit adequate time and preparation to Board duties.

Time Commitment:

• Approximately 7 Board meetings per year (plus a Strategy Day), plus committee responsibilities and ad-hoc consultations as required

Non Executive Director terms run for three years with a maximum of three consecutive three year terms.

Application Criteria:

We look forward to hearing from you if you have skills that support our future vision, we would welcome applications with the appropriate skills and experience that can also enhance our current drive and objectives.

To apply, please submit a 250-word summary detailing relevant skills and experience along with your CV to: boardapplication@lancashirecricket.co.uk.

Closing date for applications is January 31st 2026. Interviews for shortlisted candidates will take place in late February/early March 2026.