Business Information Officer & Founder Community Lead

Job Introduction

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. We support residents at every stage of their business journey - from first idea through to growth, innovation, and intellectual property 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 brings together hundreds 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 most connected local business support programmes.

As a BIPC Business Information Officer & Founder Community Lead, you will be at the frontline of Oxfordshire’s entrepreneurial ecosystem - supporting founders one‑to‑one, delivering high impact 1:1 support and events, helping businesses access market intelligence and IP support, 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
• Support and co‑deliver major events, including Startup Huddle Oxford
• Build trusted relationships with founders, partners, and stakeholders
• Develop deep knowledge of Oxfordshire’s startup support landscape
• 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, business support, 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 business support, economic development, higher education, the voluntary sector, or a customer‑facing advisory role but above all, you enjoy working with people, sharing knowledge, 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
• A collaborative mindset 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 and trusted point 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
• A supportive, purpose‑driven team 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.

Our commitment to:
 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 peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, 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 also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:
Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:
Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, part time working, job sharing, 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