At a Glance
- Tasks: Support commissioning and monitoring of Public Health services to improve community health.
- Company: Coventry City Council, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Fantastic rewards package, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Guaranteed interviews for underrepresented groups to promote inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in a vibrant and diverse city.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational, communication, and negotiation skills with a background in Public Health.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We value diverse perspectives and experiences and are striving to create a workplace culture that is inclusive, accepting of all, and free from discrimination and bias. The Public Health team is part of the Public Health, Insight and Migration Division. Reporting to the Director of Public Health and Wellbeing, the team helps people to stay healthy and protect them from threats to their health.
The Public Health team commissions and delivers a wide range of services and programmes that tackle health inequalities and help people to live healthier lives including:
- Alcohol and drugs misuse strategy, treatment and recovery services
- Sexual health services including sexually transmitted infections and contraception
- Healthy lifestyles support with losing weight, getting more active, giving up smoking, cutting down on alcohol, and improving your well-being
- Physical activity strategy and projects including school-based exercise, parks, and cycling
- Family health including health visiting, infant feeding, school nurses, teenage pregnancy support, family weight management, and services supporting BME families
- Health protection strategy and services including air quality, blood borne virus testing, screening & immunisations, infection control, emergency planning, and outbreak management
- The Marmot City strategy, reducing health inequalities across the city
- Domestic abuse and sexual abuse strategies and support services
- Youth violence reduction
This is an exciting and challenging time to work in the Public Health Team. If you are an individual that is committed to achieving the best outcomes for people across Coventry, our team can help you make a difference through high-quality professional support, supervision, and excellent learning and development opportunities.
Our Values
In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applicants from minority ethnic, LGBT+, disabled, and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our residents so that equity and respect remains at the heart of everything we do.
- Open and fair: We are fair, open, and transparent.
- Nurture and develop: We help and encourage everyone to be their best and do their best.
- Engage and empower: We talk and listen to others, working together as one.
- Create and innovate: We embrace new ways of working to continuously improve.
- Own and be accountable: We work together to deliver the best services for our residents.
- Value and respect: We put diversity and inclusion at the heart of all we do.
What is the job role?
We have an exciting opportunity to join Coventry City Council within the Public Health Team and make a real difference for those living in the city by ensuring quality services are commissioned and delivered. We are looking for a Senior Contract Officer to support the Senior Commissioning Managers in commissioning, monitoring, and ensuring contract compliance of Public Health commissioned services.
Who are we looking for?
You’ll have excellent organisational skills to be able to manage conflicting priorities and work under pressure within agreed deadlines. You’ll have excellent communication skills and have the ability to develop good working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including providers and children and young people. You’ll have a track record in reviewing and monitoring services against specific requirements and supporting service improvements. You’ll be able to work on your own initiative and have excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
When applying for this role you will be asked to write a personal statement, please include the following information in your statement:
- Knowledge and understanding of the different types of Public Health provision, and relevant national legislation and regulatory bodies.
- Skill in reviewing and monitoring services and supporting improvements where required.
- Ability to work on own initiative, across a range of situations including investigations that relate to service delivery.
- Knowledge in relation to the financial and legislative requirements of contracting.
Our workforce data shows that men, people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, and people from the LGBTQ+ community are under-represented, so we encourage applicants from these backgrounds to apply. This does not prevent individuals with other protected characteristics as set out within the Equalities Act 2010 from applying for this post.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
Interview dates: 24th / 25th July 2025
About Coventry
Coventry has a proud, innovative, and creative spirit that throughout its history has seen communities come together to tackle problems and bring about real social change. We are cutting-edge, challenging, youthful, vibrant, and diverse. At Coventry, we are committed to excellence in everything we do. With around 5100 staff from a range of different backgrounds, our aim is to recruit and develop talented people who will focus on our customers, take responsibility, work together, and find better ways of doing things. To deliver the best services to our residents, we need the best people working for us to make a difference to our communities. If you join us, we will provide a fantastic rewards and benefits package.
Senior Contract Officer in Coventry employer: Coventry City Council
Coventry City Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace culture that values every individual's contribution. As part of the Public Health Team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the health and wellbeing of the community while benefiting from excellent learning and development opportunities, a supportive work environment, and a commitment to equity and respect for all employees. Join us in our vibrant city, where innovation meets social change, and be part of a team that truly makes a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Contract Officer in Coventry
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Coventry City Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Coventry City Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Contract Officer in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Coventry City Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Coventry City Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Coventry City Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Coventry City Council.
