Principal Policy Officer

London Gov; London; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A government authority in London seeks a dynamic Principal Policy Officer to lead the Strategic Licensing Project, developing new policies for alcohol and major events. The role requires significant stakeholder engagement and project management skills. Candidates should have a strong background in policy development and experience in managing complex projects. This hybrid role offers excellent benefits including 30 days of leave and a pension scheme.

Benefits

30 days annual leave

Interest free season ticket loan

Interest free bicycle loan

Career average pension scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in policy development related to complex projects.
• Successful management of multiple projects within budget.
• Strong planning and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of the Strategic Licensing Project.
• Engage with senior stakeholders to shape licensing policies.
• Oversee project budgets and resources.

Skills

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Communication

Analytical skills

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience

Job description

About the role

Good Growth Directorate

Good Growth is responsible for delivering and implementing the Mayor’s environment, transport and economic strategies and for the effective implementation of the London Plan. The Directorate is also responsible for regeneration (where the programme is not housing led), enterprise, growth, capital projects and design work.

About the team

TheCulture, Creative Industries and 24 Hour London Unit, in partnership with teams across the Greater London Authority (GLA), is leading an exciting new government-backed pilot to establishstrategic licensing powers for the Mayor of London. This high-profile initiative is a cornerstone of the Government’s and Mayor’s shared growth agenda—unlocking opportunities for London’s hospitality, cultural and nighttime economies.

About the role

Join Us in Shaping London’s Licensing Future

We’re looking foradynamic and driven Principal Policy Officerto drive forward the delivery of this major project. You’ll be at the heart of a fast-paced, cross-organisational effort to design and implement new licensing powers coveringalcohol, pavement use, and major events—with the ambition to launch byApril 2026.

This is a unique opportunity to:

• Shape a new policy and regulatory functionwithin the GLA
• Drive innovationin how licensing supports London’s economic and cultural vibrancy
• Work with senior stakeholdersacross government, industry, and the city
• Make a visible impacton how London works, plays, and grows

If you thrive in leading complex programmes, enjoy working across policy and delivery, and want to be part of something transformative for London -we want to hear from you.

Job purpose:

The Culture, Creative Industries and 24 Hour London Unit, with teams across the GLA, will oversee and enable the development and delivery of a substantial new pilot to establish strategic licensing powers for the Mayor of London. In order to ensure that this project is prioritised, funded and delivered at pace, a Principal Policy Officer is required.

Reporting to the 24 Hour London Manager, the Principal Policy Officer will contribute to driving forward implementation of new policy and policy engagement for the Strategic Licensing Project and 24 Hour London team’s work.

The project team will work with all London boroughs, the Metropolitan Police, industry and other key partners in designing and implementing a new Strategic Licensing Policy and powers. They will pilot a new Licensing Service that will improve licensing practice and partnership working across London, increasing economic impact, and creating a regional pilot that can influence national policy.

This role will require senior level stakeholder relationship management and co-ordination of collective delivery of the team’s objectives through cross-organisational working with other teams within the GLA and the GLA Group, as well as with a wider stakeholder base.

Principal accountabilities

• To provide leadership, design and oversight and updating of a new policy area, in partnership with senior stakeholders, including up-to-date awareness of any relevant legislative, technical and policy changes including research and related insights.
• Manage a range of associated projects and programmes carried out either internally or externally, including procuring and managing consultants and contractors. These may include contributing to consultations, designing and delivering external training and engagement programmes, and providing policy advice and ongoing case work support to the new service area.
• Establish and maintain systems and processes for ensuring the implementation of policies and the effective delivery of key projects.
• Establish, maintain and manage strong working relationships with senior level stakeholders within and outside the GLA by engaging with a wide variety of people from public and private organisations across the relevant sectors, including culture, local, regional and national government and hospitality, and represent the GLA in a variety of forums.
• Oversee, quality assure, coordinate and contribute to advice and responses to questions and correspondence, written and oral, to the Mayor and his staff, senior managers, Members of the Assembly, and Functional Bodies, GLA staff, government departments, London-based and national organisations on policy-related matters, making recommendations on policy options.
• Present the results of the work on the Mayor’s policies, objectives and concerns at conferences, seminars and meetings to external bodies and organisations.
• Manage project and programme resources allocated to the job in accordance with the Authority’s policies and Code of Ethics and Standards.
• Realise the benefits of London’s diversity by promoting and enabling equality of opportunities and promoting the diverse needs and aspirations of London’s communities.
• Realise the benefits of a flexible approach to work in undertaking the duties and responsibilities of this job, and participating in multi-disciplinary, cross-department and cross-organisational groups and project teams.

Accountable to:24 Hour London Manager

Accountable for:Staff and resources allocated to the post

Key Contacts:24 Hour London team, own Unit, Central Intelligence Unit, Digital Experience Unit, Planning and teams across the GLA, TfL, the Met Police, Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime, central Government, regional Mayoral Combined Authorities, London Boroughs, businesses and Business Improvement Districts.

Person Specification

Technical requirements/experience/qualifications

• Experience of achieving impact in the field of policy development, particularly related to complex projects in a political setting. Experience in the field of licensing or 24 Hour London policy is highly desirable.
• A track record of managing multiple projects and project teams successfully and delivering results on target and within budget.
• Evidence of success in undertaking project-based work and preparing clear, concise and influential reports, analysing research, delivering presentations and briefings on complex and sensitive issues for a range of different audiences.
• Strong organisational and planning skills including experience of, procurement and managing consultants, operating in highly pressured and complex environments.
• Experience of senior level stakeholder engagement.

Building and Managing Relationships

… is developing rapport and working effectively with a diverse range of people, sharing knowledge and skills to deliver shared goals.

Level 3 Indicators of Effective Performance

• Actively engages partners and encourages others to build relationships that support GLA objectives
• Understands and recognises the contributions that staff at all levels make to delivering priorities
• Proactively manages partner relationships, preventing or resolving any conflict
• Adapts style to work effectively with partners, building consensus, trust and respect.
• Delivers objectives by bringing together diverse stakeholders to work effectively in partnership

Communicating and Influencing

… is presenting information and arguments clearly and convincingly so that others see us as credible and articulate and engage with us.

Level 3 Indicators of Effective Performance

• Encourages and supports teams in engaging in transparent and inclusive communication
• Influences others and gains buy-in using compelling, well thought through arguments
• Negotiates effectively to deliver GLA priorities
• Synthesises the complex viewpoints of others, recognises where compromise is necessary and brokers agreement
• Advocates positively for the GLA both within and outside the organisation.

Research and Analysis

… is gathering intelligence (information, opinion and data) from varied sources, making sense of it, testing its validity and drawing conclusions that can lead to practical benefits.

Level 3 Indicators of Effective Performance

• Expands networks to gain new information sources for research and policy development
• Identifies and implements methods to ensure intelligence is of a high quality
• Encourages others to analyse data from different angles, using multiple perspectives to identify connections and new insights
• Tailors research investment in line with likely impact for Londoners and policy priorities
• Retains a bigger picture view, ensuring research recommendations are appropriate and practical for the GLA and its stakeholders

Planning and Organising

… is thinking ahead; managing time, priorities and risk; and developing structured and efficient approaches to deliver work on time and to a high standard.

Level 3 Indicators of Effective Performance

• Monitors allocation of resources, anticipating changing requirements that may impact work delivery
• Ensures evaluation processes are in place to measure project benefits
• Gains buy-in and commitment to project delivery from diverse stakeholders
• Implements quality measures to ensure directorate output is of a high standard
• Translates political vision into action plans and deliverables

The GLA Competency Framework Guidelines further detailing each competency and the different level indicators can be found here:GLA Competency Framework

How to apply

If you would like to apply for the role you will need to submit the following:

• Personal statement with a maximum of 1500 words. Please ensure you address how you demonstrate the essential criteria outlined above in the advert.

Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement have a maximum file size of 1.5MB each and upload your Personal Statement to the ‘CV and Cover Letters’ section’ of the form, ensuring you address the technical requirements and competencies in your Personal Statement.

Word or PDF format preferred and do not include any photographs or images. Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement are saved with the job reference number as part of the naming convention (E.g., “CV – applicant name - 012345)

As part of GLA’s continuing commitment to be an inclusive and equal opportunity employer we will be removing personal identifiable information from CVs and Personal Statements that could cause discrimination.

If you have questions about the role

If you wish to learn more about the role, there will be a Teams information session at1pm on Tuesday 26 August. This session includes opportunities to ask questions. Afterwards the session will be available as a recording.

Once you have submitted an application, your details will be reviewed by a panel.

If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an interview/assessment.

The interview/assessment dates will be 25 and 29 September 2025.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

London's diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements.We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part time work as this role is open to job share.

Please note we are a Disability Confident Employer so for candidates who wish to be considered under the scheme and meet the essential criteria, they will automatically be invited to interview. Please note, should you require any adjustments through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible. Please contact the recruitment team for further information if required.

Location and benefits

This is a hybrid role; the postholder will split their time between coming into the office up to 3 days and home working. The main office will be at London Fire Brigade’s Head Office (Union Street, London SE1). The postholder will be expected to occasionally attend events and meetings elsewhere, in particular, City Hall (Kamal Chunchie Way, London E16).

In addition to a good salary package, you will be paid every four weeks, providing frequent salary payments. We also offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, interest free season ticket loan, interest free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.

Additional Information

Please note, all candidates will need to confirm that the information provided in this application form is true and correct. Should a candidate deliberately give false information, including the use of AI software, they understand that this would disqualify them from consideration.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record (DBS) basic check.

The GLA is proud to be a Level 2: Disability Confident employer. We are committed to becoming a more inclusive and accessible organisation, and creating a truly inclusive and accessible workplace and culture for our disabled staff. We have named Disability Equality as a key corporate priority within our EDI Strategy. We welcome and encourage applications from disabled applicants. Should you wish to opt into the scheme, please let us know during your application.

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