Licensing Service Manager

Licensing Service Manager

3-6-month contract (ASAP start)
Day rate: £425 per day (flexible, market-aligned)
Inside IR35 (via umbrella)
Hybrid working (1–2 days onsite – flexible)

CVs are being reviewed immediately and interviews will be taking place shortly.

Are you ready to step into a critical leadership role where your expertise will keep essential regulatory services running smoothly?

We are seeking an experienced Licensing Service Manager to provide interim cover for a local authority service, ensuring continuity across a broad and complex licensing function. This is a high-impact opportunity to lead, stabilise and support a service covering areas such as taxis, scrap metal, gambling, animal licensing and more.

You will play a key role in maintaining operational performance, supporting less experienced officers, and ensuring governance, committee processes, and policy delivery continue seamlessly during a period of absence.

Your role as Licensing Service Manager:

• Lead and oversee the day-to-day delivery of licensing services across multiple regulatory areas
• Act as the key point of contact for governance, ensuring reports and decisions are taken to Licensing Committee in line with agreed timelines
• Provide hands-on support to Licensing Officers, including site visits, inspections and resolving complex cases
• Support and develop frontline staff, helping to upskill less experienced team members
• Manage immediate operational challenges and ensure service continuity
• Lead on recruitment for a current vacant post within the team
• Work collaboratively with senior stakeholders, Members and partner agencies

You’ll be instrumental in keeping the service running effectively, balancing strategic oversight with hands-on delivery in a fast-paced environment.

Your previous experience as Licensing Service Manager:

• Proven experience leading licensing or regulatory services within a local authority setting
• Strong knowledge of the Licensing Act and wider regulatory frameworks
• Experience preparing reports and presenting to Licensing Committee / advising Members
• Background in licensing enforcement, inspections and compliance activity
• Experience managing or supervising teams of Licensing Officers / Inspectors
• Exposure to Safety Advisory Groups (SAG) or event licensing is highly desirable
• Ability to step in quickly, take ownership, and deliver under pressure
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills

This is an opportunity to make an immediate impact in a role where your expertise will ensure stability, governance, and service delivery during a critical period.

If you’re interested in discussing this Licensing Service Manager opportunity in more detail or know someone who may be suitable, please get in touch or apply today.

We offer a senior referral scheme upon successful placement of your recommendation, so do reach out.

Our clients are committed to creating and evolving a diverse workforce. Recruiting decisions are based on experience and skills, and any reasonable adjustments will be fully supported throughout the recruitment process.

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