Trading Standards Technical Officer

Trading Standards Technical Officer

Full-Time 25178 - 30774 £ / year (est.) On-site
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Investigate complaints, ensure product safety, and protect consumers in a dynamic team.
  • Company: Join Manchester City Council and make a real difference in your community.
  • Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, a buzzing pension, and fantastic perks like discounts and training.
  • Other info: Full training provided, including apprenticeships and career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team tackling important issues every day.
  • Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for community service are essential.

The predicted salary is between 25178 - 30774 £ per year.

About The Role

  • Working Hours: 35 Hours Per Week
  • Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent
  • Additional Payments: Casual Car Allowance
  • Closing Date: 18 November 2026
  • Closing time: 11.59pm
  • Interview Method: Face to Face
  • Legal Right to Work: In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment.

This role is subject to:

  • 2 References - where possible we require 3 years' history.
  • Casual Car Documentation - The successful candidate will be a designated Casual Car User which means that car journeys may be necessary on an occasional basis, but are not essential to the role. If you do drive, you must always hold a full valid driving licence and provide your own car for use at work, as well as provide all the appropriate documentation. You will receive an allowance per mile of business use.
  • DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance - this post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013). Appointable candidates will be required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Technical officers work as part of a specialist Trading Standards Team that make a real difference to communities. The team focuses on several key areas of work, including:

  • Investigating complaints about animal welfare and undertaking inspections of licensed premises, for example, pet shops and boarding kennels.
  • Involvement in the seizure of illegal tobacco and vaping products.
  • Working in partnership with a range of agencies such as GMP, HMRC and Immigration.
  • Investigating complaints regarding the sale of age restricted goods and carrying out test purchasing with young volunteers.

Full training for the role is provided including an apprenticeship and animal licensing qualification. Experienced enforcement officers will also have the opportunity to do the L6 Trading Standards apprenticeship if desired.

About the Candidate

This is an exciting role, and no two days are ever the same. You will be working with a friendly team of highly driven and proactive Trading Standards professionals. You will be responsible for a busy and varied workload. You must be a strong communicator, enjoy working with a diverse range of people and be able to deal with difficult situations. Candidates without previous enforcement experience will be considered on a development grade 6, whilst they complete the RCO apprenticeship.

About Us

We're the local council for one of the UK's most vibrant and diverse cities. Working for Manchester isn't just a job - it's an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether it's strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you'll play a vital role in creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone.

Benefits we offer:

  • Generous holiday allowance - Enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays. Increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. Want more leave? You can purchase up to two additional weeks.
  • A buzzing pension - You'll be enrolled in the UK's largest local government pension scheme, with plenty of options to top up your benefits. Includes life cover of three-times your salary as a lump sum.
  • Enhanced parental and carers leave - Take advantage of our enhanced family leave options, designed to provide ample time for you to bond with your new born or support your family during critical life events.
  • Brilliant perks - Access a range of discounts, from saving on the weekly shop to holidays and days out with MCR+. Plus discounts on phone contracts, cycle to work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests, and more.
  • Learn and grow - We are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing you with the tools to thrive. Take part in a diverse set of learning opportunities, from workshops and training sessions through to apprenticeships and qualifications. All this begins with our comprehensive onboarding process.
  • A Good Employment Charter member - We are committed to offering secure, flexible work and embedding fairness into everything we do. We review pay annually, recognize three trade unions, and are constantly working to offer the best possible health and wellbeing support throughout all stages of your working life.
  • Up to 3 days volunteering leave - Give back to the community with three days pro-rate of paid volunteering leave, in addition to existing benefits.

Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council

At Manchester City Council, we're dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people.

Support During the Process

  • Interview Adjustments: Let us know if you need any adjustments to demonstrate your suitability during the interview.
  • Accessible Formats: Our ReciteMe tool can be accessed through the "Accessibility tools" button at the top of our careers page. This tool offers features like text-to-speech, translation into multiple languages, and adjustable text size and colour to make our site more accessible for everyone.

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

Members of the Armed Forces members or veterans, current or former care leavers, and those who have a disability or long-term condition are encouraged to apply.

When You Join Us

  • A workplace adjustment hub which provides specialist support, advice and guidance to ensure you have the adjustments needed to thrive at work.
  • Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network that provides a safe inclusive space to share experiences and opportunities to influence council practice.
  • A strong commitment to ensuring all information adheres to accessibility standards and that our workplaces are accessible and disability-friendly.

For more information about the role or any adjustments, email [email protected].

What we will need from you if you're successful:

  • Proof of Right to Work: You'll need to provide documentary evidence of your right to work in the UK. Please note, visa sponsorship is not guaranteed for this role.
  • References: We'll require references from your current and previous employer(s).
  • Proof of Qualifications: Evidence of qualifications relevant to the role will be required.
  • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check: A criminal record check may be necessary, depending on the role.
  • Proof of Manchester Residency: For some roles, you may need to demonstrate that you reside within the boundaries of Manchester City Council.
  • Police Vetting: Some roles may require police vetting to ensure suitability for accessing sensitive law enforcement systems or information.
  • Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) Clearance: BPSS clearance is primarily used for roles that involve access to government data, systems, or assets.
  • Driving Licence: If the role requires driving, we'll need evidence of your valid driving licence.

These checks are an important part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our workforce and the community we serve.

Other relevant information

We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best. If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we'll make every effort to source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If, however, any task proves to be unachievable, we will look at redesigning parts of the role.

For more information about the role, please ensure that you read the role profile attached.

Trading Standards Technical Officer employer: Manchester City Council

At Crosslee Community Primary School, part of the CLIC Co-operative Trust, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where every team member is valued. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our collaborative culture, which encourages professional development and embraces diversity. Located in Greater Manchester, we offer a flexible working schedule that aligns with school hours, allowing for a balanced work-life experience while making a meaningful impact in the community.

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Contact Details:

Manchester City Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Trading Standards Technical 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 Manchester 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 Manchester 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 Technical Officer

Investigative Skills
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Attention to Detail
Teamwork
Customer Service
Knowledge of Trading Standards

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 Manchester 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 Manchester City Council

✨Get to Know Public Sector Values

Before your interview with Manchester 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 Manchester City Council.