Licensing Enforcement and Technical Officer

Licensing Enforcement and Technical Officer

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Are you an experienced regulatory professional with the ability to interpret complex legislation, apply policy in practice and provide expert advice to a wide range of stakeholders?

Sheffield City Council is seeking a highly motivated Licensing Enforcement & Technical Officer to join our Licensing Service. This is an exciting opportunity to work within a dynamic regulatory environment, supporting the delivery of statutory licensing functions across a diverse range of licensing regimes.

The successful candidate will play a key role in providing technical expertise and professional advice to officers, elected Members, senior managers, partner agencies, licence holders and members of the public. You will help ensure that licensing decisions are lawful, proportionate and aligned with Council policy and statutory requirements.

This is a varied and challenging role that combines technical licensing knowledge with regulatory decision-making and stakeholder engagement.

You will:

• Interpret and apply complex licensing legislation, statutory guidance, case law and Council policies across a range of licensing functions.
• Provide specialist advice and technical support to Council officers, senior leaders, elected Members and external partners.
• Assess complex licensing applications, representations and reviews, making recommendations based on legislative and policy requirements.
• Support the development, implementation and review of licensing policies, procedures and strategies.
• Prepare detailed reports and present evidence and recommendations to Licensing Committees, senior management meetings and public forums.
• Act as an authorised officer of the Council, exercising statutory powers and responsibilities where required.
• Investigate complex licensing matters, complaints and compliance issues, working collaboratively with internal and external partners.
• Represent the Council in legal, administrative, and quasi-judicial proceedings, including Licensing Committee hearings and appeals.
• Develop and maintain effective partnerships with enforcement agencies, responsible authorities and other stakeholders.
• Deliver training, guidance and professional support to licence holders, colleagues and partners.

While the role includes compliance and enforcement activity, a significant element of the position focuses on technical interpretation, professional advice, policy implementation and regulatory decision-making.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Significant experience working within a licensing, regulatory, compliance, governance or similar statutory environment.
• A sound understanding of regulatory legislation and the ability to interpret and apply multiple pieces of legislation simultaneously.
• Experience of analysing legislation, statutory guidance, policy and legal requirements to support decision-making.
• The ability to provide clear, accurate and practical advice to a wide range of audiences, including senior managers and elected Members.
• Excellent report writing, presentation and communication skills.
• Experience of preparing professional reports and presenting complex information to committees, panels or senior stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with sound judgement and attention to detail.
• Experience of working collaboratively with partner agencies and stakeholders.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work independently when required.
• A commitment to delivering high-quality public services and maintaining professional standards
• Ability to work flexibly to meet service requirements,including regular evening, weekend, and Bank Holiday duties. The post operates on a four-day working pattern and requires a commitment to undertaking at least one evening and/or weekend shift each week as part of the normal working schedule.
• Undertake regular out of office work, carrying out both proactive and reactive visits, inspections, investigations, and enforcement activities across a diverse range of licensed premises, venues, vehicles, and individuals. This role requires a significant amount of time working outside the office environment to support effective service delivery and regulatory compliance.
• Experience with in local authority licensing.
• Knowledge of licensing-related legislation.
• Experience presenting evidence at hearings,…