At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial services for schools, ensuring sound planning and budget control.
- Company: Join The Education People, a leader in education finance and support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days leave, life assurance, and wellness programmes.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education finance and support better outcomes for learners.
- Qualifications: Financial qualification or proven finance experience, with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 31680 - 44552 £ per year.
Location: Kings Hill / Hybrid
Salary/package: £31,680 per annum
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week
Are you ready to make a real impact in education finance? Step into the role of Senior Contracts Officer and help shape the financial integrity of schools and academies, ensuring every decision supports better outcomes for learners.
Who we are
The Education People, part of Commercial Services Group, have been supporting people to deliver the things that matter to the lives of children for many years and can proudly say that each of our education services is brought to you by experts in their field. Our expertise ranges from safeguarding to equality & inclusion, from financial management to professional development alongside a whole range of other areas. Wherever it’s possible to provide education support services, we are committed to doing just that - whether it’s expert training, online education events or downloadable resources.
Why this role matters
As a Senior Contracts Officer, you’ll manage flexible traded finance support services for schools, academies and Multi Academy Trusts (MATs). Your work will ensure sound financial planning, integrity and budgetary control, especially for complex and high risk contracts. You’ll provide expert advice and guidance, mentor colleagues and play a vital part in supporting our marketing strategy and service delivery.
What you’ll be doing
- Supervise and mentor a team of Contracts Officers to deliver high quality financial services.
- Ensure consistent service delivery across all contracts, initiating staff training as needed.
- Review and allocate contractual work, optimising resources within the team.
- Act as the first point of contact for Contract Officers, ensuring Service Level Agreements are met.
- Support and manage high risk contracts, providing financial management advice to schools.
- Liaise with Service Delivery Lead Officers on Financial Issues, escalating concerns where necessary.
- Advise schools and academies on financial and management accounting packages, ensuring timely financial returns.
What we’re looking for
- Hold a financial qualification or demonstrate proven ability in finance roles.
- Bring experience of working within a finance department.
- Great communication skills both written and verbal.
- Able to build strong relationships with customers and staff and deliver an outstanding service.
- Experience leading and managing staff effectively while supporting their development.
- Good IT and organisational skills.
- Good understanding of national and location financial policies and controls with knowledge of schools financial systems.
What you’ll get in return
- Salary of £31,680 per annum
- 25 days annual leave
- Life assurance cover (4x salary)
- Pension scheme with 4% employer contribution
- Additional benefits including retail and gym discounts, health cash plan and cycle to work scheme
- Volunteer days and access to a comprehensive wellbeing programme
- Tailored learning and development support with real opportunities to progress
Why CSG?
Commercial Services Group (CSG) is the UK’s largest local authority-owned trading company (LATCO), generating over £800 million in revenue and supporting 16,000 education and public sector customers worldwide. With more than 1,800 employees across the UK, France, Dubai and Bangkok, we are working towards becoming the global leader in education and public sector solutions. We are expanding rapidly, with annual growth of around 25 percent, supported by a blend of organic development, acquisitions and strategic partnerships. Our 33 trading businesses deliver a wide range of services including education management, IT, HR, legal, energy, procurement and supplies. CSG is wholly owned by local authorities, and a significant proportion of our profits is reinvested into frontline public services. Over £77 million has already been returned, reflecting our commitment to combining commercial performance with meaningful social impact.
Inclusion & Accessibility
We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We encourage applications from suitably qualified people of all backgrounds. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our application and interview process; please let us know if you require any.
Senior Contracts Officer in Kings Hill employer: Commercial Services
The Education People, part of Commercial Services Group, is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in education finance. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer tailored learning and development opportunities, alongside a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion. Located in Kings Hill, our team enjoys a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, life assurance, and wellness programmes, all while contributing to the financial integrity of schools and academies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Contracts Officer in Kings Hill
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education finance sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand how your skills as a Senior Contracts Officer can directly impact their mission in education finance. Tailor your responses to show how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on showcasing your experience in managing high-risk contracts and mentoring teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at The Education People.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Contracts Officer in Kings Hill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in finance and contract management. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Senior Contracts Officer, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since great communication is key for this role, use your written application to demonstrate your ability to convey complex information clearly. We love seeing candidates who can articulate their thoughts well, so make every word count!
Highlight Your Leadership Experience:If you've got experience leading teams or mentoring others, make sure to mention it! We’re looking for someone who can supervise and support a team of Contracts Officers, so share examples of how you’ve successfully managed and developed staff in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Commercial Services
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Contracts Officer, you'll be dealing with financial integrity. Brush up on your financial qualifications and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets and contracts in the past. Be specific about your experiences and how they relate to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You'll be supervising and mentoring a team, so prepare examples of how you've effectively led and developed staff. Think about challenges you've faced and how you supported your team through them. This will demonstrate your ability to manage and inspire others.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the financial policies and controls relevant to schools and academies. Be prepared to discuss how these impact decision-making and service delivery. Showing that you understand the context of your role will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Communicate Clearly
Great communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Whether it's discussing financial management advice or liaising with colleagues, being able to convey your ideas effectively will be crucial in your interview.
