Job Introduction
Help shape the future of public services - join Innovate Oxfordshire and work at the forefront of digital, infrastructure and service innovation, creating solutions that improve outcomes for residents across Oxfordshire.
About Us
At Oxfordshire County Council, we're shaping the future of public services through innovation, collaboration and bold thinking. Innovate Oxfordshire is our dedicated innovation service, bringing together local government, academia, industry and communities to solve complex challenges and improve outcomes for residents. Our mission is to position Oxfordshire as a national leader in public sector innovation by connecting expertise with real-world challenges, developing scalable solutions and transforming the way public services are designed and delivered. If you're passionate about making a tangible difference and want to help create innovative solutions that improve lives, we'd love to hear from you.
About the Role
As an Innovation Business Consultant (Infrastructure and Digital), you will play a key role in driving public sector transformation across Oxfordshire County Council. Working within Innovate Oxfordshire, you'll support service areas to identify opportunities for innovation, improve processes and develop practical solutions that deliver better outcomes for residents and greater organisational efficiency. You will work closely with colleagues across the Council, as well as partners from academia, industry and the wider public sector, helping to bridge expertise with operational needs. The role involves researching emerging trends, supporting innovation projects and programmes, providing evidence-based recommendations and helping to embed successful innovations into day-to-day operations. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys turning ideas into action, building strong partnerships and championing positive change across a large and ambitious organisation.
About You
We're looking for someone with experience in infrastructure and/or digital innovation who can combine strategic thinking with practical delivery. You'll be confident working with a diverse range of stakeholders, building trusted relationships and influencing positive outcomes.
You will bring
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Experience identifying and developing innovative solutions within digital, infrastructure or transformation environments.
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Strong stakeholder engagement and partnership-building skills.
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Excellent analytical and research abilities, with a talent for translating evidence into actionable recommendations.
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Experience supporting programmes, projects and organisational change initiatives.
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Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal.
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A collaborative approach and a passion for driving innovation and continuous improvement.
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The ability to work across organisational boundaries and support the adoption of new ways of working.
Experience within local government or the wider public sector would be advantageous but is not essential.
Rewards and Benefits
Our benefits focus on supporting your wellbeing, career development and work-life balance. As part of Oxfordshire County Council, you'll enjoy:
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Competitive salary and local government pension scheme.
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Flexible and agile working arrangements.
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Generous annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays.
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Access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities.
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Employee wellbeing support and staff networks.
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Opportunities to work on innovative, high-profile projects that make a real difference across Oxfordshire.
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A collaborative and supportive working environment that encourages creativity and continuous improvement.
You'll be based flexibly in line with our Agile Working Policy and will have opportunities to work across multiple locations within Oxfordshire.
Your office base may be subject to change as we are currently transitioning between temporary and permanent office locations due to the closure of County Hall. If this is applicable to you, you will be notified, but no reimbursement will apply in respect of travel.
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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For any questions or an informal discussion about this role contact: [email protected]
