Senior Licensing Officer

Overview

Full Time, Permanent: A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a motivated and experienced licensing professional to join Bristol City Council in a Senior Licensing Officer role. This post is based within Regulatory Services, Growth and Regeneration and covers the full range of licensing functions that can be expected in a large, vibrant City environment like Bristol. The role includes lead responsibility for specific areas of licensing law and policy including alcohol, entertainment, gambling, taxi and private hire, scrap metal and sex establishments.

You will have excellent licensing knowledge and experience, and will be able to put your knowledge into practice providing effective advice to licensing committees, developing policies, and responding to complex queries from a variety of stakeholders. We need someone who can confidently and effectively communicate with different audiences, and present reports and information, provide guidance, and manage team members to ensure delivery of the highest levels of customer service.

Responsibilities

Lead and contribute to licensing activities across key areas (alcohol, entertainment, gambling, taxi and private hire, scrap metal, sex establishments). Provide advice to licensing committees, help develop policies, and respond to complex queries from stakeholders. Communicate effectively with diverse audiences, present reports, provide guidance, and manage team members to deliver high levels of customer service.

Requirements / Qualifications

Excellent licensing knowledge and experience with the ability to apply it in practice. Ability to provide clear guidance and respond to complex enquiries. Strong communication skills for presenting information and reports and for working with a range of stakeholders. Ability to manage and develop team members. This role is subject to a basic disclosure and barring service check.

Why Bristol City Council?

At Bristol City Council, we go that extra mile for our people; we offer a work environment which is fast moving and supportive, giving you the chance to use your skills and develop new ones within a high profile organisation. You’ll receive a generous rewards package including flexible working and flexi-time, membership of the Local Government Pension scheme, and a generous annual leave allowance. You’ll be working in a supportive environment where you’ll have the chance to make Bristol a better place and contribute to its future.

How to apply

If you share our values, to be shortlisted for interview you’ll need to demonstrate how you meet each of the essential criteria in the Person Specification within the Further Information section of your application. On occasion we may receive high numbers of applications, and may shortlist against desirable criteria alongside essential criteria; please demonstrate how you meet these in your application.

We are a Disability Confident employer which means we value recruiting and retaining disabled people. Any job applicants who consider themselves to be disabled and meet the essential criteria in the Person Specification are guaranteed an interview. We will make reasonable adjustments throughout the interview process and provide continued workplace support throughout your career.

If you have any further queries after reading the job advert along with the attached Job Description and Person Specification, please contact Abigail Holman, Licensing Manager. Interviews are expected to take place on 30 April and 1 May 2026.

Bristol City Council strives to have a workforce that reflects the communities it serves, and is committed to ensuring diversity in its hiring process. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, with particular focus on under-represented groups. Appointments will be made on merit.