Commercial Officer

Somerset Council; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days’ annual leave

LGPS pension

Hybrid working arrangements

Health and wellbeing support

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Somerset Council is seeking a Commercial Officer for the Education team in Taunton. In this permanent, full-time role (37 hours weekly), you will identify commercial opportunities, manage contracts, and build partnerships to deliver value for children and young people across Somerset.

You’ll influence growth, support income generation, and collaborate across the directorate to ensure sustainable services. The role offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements with some office days at County

Qualifications

• Experience in a commercial, business development, contract management, or similar role.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop commercial opportunities to support growth and sustainability of Education services.
• Build and maintain relationships with schools, partners, suppliers and stakeholders.
• Support management of contracts, service agreements, and commercial arrangements.
• Help secure funding, income generation opportunities and new business opportunities where appropriate.
• Monitor commercial performance and contribute to financial planning, reporting and forecasting.

Skills

Commercial experience

Commercial principles

Stakeholder management

Analysis & decision making

Project coordination

Communication skills

Job description

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Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week

Contract: Permanent role

Are you looking for an opportunity to use your commercial expertise to make a real difference?

Join our Education team and play a key role in developing new opportunities, building successful partnerships, and helping services deliver the best possible outcomes for children and young people across Somerset. This is a rewarding role where you'll be able to influence growth, drive innovation, and contribute to the future success of education services.

About the Role

As a Commercial Officer, you'll support the development and management of commercial activity across Education services. You'll identify opportunities for growth and income generation, manage commercial relationships and contracts, and help ensure services remain sustainable, effective, and focused on delivering value.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Identify and develop commercial opportunities that support the growth and sustainability of Education services.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with schools, partners, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
• Support the management of contracts, service agreements, and commercial arrangements.
• Help secure funding, income generation opportunities, and new business opportunities where appropriate.
• Monitor commercial performance and contribute to financial planning, reporting, and forecasting activities.
• Ensure commercial activities are delivered in line with relevant legislation, policies, and Council procedures.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the directorate to develop innovative solutions that deliver value for money.

What You'll Bring

• Experience working in a commercial, business development, contract management, or similar role.
• Good understanding of commercial principles, financial processes, and income generation opportunities.
• Experience managing relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to analyse information, identify opportunities, and support effective decision‑making.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build effective working relationships.

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we’re a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England’s most beautiful counties, it’s a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work‑life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.
• We offer flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support a healthy work‑life balance. The expectation that one day per week will be office based at County Hall, Taunton or where the job needs are required.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.