Principal Trading Standards Officer

North Somerset Council; Clevedon; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A local governmental authority in Clevedon is looking for a Principal Trading Standards Officer. You will perform functions such as investigating criminal offences, inspecting business premises, and providing business advice. The ideal candidate should have a Diploma in Trading Standards and strong communication skills. A valid driving licence is essential. The role is based in Clevedon but may relocate to Weston-super-Mare in 2025.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of undertaking Trading Standards investigations.
• Valid driving licence and own transport or alternative travel.
• Commitment to continuing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Undertake a wide range of trading standards functions.
• Inspect business premises and enforce food standards.
• Provide business advice and initiate effective partnerships.

Skills

Investigation of criminal offences

Excellent communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Diploma in Trading Standards or equivalent

Job description

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Principal Trading Standards Officer to join our Trading Standards Service.

Alongside the Council’s highly motivated team of officers, you will undertake a wide range of trading standards functions including:
investigation of criminal offences,
inspection of a wide range of business premises,
provision of business advice,
food standards enforcement.

You will be familiar with the intelligence-led ethos of a modern trading standards service, able to confidently initiate and deliver effective partnership working and familiar with the wide range of challenges which the Team is tasked with addressing, such as organised crime, illicit tobacco and rogue trading.

You must be a good team player, boasting excellent interpersonal and communication skills, yet equally able to meet challenging deadlines under your own initiative. The duties of the post require a commitment to undertake continuing professional development and working flexibly as and when circumstances demand.

Essential Criteria:
Proven track record of undertaking Trading Standards investigations
Relevant Trading Standards qualification, such as the Diploma in Trading Standards (or equivalent)
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Desirable Criteria:
Food Standards qualified/competent
Weights & Measures qualified/competent

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

This position is currently based at our Castlewood offices in Clevedon. Please be advised, however, that this office will be closing in 2025. Consultation is currently underway to determine the new location for colleagues based in Castlewood. This will be at Weston-super-Mare.

For further information about the role, please contact Gareth Mellors, Trading Standards Manager, at [e-mail] or on [phone]. (Please note limited availability by e-mail only during week commencing 11 August).