Salary
£45,511 - £48,731 per annum (up to £49,758 per annum for exceptional performance once in post)
Contractual hours
37
Basis
Full time
Region
South
Job category/type
Environmental Health and Regulation
Date posted
17/02/2026
Are you a positive, motivated and experienced manager?
We are looking for a dedicated and forward‑thinking manager with a strong local authority knowledge in licensing, regulation and enforcement.
About the role:
You will lead and inspire a busy, high‑performing team, ensuring work is prioritised effectively and delivered to the highest standards. You will be responsible for maintaining excellent customer service, ensuring legislative compliance, and overseeing the accurate and timely production of statutory documents.
This is a varied and rewarding role. You will support, guide and develop your team, contribute to service improvements, and help shape the processes and policies that underpin our work.
Your specialist knowledge will assist in advising senior leaders, local businesses and members of the community whilst also playing a key role in ensuring licensing decisions and enforcement actions are made lawfully, proportionately and in the public interest.
What you will bring:
Experience in licensing or regulatory services, including engagement with the public, commercial organisations and other enforcement bodies. You should be confident presenting cases at formal legal hearings, such as Licensing Sub‑Committees or court, and have a strong understanding of investigative and enforcement procedures.
Your knowledge of licensing legislation including the Licensing Act 2003, Gambling Act 2005, and Hackney Carriage & Private Hire licensing law is comprehensive and up to date.
You will also be competent in using Microsoft Office applications and licensing databases to produce accurate, well‑structured reports, policies and documentation for a range of stakeholders, including elected members.
Key responsibilities:
* Managing statutory licensing and registration functions across the District.
* Ensuring complex applications are managed effectively and within statutory timescales.
* Supporting the team to apply policies, legislation and procedures consistently.
* Preparing reports and attending hearings, meetings and court where required.
* Representing the Council with professionalism and diplomacy at all times.
You must be able to demonstrate:
* Management experience within a regulatory environment.
* Strong strategic and operational leadership skills.
* Political awareness and experience working with elected members.
* A collaborative working style and the ability to build strong partnerships.
* Experience delivering service improvements and driving high performance.
What's in it for you?
* £45,511 - £48,731 per annum (up to £49,758 per annum for exceptional performance once in post)
* days annual leave (plus an additional 5 days after 5 years' continuous local government service)
* Local Government Pension scheme and AVC Provision
* On-site parking
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Hybrid working
* Wide range of employee discounts at high street retailers, including supermarkets, stores, and restaurants
* Cycle to Work scheme which could save you around 40 percent on cycles and accessories.
* Buy and sell annual leave scheme
About us
As one of the largest districts in the country, with 6 towns and a close relationship with neighbouring conurbations, the New Forest provides a supportive environment in which everyone who works for us can help drive our aims.
We believe that all our employees make a valuable contribution to the work of the council and that's why we encourage a trusting and open culture where each employee is supported and respected equally. We also recognise the value of a highly motivated and engaged workforce, and we actively promote a good work/life balance.
This post requires a Basic DBS application to be completed.
If you are ready to bring your expertise, leadership and vision to a senior role with real influence, we would love to hear from you.
After reading the job description of what the role will involve, you feel you would like an informal chat about the role, please contact Joanne McClay, Service Manager- Environmental and Regulation. Email:
Closing date: 11pm Monday 9th March 2026
Interview date: 18th March 2026