Trading Standards Officer

Trading Standards Officer

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Bristol City Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support efforts to tackle illegal tobacco and vape supply in the South West.
  • Company: Join Bristol City Council, a supportive and dynamic workplace.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a great pension scheme.
  • Other info: Opportunity for hybrid working and career growth in a high-profile organisation.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in Trading Standards or related enforcement roles is essential.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Full Time, Fixed Term - 12 months. An exciting opportunity to support a growing programme of work tackling the illegal supply of tobacco and vapes. This is a dynamic and evolving area of enforcement, with increasing regional focus. You will be attached to the South West Regional Investigation Team (SWRIT), hosted by Bristol City Council, working alongside the Regional Illegal Tobacco Officer (RITO) and partners to develop and deliver intelligence-led activity. You will work closely with local authorities and partner agencies to disrupt illegal supply networks and protect communities.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Supporting and developing regional activity targeting illegal tobacco and vape supply.
  • Working collaboratively with local authority Trading Standards services and partner agencies.
  • Assisting with intelligence development, operational planning, and enforcement activity.
  • Contributing to a coordinated regional response to an emerging and complex area of criminality.
  • Supporting the delivery and reporting requirements associated with HMRC’s Track and Trace system.
  • Supporting the work of Regional Illegal Tobacco Officer (RITO).

About You

We are looking for a motivated and proactive individual who:

  • Has experience within Trading Standards or a related enforcement/investigative environment.
  • Is confident working across organisational boundaries and building strong partnerships.
  • Has strong communication and organisational skills.
  • Is adaptable and comfortable working within an evolving work area.
  • Can work both independently and as part of a team.

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. For the majority of our roles hybrid working arrangements are available, giving teams the opportunity to work in a way that suits them, balancing service need and individual choice - mixing both home and office working. You’ll receive an excellent rewards package including flexible working and flexitime, 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 shortlist against desirable criteria as well. If you can, demonstrate how you meet this in your application.

For permanent Bristol City Council employees, this post will be a secondment. For employees on a fixed term contract, the secondment must not extend beyond the end of the fixed term period to ensure there is a substantive post to return to. If you are currently a casual worker or a member of an employment agency (currently working with Bristol City Council) this post will be a fixed term contract.

We are a Disability Confident employer. Applicants who consider themselves to be disabled and meet the essential criteria are guaranteed an interview. We will make reasonable adjustments throughout the interview process and provide continued workplace support throughout your career.

For further information, please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification or contact Amy Chapman. The role involves extensive travel across the South West region.

Trading Standards Officer employer: Bristol City Council

Bristol City Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a real impact in tackling illegal tobacco and vape supply. With flexible working arrangements, a generous rewards package, and a commitment to employee growth, you'll find ample opportunities to enhance your skills while contributing to the betterment of the Bristol community. Join us in a supportive culture that values collaboration and innovation, making every day at work meaningful and rewarding.

Bristol City Council

Contact Details:

Bristol City Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Trading Standards Officer

Dive into Local Government Events

Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Bristol City Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!

Join Relevant Networks

Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.

Utilise Your University’s Resources

If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Bristol City Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.

Stay Updated with Government Initiatives

Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Trading Standards Officer

Experience in Trading Standards
Investigative Skills
Intelligence Development
Operational Planning
Enforcement Activity
Collaboration with Local Authorities
Strong Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.

Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.

Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Bristol City Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at Bristol City Council

Get to Know Public Sector Values

Before your interview with Bristol City Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.

Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge

Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.

Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration

The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!

Prepare Real-Life Examples

Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Bristol City Council.