Business Information Officer & Founder Community Lead

About Us

The Business & IP Centre (BIPC) Oxfordshire is an award‑winning, nationally recognised service delivered by Oxfordshire County Council in partnership with the British Library.Wesupportresidents at every stage of their business journey - from first idea through to growth, innovation, andintellectualproperty protection.

BIPC Oxfordshire sits at the heart of the county’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, working closely with founders, SMEs, investors, universities, accelerators, councils, and national partners.We provide free and low‑cost access to expert advice, market intelligence, workshops, events, and peer networks, helping businesses start, protect, and scale.

A flagship part of our offer is Startup Huddle Oxford, now the world’s largest monthly startup networking event.It bringstogetherhundreds of founders, investors, and ecosystem partners each month, and has become a nationally and internationally recognised convening platform for entrepreneurship and innovation in Oxfordshire.

About the Role

This is a rare opportunity to play a central role in one of the UK’s mostconnectedlocal businesssupportprogrammes.

As a BIPC Business Information Officer & Founder CommunityLead, you will be at the frontline of Oxfordshire’s entrepreneurial ecosystem -supportingfounders one‑to‑one, delivering high impact 1:1supportand events, helping businesses access market intelligence and IPsupport, and contributing to the growth of a nationally recognised programme.

Working in a small, highly visible team, you will

• Deliver expert business information and guidance to startups and SMEs across sectors
• Supportand co‑deliver major events, including Startup Huddle Oxford
• Buildtrustedrelationships with founders, partners, and stakeholders
• Develop deep knowledge of Oxfordshire’s startupsupportlandscape
• Represent BIPC Oxfordshire at events and partnership meetings

Because of the breadth of exposure and the nature of the partnerships involved, this role uniquely positions the postholder to become one of the most knowledgeable people in Oxfordshire about entrepreneurship, businesssupport, and innovation pathways.

The role is funded until 31 March 2028.

About you

You are curious, proactive, and genuinely interested in how businesses start, grow, and innovate.

You may come from a background in businesssupport, economic development, higher education, the voluntary sector, or a customer‑facing advisory role but above all, you enjoy working with people,sharingknowledge, and learning continuously.

You will bring

• A strong interest in entrepreneurship, startups, and innovation
• Confidence communicating with a wide range of audiences
• The ability to translate complex information into practical guidance
• Organisational skills and the confidence to work in a fast‑moving environment
• Acollaborativemindset and willingness to build relationships

Most importantly, you will be excited by the opportunity to learn at pace, develop genuine ecosystem expertise, and become a recognised andtrustedpoint of contact for founders and partners across Oxfordshire.

Rewards and benefits

In addition to a competitive local government salary and pension, this role offers

• Front row access to Oxfordshire’s startup and innovation ecosystem
• Direct exposure to founders, investors, universities, and national programmes
• Exceptional professional development through real world experience and training from local government, Business & IP Centre National Network and Intellectual Property Office.
• The chance to help deliver the world’s largest monthly startup networking event
• Flexible working and strong work–life balance
• Asupportive, purpose‑driventeam environment within Oxfordshire County Council

This is more than a job — it is an opportunity to build expertise, connections, and profile in one of the UK’s most dynamic and internationally recognised innovation ecosystems.

Ourcommitmentto

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce.Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peersupport, education and safe spaces for all.

Ourcommitmentto

Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a DisabilityConfidentemployer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job.We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships.We are alsocommittedto helping andsupportingthose transitioning from HM ArmedForcesto civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Ourcommitmentto

Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council arecommittedto safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers tosharethiscommitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Ourcommitmentto

Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, jobsharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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If you encounter any issues with the application system, please contact us at: Ryan.Johnson@Oxfordshire.gov.uk

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Disability Confident

About Disability Confident

A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.