About usProviding services to over 750,000 residents,supportingthem at the most vulnerable times in their lives, and working across rural and urban communities with some of the most fantastic heritage and landscapes in the country.It is a significant responsibility, and the Commercial & Procurement Service sits at the heart of the organisation.We are transforming our approach, moving away from a traditional procurement service to driving a more commercial mindset across the Council.This means finding new and innovative ways of delivering value from savings to service improvements, from innovation in delivery to shaping the environment, economy, and communities that we partner with. As part of this transformation, we’re expanding our new Commercial & Procurement Service and structuring ourselves around 4 pillars:Strategic Commercial Partnering – senior commercial experts working closely with senior stakeholders to identify and explore long-term opportunities, scan the horizon for opportunities and risks, and bringing new commercial delivery models to the table (such as joint ventures, Local Authority Trading Companies, and a range of investment options).Commercial Service Delivery – the engine room of the service delivering the day-to-day projects from insourcing, outsourcing, and re-procurements, utilising the new freedoms under the Procurement Act 2023 to craft the most effective commercial processes to achieve the outcomes we want to achieve for our residents.Contract & Supplier Management – setting the standard for ‘excellent’ contract management across the Council, working with our decentralised contract manager community to professionalise our capability, and leading the contract & supplier management activity for our most complex and strategically critical agreements.Commercial Excellence – from providing analytics, developing our commercial system roadmap, curating a commercial curriculum, to setting our policies, developing templates and tools, and supporting driving the efficacy of our service as a whole, the Excellence team underpin our efforts to drive more commerciality across the Council.As a service we’recommittedto recruiting on potential.The details below set out the specifics of the role we’re recruiting for, and we want to encourage anyone with relevant experience to apply who is motivated by the Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) mission to support our residents and wants to be part of a transformation of a commercial & procurement service.At OCC, you’ll be part of a team that’s not only passionate about what we do - but also about how we do it.We foster a culture of inclusion, respect, and continuous improvement, and we’re proud to offer flexible working arrangements, professional development opportunities, and a strong sense of purpose in everything we do.Our core values are at the heart of everything we do. They shape our culture and guide how we work,leadand growtogether:Always learningBekindand careEquality and integrity in all we doTaking responsibilityDaring to do it differentlyIf you’re ready to make a meaningful difference andleadthrough values, we’d love to hear from you.About The RoleAre you ready to take ownership of impactful projects and become atrustedcommercial adviser?As a Commercial Specialist at Oxfordshire County Council, you’ll build deep expertise in your chosen category while developing your skills across a variety of Commercial & Procurement projects.You’ll lead initiatives from concept to delivery, drive value for the council, and help shape the future of public sector procurement.We are recruiting for a Commercial Specialist. This role is part of our Commercial Service Delivery Team and work in the People pillar. This means you’ll play a key role in shaping the county of Oxfordshire.You’ll work across Digital, Property & FM, Professional Services, Communications, Finance, and other resourcing directorates.Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:LeadProcurement Activities: Deliver end-to-end service for low-risk projects, ensuring compliance with regulations and council policies.SupportComplex Projects: Assist senior colleagues on high-risk or complex procurements, including managing processes, drafting tender documents, evaluating bids, and supporting compliance.Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand their needs and ensure procurement aligns with council objectives.Conduct market research: Identify potential suppliers, understand market trends, and gather intelligence to inform procurement decisions.Perform financialanalysis: Support cost analysis, budget monitoring, and identify opportunities for savings.Championsustainability: Implement best practice sustainability initiatives, seeking opportunities to improve outcomes through commercial projects and working with stakeholders to deliver them.About YouExperience delivering commercial projects.Understanding of commercial policy landscape and how to implement it effectively.Good communication skills—able to inform, instruct, persuade, and encourage feedback with credibility.Strong persuasion and negotiation skills, able to influence outcomes and constructively challenge decisions.Proactive problem-solving skills, with the ability to spot opportunities and manage risk.Commercial awareness, with anunderstandingof cost drivers, value for money, and how to deliver greater value.Ability to connect the dots across the organisation and implement change to maximise value.Experience with a range of commercial models (in-sourcing, out-sourcing, joint ventures, etc.) and capability development programmes (desirable).MCIPS qualified or equivalent commercial/procurement qualification, or willingness to work towards. (desirable).Local Government experience is a plus, but not essential.Rewards and benefitsHybrid working – typically one day per month in our Oxford office for team collaboration, with flexibility to suit your role and lifestyleCulture of flexible workingGreat learning and development opportunities to support your growthTechnology to support agile working,including unlimited access to Copilot for smarter productivityEmployee Assistance Programme – including health and wellbeing supportGenerous annual leave – 30 days plus bank holidays, and an option to ‘buy’ additional holidayEnhanced family friendly policiesLocal Government Pension Scheme – with employer contributions up to 19.9%Discounts – local and national offers for shopping and travelApplication processIf you are interested in this role, please submit your application by5th May 2026.When applying, please upload a current CV and a personal statement:CV: Include your employment history and relevant experience.Personal Statement: Describe how your skills and experience align with the role, referring to the essential criteria and person specification.The job description sets out our ideal, but we value diverse strengths and potential. If your experience aligns with much of what we’re looking for, please consider applying.Shortlisting is expected to take place from 8th May 2026..Interviews are expected to take place in our central Oxford office. Further details will besharedwith shortlisted candidates.For informal enquiries or further information about the role, please contact Matthew Clothier (matt.clothier@oxfordshire.gov.uk)Ourcommitmentto:Equality, Diversity and InclusionAt Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce.Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peersupport, education and safe spaces for all.Ourcommitmentto:Guaranteed Interview SchemesAs a DisabilityConfidentemployer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job.We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships.We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.Ourcommitmentto:SafeguardingOxfordshire County Council arecommittedto safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers tosharethiscommitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.Ourcommitmentto:Flexible WorkingWe are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, jobsharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.Follow us on Social MediaStay up-to-date with the latest news and featured jobs from Oxfordshire County Council by following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.If you encounter any issues with the application system, please contact us at: careers@oxfordshire.gov.uk
