At a Glance
- Tasks: Support community-owned businesses and enhance their operations for social impact.
- Company: Join Plunkett UK, a charity dedicated to thriving rural communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team that empowers local communities.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for community business.
The predicted salary is between 27976 - 36328 £ per year.
Plunkett UK is looking for a Community Business Officer (Trading) to support a network of community-owned businesses across the UK.
About Us
Plunkett UK, the operational name for Plunkett Foundation, is a national charity supporting people in rural areas to set up and run successful businesses in community ownership. We do this to achieve our UK-wide vision for resilient, thriving and inclusive rural communities.
About the Role
In this proactive, people-focused role, you'll work closely with established community businesses to strengthen their operations, improve sustainability, and maximise social impact. You'll provide direct support, coordinate access to specialist advice, and build strong relationships to understand each group's needs and challenges. You'll also support membership engagement, contribute to events and communications, and maintain accurate data to ensure high-quality support across our network. Working as part of a collaborative team, you'll help deliver a responsive and effective service to community businesses.
This role is ideal for someone organised, empathetic and confident communicating with a wide range of people, with a strong interest in community business and rural communities.
The successful candidate should have the following knowledge, experience, skills and attributes:
- Relationship-focused: you enjoy working with people and are confident building positive, professional relationships.
- Customer-centred: you have experience working with the public and take pride in providing a helpful, friendly service.
- Empathetic and patient: you take time to understand the situations and needs of the people you work with, responding with care and without rushing.
- Proactive and confident: you take initiative, approach tasks positively, and are comfortable acting independently within your role. You're confident engaging with others, raising issues when needed, and following things through to completion.
- Communicative: you're a confident and clear communicator, comfortable managing multiple interactions by phone, email, video call and in person. You adapt your tone and approach to suit different people and situations.
- Community-minded: you bring an interest in community business and an understanding of community business models and the challenges facing rural communities.
- Tech comfortable: you have a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and are confident using everyday digital tools to stay organised. Experience of using CRM systems particularly Salesforce is an advantage, and you're comfortable keeping accurate records and information up to date.
- Problem-solving: you're practical and solution-focused, able to think issues through, handle queries calmly, and find effective responses when challenges arise.
- Organised and adaptable: you are able to prioritise your workload effectively, managing competing demands on your time without losing focus or quality.
Join Plunkett UK and be part of a national charity supporting resilient, thriving and inclusive rural communities.
Closing date for applications: 5pm on Friday 3 July 2026
Please submit your final application at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment.
Interview date: During week commencing 13 July 2026
If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.
We are committed to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and our approach goes beyond protected characteristics to thinking more broadly about inclusion. Every individual will think and feel differently and we believe that these differences should be embraced, and individual needs taken into account. Additionally, the makeup of the rural communities we work with leads to their own particular diversity and exclusion challenges and opportunities compared to urban areas. Our commitment to EDI, both internally and externally, has been tailored to Plunkett and the communities we serve.
Community Business Officer (Trading) in Oxford employer: Plunkett UK
Plunkett UK is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering resilient and inclusive rural communities through community-owned businesses. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, a collaborative work culture, and a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, team members are empowered to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive environment in the picturesque setting of Woodstock, Oxfordshire.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Business Officer (Trading) in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Get your application in early! With a high number of candidates, the sooner you apply, the better your chances. Don’t wait until the last minute; hit that apply button on our website as soon as you can!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your people skills! This role is all about building relationships, so be ready to chat about your experience working with diverse groups. Think of examples where you've made a positive impact in your community.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your approach! The job description highlights the need for someone who takes initiative. Prepare to discuss times when you’ve tackled challenges head-on and how you’ve contributed to team success.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your tech skills! Familiarity with Microsoft Office and CRM systems like Salesforce is a plus. Make sure you’re comfortable discussing how you use these tools to stay organised and manage data effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Business Officer (Trading) in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your CV Spot On:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Community Business Officer role. Highlight your experience in building relationships and working with community businesses, as this is key for us at Plunkett UK.
Craft a Personal Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for community business and rural communities. Share specific examples of how you've supported similar initiatives or worked with diverse groups to show us you're the right fit.
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of interaction, make sure your application showcases your communication style. Use clear, friendly language and demonstrate how you adapt your approach to different audiences.
Apply Early Through Our Website:Don’t wait until the last minute! Apply through our website as soon as you can to avoid disappointment. We’re excited to see your application and learn more about how you can contribute to our mission!
How to prepare for a job interview at Plunkett UK
✨Know Your Community Business
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding community businesses and their unique challenges. Familiarise yourself with Plunkett UK's mission and how they support rural communities. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and align your answers with their values.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Skills
Since this role is all about building relationships, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully engaged with diverse groups. Highlight your empathetic approach and how you’ve navigated challenges while maintaining positive connections.
✨Be Proactive in Your Responses
During the interview, don’t just wait for questions to be asked. If you see an opportunity to share relevant experiences or insights, jump in! This shows your proactive nature and confidence, which are key traits for the Community Business Officer role.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific instances where you've tackled problems effectively. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, showcasing your practical and solution-focused mindset that aligns with the job requirements.
