Senior Licencing Officer – Greater Authority

Team: Strategic Licencing – Culture, Creative Industries & 24 Hour London

Directorate: Good Growth

Interview date: w/c 14 th September

Location: Union Street

Good Growth is responsible for delivering and implementing the Mayor’s environment, transport and economic strategies and for the effective implementation of the London Plan. The Directorate is also responsible for regeneration (where the programme is not housing led), enterprise, growth, capital projects and design work.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Culture, Creative Industries and 24 Hour London (CCI
24) Unit delivering the Mayor’s and the Strategic Licensing policy.

You’ll be at the heart of a fast-paced, cross-organisational effort to design and implement new licensing powers.

This is a unique opportunity to:

• Support and shape a new policy and regulatory function within the GLA
• Drive innovation in how licensing supports London’s economic and cultural vibrancy
• Work with senior stakeholders across government, industry, and the city
• Make a visible impact on how London works, plays, and grows

To lead the delivery of the GLA’s Licensing service, providing expert oversight of licensing interventions across participating London boroughs.

The postholder will manage complex, high-profile and sensitive licensing cases, ensure the quality and consistency of all representations and casework, and provide authoritative advice on licensing legislation, policy and procedure.

The role will play a critical part in establishing a legally robust and evidence-led licensing function for London, working closely with boroughs, legal colleagues and external partners to ensure interventions are proportionate, defensible and aligned with the Mayor’s strategic priorities.

• Lead the delivery of the GLA’s Licensing Service Team, reviewing applications and shaping interventions that support London’s economic, cultural and night-time growth.
• Manage complex and high-profile licensing cases, preparing robust representations and ensuring decisions are evidence-led, proportionate and legally sound.
• Work closely with London boroughs, legal teams, and external partners to build strong relationships and drive a consistent approach to licensing across the capital.
• Provide expert advice on licensing legislation, policy and regulatory procedures, influencing decision-making at both operational and strategic levels.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders across government, industry and the Greater London Authority to help establish and evolve a new city-wide licensing function.
• Analyse licensing trends, risks and emerging issues, using insight and data to inform policy development and support the Mayor’s strategic priorities for London.

To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:

• Demonstrable experience of leading a team within licensing, regulatory, compliance or enforcement environments, including managing complex and sensitive casework.
• A relevant professional qualification in licensing or regulatory services e.g. Institute of Licensing’s Licensing Practitioners Qualification, CIEH Award or equivalent (desirable)
• Strong knowledge of licensing legislation, policy and regulatory frameworks, with the ability to interpret and apply legal requirements in a practical and proportionate way.
• Experience of preparing high-quality reports, representations and evidence-based recommendations, with excellent attention to detail and analytical skills.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including local authorities, legal teams, government bodies and industry partners.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the confidence to provide expert advice and present complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Experience of working in a fast-paced, politically sensitive environment, balancing competing priorities while delivering high-quality outcomes against challenging deadlines.

Strategic Thinking

…is using an understanding of the bigger picture to uncover potential challenges and opportunities for the long term…