Principal Licensing Officer – Interims
Hours: 37 Hours Per Week
Contract: 26 Week Temporary Contract (starting 03 August 2026)
Location: Plough Lane, Hereford, Herefordshire, HR4 0LE, United Kingdom
Work Pattern: To be confirmed with management
We're recruiting a Principal Licensing Officer to support Herefordshire Council's E&E Regulatory SM Group. This is a key interim role, ideal for someone experienced in licensing law, policy, and enforcement, with the ability to lead complex cases and provide technical expertise.
About the Role
As a Principal Licensing Officer, you'll provide day-to-day technical expertise in premises licensing and taxi/private hire licensing, while also leading on complex cases and contributing to the development and consistent application of licensing policy and practice.
What you'll be doing:
- Acting as a key source of expertise in the Licensing Act 2003, ensuring decisions promote the four licensing objectives.
- Providing clear, practical advice to colleagues and elected Members on applications, representations, reviews, and appeals.
- Managing and advising on complex premises licensing applications and compliance matters.
- Supporting taxi and private hire licensing, including safeguarding and enforcement cases.
- Liaising with multi-agency partners, internal departments, and trade representatives to promote compliance and good practice.
- Chairing officer panels to determine suitability of individuals for dual driver badges.
- Supervising and guiding colleagues to ensure consistent decision-making across the Licensing Service.
What We're Looking For
We're seeking someone proactive, knowledgeable, and confident in managing complex licensing matters.
You'll ideally have:
- In-depth knowledge of licensing legislation and guidance.
- Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
- Ability to advise on complex cases and present clear recommendations.
- Experience in premises licensing and taxi/private hire licensing.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Experience supervising or mentoring colleagues.
- Professional approach with strong stakeholder engagement skills.
Why Apply?
- Opportunity to lead on complex licensing cases and policy development.
- Temporary contract offering valuable experience in a busy council service.
- Exposure to high-profile premises and taxi/private hire licensing matters.
- Collaborative work with multi-agency partners and elected Members.
Benefits
- Weekly Pay.
- Company Pension.
- Ongoing Agency Support.
- Temp-to-Perm Opportunities.
- 55p per mile business mileage reimbursement.
Additional Information
- Rate: PAYE £21.14 per hour
Candidate Requirements:
- Must be eligible to work in the UK.
- Must provide 3 years references/work history.
Reference: OR109004
Job Type: Temporary
Pay: £21.14 per hour
Benefits:
Application question(s):
- How familiar are you with licensing legislation and compliance requirements?
Experience:
- regulatory services: 1 year (required)
- licensing: 3 years (required)
- public health within a local authority: 3 years (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
