Trading Standards Officer

CRA Group Recruitment And Payroll Ltd; Horsham; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in West Sussex is seeking a candidate to lead investigations into trade sector activities to ensure compliance with trading standards legislation. The role involves collaborating closely with legal advisors and providing expert guidance to colleagues. Candidates should have a recognized qualification in Trading Standards, several years' enforcement experience, and the ability to lead complex cases. The position typically includes four days of remote work and one day in the office.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of trading standards legislation and enforcement practices.
• Proven experience in complex investigations and preparing cases for court.
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the investigation into trade sector activities.
• Collaborate with legal advisors to progress enforcement actions.
• Provide expert guidance on legislative queries.
• Conduct interventions to assess regulatory compliance.

Skills

Knowledge of trading standards legislation

Experience in conducting complex investigations

Expertise in regulatory compliance

Ability to provide guidance to colleagues

Education

Diploma in Consumer Affairs and Trading Standards

Several years post-qualification experience in Trading Standards

Job description

2 months contract with a local authority

Summary

• This role involves leading an investigation into the activities of a trade sector affecting West Sussex, ensuring adherence to trading standards legislation and advancing enforcement actions, both criminal and civil, as necessary. The position requires close collaboration with the Operational Manager and legal advisors to determine the investigation's scope and direction.

Responsibilities

• Act as the investigating officer for complex cases within the trade sector under review.
• Collaborate with legal advisors and management to progress enforcement actions.
• Provide expert guidance to less experienced officers on legislative queries.
• Serve as a knowledge lead for specific legislative areas (e.g., metrology, food standards, feed, product safety).
• Conduct interventions with businesses to assess regulatory compliance.
• Represent the Service on national professional groups and liaise with testing houses.
• Manage covert accounts, laptops, and monitor planned spending.

Essential Experience Required

• Extensive knowledge of trading standards legislation and enforcement practices.
• Proven experience in conducting complex investigations and preparing cases for court.
• Ability to provide expert advice and guidance to colleagues.
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance and risk management.

Essential Qualifications Required

• Recognised professional qualification in Trading Standards (e.g., Diploma in Consumer Affairs and Trading Standards or equivalent).
• Several years post-qualification experience in Trading Standards enforcement.

Additional Information

• Working hours: 37 hours per week
• Location: Chart Way, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1XH, United Kingdom
• Typically 4 days remote, with one day in the office (subject to agreement with your manager)
• The role closes on 12th January 2026, apply ASAP.