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- Tasks: Lead the Licensing Team in managing commercial licensing applications and enforcement.
- Company: Join Southwark Council, a vibrant and diverse borough at the heart of London.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, commitment to equality, and opportunities for community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public safety and support local businesses in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in licensing law, staff management, and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Guaranteed interviews for specific groups; we value diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 49000 £ per year.
Salary Range (Full time equivalent) £48,618 – £55,710
Contract Type Permanent
Why Southwark?
Southwark is a vibrant, diverse, and ambitious borough at the heart of London. As the capital’s largest social landlord, we manage 55,000 homes, home to 40% of our residents. We’re proud to support over 18,300 businesses, from landmark venues to local enterprises, and serve a young and growing population.
At Southwark, our work is underpinned by a strong commitment to equality, fairness, and community-led change. Our Southwark Stands Together initiative brings residents and staff together to address racism, injustice and inequality and our Borough Plan ensures we deliver for all communities with integrity and ambition.
This is your chance to join a council that is bold, forward-thinking, and driven by social impact.
What You’ll Be Doing
An exciting opportunity has arisen in our Licensing Team for aPrincipal Enforcement Officerto lead the delivery of our commercial licensing service covering applications, enforcement, and policy implementation.
You’ll be responsible for a wide range of licensing areas, including:
• Sale of alcohol and public entertainment
• Gambling premises
• Special treatment premises
• Civil wedding venues
• Animal welfare licensing
• Fireworks and explosives
You’ll manage a skilled team of officers, oversee complex enforcement cases, and work closely with internal departments, external agencies, and community stakeholders. This is a senior role where your regulatory knowledge, leadership and judgement will shape how we support local businesses and protect public safety including overseeing the Nighttime Economy Police and Council service.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for an experienced and driven regulatory professional with significant expertise in licensing law, policy and enforcement. You’ll be confident managing contentious issues, interpreting complex legislation and working across services to deliver high standards of customer care.
Key qualities and experience we’re seeking:
• Substantial knowledge of licensing legislation and regulatory frameworks
• Experience managing or supervising staff and supporting their development
• Proven ability to handle legal documentation and enforcement casework
• Skilled in partnership working, decision-making and problem-solving
• A clear communicator with confidence to represent the council at hearings and meetings
This role, ideal for someone ready to make a strong, immediate impact. If you thrive in a fast-paced regulatory environment and are passionate about public service, we’d love to hear from you.
Additional Information
Closing date: Sunday 10 August 2025
Interviews: W/c 25 August 2025
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you’ll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through ourSouthwark Stands Together programme . We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
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Principal Licensing Officer – Southwark Council employer: Institute of Licensing Ltd
Contact Detail:
Institute of Licensing Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Licensing Officer – Southwark Council
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Southwark's specific licensing policies and recent changes in legislation. Understanding the local context and how it impacts licensing will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Southwark Council, especially those in the Licensing Team. They can provide valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can be beneficial for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios where you've successfully managed contentious issues or complex enforcement cases. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to handle pressure, which are crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your experience in partnership working and community engagement. Southwark values collaboration, so demonstrating your ability to work with various stakeholders will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Licensing Officer – Southwark Council
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Principal Licensing Officer position. Make sure you understand the responsibilities and required qualifications, as this will help you tailor your application effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in licensing law, policy, and enforcement. Provide specific examples of how you've managed teams or handled complex regulatory issues to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Since this is a senior role, it's crucial to highlight your leadership abilities. Discuss any previous experience managing staff, overseeing projects, or working collaboratively with various stakeholders to show that you can lead effectively.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the values and goals of Southwark Council. Mention your commitment to equality, fairness, and community-led change, aligning your personal values with those of the council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Institute of Licensing Ltd
✨Know Your Licensing Legislation
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of licensing laws and regulations relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss specific legislation and how it applies to the various licensing areas you'll be overseeing.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Principal Licensing Officer, you'll be managing a team. Highlight your experience in leading teams, supporting staff development, and handling contentious issues. Share examples of how you've successfully managed people in previous roles.
✨Showcase Problem-Solving Abilities
Be ready to discuss complex enforcement cases you've handled in the past. Illustrate your decision-making process and how you approach problem-solving, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing how you would represent the council at hearings and meetings. Consider preparing a few scenarios to demonstrate your communication skills.
