Trading Standards Officer (Internal applicants only)

What will you be doing?

1. To represent the Service in national, regional and local settings in support of the
achievement the Council’s outcomes and priorities including to secure, develop and
maintain positive and continuing partnerships/working arrangements within the authority,
with external partners, the media, other agencies and community interests.
2. To ensure delivery of allocated outcomes and objectives and improve delivery of the
Service to the community. To plan, direct and monitor allocated resources. To deputise for
the Operational Manager in his/her absence.
3. To lead, develop and improve the skills and motivation of allocated staff. To identify and
ensure relevant human resource issues are managed.
4. To develop and ensure effective implementation of the Service’s policies and procedures
with regard to operational activities. To ensure business non-compliance with relevant
legislation is dealt with effectively including identifying and directing appropriate
interventions to secure compliance and bring offenders to justice where appropriate.
5. To conduct operational work which is better undertaken with the benefit of their
knowledge, experience and skills. This may include
• Assessing the extent to which a business meets the requirements of the law and/or
relevant audit standards
• Working with businesses to help them comply with relevant legislation in their sector
and/or meet the requirements of private standards e.g. International Organisation for
Standardisations (ISO)
• Providing information, guidance and advice to businesses on how to comply with
legislation or meet audit requirements in their sectors
• Collecting and analysing business data to build a picture of business compliance
• Conducting risk assessments and highlighting hazards which may result in non
compliance by the business
• Auditing and monitoring business compliance in relation to the regulations which
apply to a specific sector
• Writing reports
• Liaising with businesses/regulators to resolve any issues of non-compliance
• Managing relationships with businesses and providing customer service
• Dealing with complaints from consumers and other businesses and investigating
them
6. To be a Service specialist/lead officer in respect of an area of Trading Standards
responsibility ensuring the Service delivers relevant outcomes in this area and that other
relevant officers have appropriate learning and development to enable them to deliver such
outcomes.
7. To keep appraised of legislative and technical developments and changing trading
practices as they impinge on his/her functions.
General responsibilities applicable to all jobs
1. Demonstrate awareness/understanding of equal opportunities and other people’s
behavioural, physical, social and welfare needs.
2. Comply with the Council’s policies and procedures including (but not limited to)
safeguarding, financial regulations, promotion of equalities, customer care, agreed
audit actions and health and safety (ensuring that reasonable care is taken at all times
for the health, safety and welfare of yourself and other persons).
3. Carry out any other duties which fall within the broad spirit, scope, and purpose of
this job description and which are commensurate with the grade of the post.
This job description reflects the major tasks to be carried out by the post holder and identifies
a level of responsibility at which they will be required to work. In the interests of effective
working, the major tasks may be reviewed from time to time to reflect changing needs and
circumstances. Such reviews and any consequential changes will be carried out in
consultation with the post holder.

About you

This is a varied and interesting role where you will deal with consumers, businesses, and other enforcement agencies in a wide variety of situations. You will be highly motivated, have a positive attitude and the ability to work flexibly according to the needs of the service.  You will also have great communication and organisational skills to enable you to work effectively.  You will lead a team to contribute and deliver the objectives of the Service.

For further information please see person specification.

Our benefits

We offer:

• a competitive salary
• a pension scheme, where we pay a significant contribution on top of your contribution. It provides life cover and ill-health protection.
• opportunities to develop your skills, knowledge and potential in a large unitary council
• generous leave entitlement (28 days, rising to 33 days) and bank holidays, plus the option to buy up to an extra 10 days
• agile and flexible working arrangements to help you with a healthy work-life balance.

About us

We are a new unitary council, established in April 2021; we are one of the largest unitary councils in the country. Our vision for North Northants is to be 'A place where everyone has the best opportunities and quality of life'.

Our priorities are:

• helping people live active fulfilled lives
• caring for our young people, providing them with high quality education and opportunities
• enabling a thriving and successful economy
• leading on a green and sustainable environment
• ensuring our communities are connected so they can shape their lives and where they live
• providing modern public services

Our values, as chosen by our staff, are - Customer-focused, Respectful, Efficient, Supportive and Trustworthy.

Your differences make us different - Achieve Together.

We are undertaking consultation with the Trade Unions on terms and conditions and the future NNC pay structure and during this time are appointing new employees on interim spot salaries. You will be advised of the outcome and any impact on your role once this work is complete.