At a Glance
- Tasks: Support community-owned businesses, enhance operations, and maximise social impact.
- Company: Join Plunkett UK, a charity dedicated to thriving rural communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible, dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal 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.
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
Interview date: During week commencing 13 July 2026
Interested? 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.
No agencies please.
Registered Charity: 313743
Community Business Officer (Trading) in Woodstock 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, collaboration, and a supportive work culture, team members are empowered to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a competitive salary and benefits. Located in the picturesque Woodstock, Oxfordshire, employees benefit from a vibrant community atmosphere and the opportunity to engage with diverse stakeholders, making every day rewarding and fulfilling.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Business Officer (Trading) in Woodstock
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Plunkett UK and understand their mission, values, and the community businesses they support. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn, attend relevant events, and engage with community business groups. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role is all about connecting with people, make sure you can clearly articulate your thoughts and experiences. Role-play interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to be part of the Plunkett team. Don’t forget to highlight your community-minded approach in your application!
We think you need these skills to ace Community Business Officer (Trading) in Woodstock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Community Business:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for community business shine through! We want to see how much you care about supporting rural communities and the impact you can make.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We’re looking for someone who understands the challenges faced by community businesses, so connect your background to the role!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the Community Business Officer role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Plunkett UK.
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 show your genuine interest and help you connect your experiences to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Skills
Since this role is all about building relationships, prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with diverse groups in the past. Think about times when you’ve demonstrated empathy and patience, as these qualities are key for a Community Business Officer.
✨Be Proactive in Your Approach
During the interview, highlight instances where you took initiative or solved problems independently. This will demonstrate your proactive nature and confidence, which are essential traits for the role. Don’t forget to express your enthusiasm for tackling challenges head-on!
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, as effective communication is crucial for this position. Be prepared to discuss how you adapt your communication style to suit different audiences, whether it’s through phone calls, emails, or face-to-face interactions.
