Licensing Manager in Widnes

Halton Borough Council is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Interim Licensing Manager to lead and develop its Licensing Service within Legal Services. This is an excellent opportunity for a licensing professional with strong leadership capabilities and extensive knowledge of licensing legislation to make a significant impact within a forward-thinking local authority.

The Role

As Interim Licensing Manager, you will be responsible for leading, managing and developing the Council's licensing functions, ensuring the effective administration, regulation and enforcement of statutory licensing regimes. You will oversee the delivery of high-quality, customer-focused and legally compliant licensing services that promote public safety, safeguard vulnerable people and support the Council's wider corporate objectives.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading and managing the Licensing Team to ensure effective service delivery across all licensing functions.
• Acting as the technical lead on complex licensing matters and overseeing the administration and enforcement of licences, permits and consents.
• Developing, reviewing and implementing licensing policies in accordance with statutory requirements and best practice.
• Managing service performance, monitoring KPIs and driving continuous improvement.
• Contributing to service planning and the development of operational work programmes.
• Supporting staff development, training and professional competence.
• Leading digital transformation and service modernisation initiatives.
• Managing licensing budgets, income streams and financial performance.
• Providing expert advice to the public, trade representatives, elected members and senior officers.
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant licensing legislation and statutory duties.
• Leading and supporting enforcement activity, including inspections and investigations where required.
• Representing the Council at Court, licensing hearings and committee meetings.
• Preparing and presenting reports to Regulatory Committees and Sub-Committees.
• Developing strong partnerships with key stakeholders including Police, Home Office, HMRC, Gambling Commission, responsible authorities and local businesses.
• Overseeing statutory returns, public registers, FOI responses and performance monitoring.
• Reviewing and implementing licensing fees and charges in accordance with legal requirements.
• Participating in relevant Liverpool City Region and multi-agency groups.

About You

We are looking for an experienced licensing professional who can provide confident leadership whilst maintaining high standards of regulatory compliance and customer service.

You will possess:

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional expertise.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.
• Significant experience and knowledge of licensing legislation, policy and enforcement practice, including:
• Licensing Act 2003
• Gambling Act 2005
• Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing
• Street Trading
• House-to-House and Street Collections
• Scrap Metal Licensing
• Sexual Entertainment Venue (SEV) Licensing
• Proven experience managing staff, performance and service delivery.
• Experience drafting, reviewing and implementing licensing policies.
• Experience preparing committee reports and presenting evidence at hearings and Court.
• Experience managing budgets and financial performance.
• Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills.
• The ability to interpret and apply complex legislation and guidance.
• Experience using licensing systems such as Lalpac.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work to tight deadlines.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work outside normal office hours when required, including attendance at evening committee meetings and enforcement activities.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle, as regular travel across the borough and occasionally further afield is required.

Why Join Halton Borough Council?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a committed local authority and play a key role in delivering effective licensing services that protect residents, support businesses and maintain public confidence in regulatory services.