Senior Licensing Officer

About the job
Salary: £32,115 - £35,235 a year plus £963 essential car user allowance
Hours per week: 37
Contract type: Permanent

Are you an experienced professional with a passion for public service, a keen eye for detail, and a strong understanding of licensing law? Luton Council is looking for a dedicated Senior Licensing Officer to join our dynamic team. This is your chance to make a difference in your community while advancing your career in a supportive and forward-thinking environment.

As a Senior Licensing Officer, you'll play a key role in ensuring public safety and regulatory compliance across Luton. You'll process applications, carry out inspections, and provide essential support to the Licensing Team. This is a varied role that requires a proactive, organised, and customer-focused individual who can manage both desk-based tasks and fieldwork with equal confidence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Process and assess a wide range of licensing applications in line with current legislation and council procedures.
• Conduct inspections of licensed premises across the borough, including taxis, private hire vehicles, and licensed venues.
• Investigate licensing breaches and support enforcement action when required.
• Liaise with members of the public, applicants, and stakeholders, providing accurate advice and resolving queries with tact and professionalism.
• Maintain accurate manual and digital records, using a variety of software systems including Microsoft Word, Excel, and databases.
• Undertake investigative and basic project work to meet departmental deadlines and targets.

Please note this role does not attract sponsorship.
About you
What We're Looking For:

• Demonstrable experience in an office environment and in dealing with the public in a professional setting.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including in an interviewing capacity.
• Confident in reading complex correspondence and writing a range of letters.
• Numerate, with the ability to handle cash receipts and assign cost codes accurately.
• Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Word, Excel, and database systems.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Licensing Act 2003, Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing, and licensing enforcement procedures.
• Understanding of the impact of discrimination on service delivery and the ability to treat all service users with respect and sensitivity.
• Relevant training or qualifications in licensing inspections is desirable.
• Ability to travel across the borough to conduct inspections is essential.

Why Work for Luton Council?
We're committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. You'll benefit from flexible working arrangements, generous leave entitlement, and ongoing professional development. As part of our Licensing team, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to a safer, fairer, and more vibrant Luton.

Ready to Apply?
If you're ready to take on a new challenge and use your skills to make a real difference, we want to hear from you.

Apply now and be part of something bigger.
About us
Our ambitious Luton 2040 Vision - that no-one in Luton will have to live in poverty - is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that our people are remarkable, talented, committed and passionate about serving our residents.

The people of Luton depend heavily on this council - and that means our workforce! Are you ready to realise the remarkable and help us deliver our vision?
Benefits
We offer a range of excellent staff benefits which include:

- From 25 to 32 days' annual leave: linked to length of service and grade
- Buying annual leave scheme: buy up to 20 days additional annual leave
- Career Pathways: step up in your career or move into a specialist area
- Pension scheme: with generous employer contributions of up to 20.2 per cent (at July 2023) and 3x salary death in service grant
- Generous relocation package: up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility)
- Employee Assistance Programme: a free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support service available to all employees, their partner or spouse and dependent children over 16 still living at home
- Work/life balance: flexible working options including working from home where possible. We welcome requests for flexible working arrangements including part-time hours and alternative working patterns
- Training and support: unlimited access to development courses, mentoring and support and clear career pathways
- Staff offers: includes discounts on your MOT, gym and fitness, restaurants and salons
- Arriva Travel Club: great value savings on local bus travel