Licensing Officer

Contract

• Interim / Agency
• 3-month initial contract
• Inside IR35
• Full-time preferred (flexibility considered for the right candidate)

Working Pattern

• Hybrid working – typically 2–3 days per week on site
• Office attendance required for hearings, inspections, team support, and service need

Rate

• Competitive – rate on submission

Role Overview

My Hertfordshire client is seeking an experienced General Licensing Officer to provide short-term interim cover within a small but busy Licensing team.

The successful candidate will be a confident, hands-on officer able to manage a broad general licensing caseload with minimal supervision, supporting service continuity during a period of pressure and transition.

This role requires someone who is comfortable stepping into a lean team structure and contributing immediately.

Key Responsibilities

The postholder will be responsible for delivering a comprehensive licensing service, including (but not limited to):

• Processing and determining applications under:
  • Alcohol and entertainment licensing (Licensing Act 2003)
  • Taxi and private hire licensing
  • Street trading
  • Gambling Act licensing
  • Scrap Metal Dealers Act
• Managing licence applications, variations, renewals, reviews, and transfers
• Providing clear advice and guidance to applicants, licence holders, and the public
• Carrying out compliance checks, inspections, and investigations where required
• Preparing reports and documentation for hearings, sub-committees, and legal proceedings
• Liaising with internal colleagues, responsible authorities, legal services, and external stakeholders
• Supporting enforcement action where necessary, including informal action and statutory processes
• Contributing to service resilience within a small team environment

Team Context

The Licensing service currently consists of:

• 1 x Licensing Administrator
• 1 x Officer primarily focused on Taxi Licensing
• 1 x Generalist Officer covering the wider remit

The interim officer will play a key role in maintaining service delivery and reducing pressure across the team.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven experience working as a Licensing Officer within a local authority
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • Licensing Act 2003
  • Gambling Act
  • Taxi and Private Hire licensing
  • Street Trading
  • Scrap Metal licensing
• Ability to manage a generalist caseload independently
• Confident communicator, both written and verbal
• Organised, pragmatic, and able to prioritise in a busy environment
• Comfortable working inside IR35
• Able to start at short notice or within a short lead-in period

Desirable

• Experience supporting or attending licensing hearings
• Previous work within small or stretched local authority teams
• Immediate availability