Lead Trading Standards Practitioner

Cheshire West and Chester; Chester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional public service is seeking a Lead Officer to oversee Food Standards, Animal Health, and Pest Control. The successful candidate will manage a small team and work closely with various stakeholders while ensuring compliance with Trading Standards. This hybrid role offers flexibility in working locations, and the ideal candidate will possess strong organizational and interpersonal skills, along with a valid driving license. Previous supervisory experience is essential for this position.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Vibrant work environment

Qualifications

• Supervisory experience in a relevant field.
• Ability to manage a busy workload across different areas.
• A valid driving licence is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead on Food Standards and collaborate with the Environmental Health food team.
• Oversee Animal Health inspections and investigations.
• Lead a team in Pest Control and manage customer liaison.
• Ensure compliance with Trading Standards.

Skills

Organisational skills

Interpersonal skills

Team management

Communication skills

Education

5 GCSEs or equivalent

Relevant degree or equivalent qualification

Job description

Overview

Cheshire West and Chester Public Protection Service has a permanent position for a Lead Officer. The successful candidate will lead on Food standards, Animal Health & Welfare, and Pest Control. Candidates are invited to share details of all experience relevant to the above and any other Trading Standards experience. Candidates should not be put off if they do not have experience of all aspects of the role. In the case of Pest Control there will be an opportunity to have hand over from an experienced manager.

Responsibilities

• Lead on Food Standards and work closely with colleagues in our Environmental Health food team who are also part of the Public Protection function.
• Oversee Animal Health matters, including programmed inspections, intelligence-led visits to farms across the borough and subsequent investigations and enforcement.
• Lead a team of four officers in Pest Control and have responsibility for the coordination and customer liaison in relation to pest control visits for the control of vermin (e.g. rats, mice, wasps), management of a range of commercial contracts and a programme of sewer baiting.
• Carry out other Trading Standards compliance work as necessary.
• Demonstrate excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage a busy workload across different areas. Be diligent and motivated with excellent interpersonal and organisational skills, able to communicate effectively with members of the public, partner agencies and other stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) is essential, along with a relevant degree or equivalent qualification and/or experience, including supervisory experience.
• A driving licence is essential.

Additional Information

The role is a hybrid flexible role meaning you will be expected to work out in the field, at home and at a range of offices as determined by the needs of the service. If operational needs require you may be expected to work evenings or early mornings occasionally. Cheshire West and Chester is a vibrant place to work with offices across the borough.