Senior Contracts Officer

Commercial Services Group is one of the leading providers of procurement and support services to education and public sector customers globally. Serving over 15,000 customers, CSG is committed to providing an excellent customer and user experience underpinned by social value and a committed and empowered workforce.

Location: Aylesford / Hybrid

Salary/package: £31,680 per annum (pro rata)

Contract type: 18 Month Fixed Term Contract/Maternity Cover

Hours: Part time, 32 hours per week

Are you ready to make a real impact in education finance? Step into the role of Senior Contracts Officer and help shape the financial integrity of schools and academies, ensuring every decision supports better outcomes for learners.

Who we are

The Education People, part of Commercial Services Group, have been supporting people to deliver the things that matter to the lives of children for many years and can proudly say that each of our education services is brought to you by experts in their field.

Our expertise ranges from safeguarding to equality & inclusion, from financial management to professional development alongside a whole range of other areas. Wherever it’s possible to provide education support services, we are committed to doing just that - whether it’s expert training, online education events or downloadable resources.

Why this role matters

As a Senior Contracts Officer, you’ll manage flexible traded finance support services for schools, academies and Multi Academy Trusts (MATs). Your work will ensure sound financial planning, integrity and budgetary control, especially for complex and high risk contracts. You’ll provide expert advice and guidance, mentor colleagues and play a vital part in supporting our marketing strategy and service delivery.

What you’ll be doing

• Supervise and mentor a team of Contracts Officers to deliver high quality financial services.

• Ensure consistent service delivery across all contracts, initiating staff training as needed.

• Review and allocate contractual work, optimising resources within the team.

• Act as the first point of contact for Contract Officers, ensuring Service Level Agreements are met.

• Support and manage high risk contracts, providing financial management advice to schools.

• Liaise with Service Delivery Lead Officers on financial issues, escalating concerns where necessary.

• Advise schools and academies on financial and management accounting packages, ensuring timely financial returns.

What we’re looking for

• Hold a financial qualification or demonstrate proven ability in finance roles.

• Bring experience of working within a finance department.

• Great communication skills both written and verbal.

• Able to build strong relationships with customers and staff and deliver an outstanding service.

• Experience leading and managing staff effectively while supporting their development.

• Good IT and organisational skills.

• Good understanding of national and local financial policies and controls with knowledge of schools financial systems.

What you’ll get in return

• Salary of £31,680 per annum (pro rata)

• 25 days annual leave, rising to 27 after four years

• Birthday Day Off

• One concessionary day during the Christmas period

• Pension scheme with 4% employer contribution

• Life assurance cover

• Hybrid working

Why CSG?

CSG is the UK’s largest local authority-owned trading company (LATCO), generating over £800 million in revenue per annum and supporting more than 16,000 education and public sector customers globally.

We are growing through a combination of organic development, acquisitions and strategic partnerships. Our businesses deliver services across education, IT, HR, legal, energy, procurement and more, all focused on delivering meaningful impact.

As a locally owned organisation, we take pride in reinvesting a significant proportion of our profits into frontline services, helping strengthen the communities we serve.

Inclusion & Accessibility

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We encourage applications from suitably qualified people of all backgrounds.

As a member of Inclusive Employers and a Working Families Employer, we are actively building an environment that supports inclusion, flexibility and belonging for all colleagues.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our application and interview process; please let us know if you require any.