Principal Officer (Licensing)

3 Month Contract With A Local Authority Job Purpose To provide first-tier management of the Licensing and Support Service within Worcestershire Regulatory Services, ensuring the effective delivery of licensing functions, enforcement activities and customer-focused regulatory services. The postholder will lead and supervise a team of licensing professionals, provide specialist licensing advice, oversee enforcement and compliance activities, support the Licensing and Support Manager in delivering service objectives, and ensure that licensing services are delivered in accordance with relevant legislation, policies and best practice.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management Lead, supervise and manage the operational work of the Licensing and Support Team. Monitor team performance and ensure service objectives are achieved. Manage staff attendance, sickness, leave requests, PDRs, one-to-one meetings and performance management processes. Ensure appropriate service coverage and allocation of resources.

Support staff development and promote continuous learning. Motivate and lead a customer-focused, high-performing team. Licensing & Regulatory Services Provide specialist technical advice on licensing matters to officers, Members, businesses, partner agencies and the public. Act as lead officer in a designated licensing specialism.

Ensure legislative changes and licensing developments are identified and communicated to staff. Supervise and undertake inspections to ensure compliance with licensing legislation. Oversee the investigation of complaints and compliance issues. Manage enforcement activities and ensure appropriate regulatory action is taken where required.

Support the determination and processing of licence applications. Licensing Act & Enforcement Advise the Licensing and Support Manager on Premises Licence applications under the Licensing Act. Assess applications and identify grounds for objections where appropriate. Lead complex investigations and enforcement cases. Prepare and coordinate evidence for legal proceedings.

Attend court hearings, public inquiries and legal proceedings where required. Make recommendations regarding prosecutions and formal enforcement action. Service Development & Governance Support the implementation of service plans and business objectives. Contribute to the development of licensing policies and service improvements.

Lead on the preparation of Committee reports, briefing papers and presentations. Present reports at committees, panels and other meetings. Analyse complex statistical and performance information. Monitor service performance and report on outcomes. Promote intelligence-led approaches to service delivery and enforcement activity.

Partnership Working Build effective relationships with: Elected Members Businesses Partner Agencies Police Regulatory Bodies Community Organisations Represent Worcestershire Regulatory Services at meetings and partnerships. Work collaboratively with external agencies to resolve issues and achieve shared objectives. Operational Responsibilities Ensure licence fees and associated income are collected efficiently.

Deputise for the Licensing and Support Manager when required. Participate in out-of-hours work and emergency arrangements where necessary. Ensure compliance with data protection, health and safety and equality requirements.

Requirements

Essential Significant experience within a Licensing enforcement role. Previous experience supervising or managing staff. Experience undertaking complex investigations and enforcement activities. In-depth knowledge of licensing legislation and regulatory requirements. Understanding of legal processes and evidential requirements.

Knowledge of local authority and stakeholder procedures relevant to licensing services. Strong leadership and people management skills. Experience preparing reports and presenting information to committees and stakeholders. Ability to interpret and implement complex legislation. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Strong negotiation and influencing abilities. Experience managing competing priorities and meeting deadlines. Ability to work effectively under pressure. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Availability to work evenings and weekends when required. Desirable Relevant professional qualification. Management qualification or NVQ in Team Leading or Management.

BIIAB Level 2 Licensing Practitioner qualifications (Alcohol and Gambling) or equivalent. Experience working within Local Government licensing services. Experience representing services at court, committee and public hearings. Additional Information Location: Bromsgrove / Redditch (Worcestershire Regulatory Services) Hours Per Week: 37 Hours Payment Frequency: Bi-Weekly Payments