Location: Midlands
Rate: Competitive (DOE)
Contract: Interim (Inside IR35 – 3-month initial contract)
Overview
Stonehouse Recruitment is working with a Local Authority in the Midlands seeking an experienced Trading Standards Officer to support its illegal tobacco and vape enforcement programme.
This role is focused on intelligence-led enforcement, regulatory intervention and prosecution support in relation to the sale of illicit tobacco products, e-cigarettes and underage sales.
Key Responsibilities
Deliver Trading Standards enforcement functions in line with relevant legislation and local authority procedures.
Manage a varied enforcement caseload, including:
Illegal tobacco and vape investigations
Underage sales and test purchasing operations
Intelligence gathering, recording and sharing
Complaints and service requests relating to non-compliant traders
Carry out inspections of trading premises to ensure compliance with Trading Standards legislation.
Draft and serve statutory notices where required.
Prepare prosecution files and represent the Local Authority as a professional witness in court.
Participate in sampling programmes and handle allocated sampling budgets in line with council policies.
Work collaboratively with internal departments and external partner agencies.
Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with data protection requirements.
Contribute to service development initiatives and wider departmental objectives.
Essential Requirements
Qualifications
Relevant Trading Standards qualification or equivalent professional experience
Evidence of continuing professional development
Experience & Skills
Demonstrable experience within a Local Authority Trading Standards team
Direct experience in illegal tobacco and/or vape enforcement
Experience preparing prosecution files and attending court
Strong understanding of evidential standards and intelligence handling
Ability to interpret legislation and apply it practically
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Full UK driving licence preferred
Why Apply?
Competitive interim rate
Opportunity to support a targeted illegal tobacco enforcement programme
Operational enforcement role with meaningful casework
Immediate start available
Register Your Interest
If you are an experienced Trading Standards Officer with recent illegal tobacco enforcement experience and are available for a short-term interim assignment, please submit your CV or contact:
Jacques Shepherd
📧 jacques.s@stonehouserg.com
📞 020 3627 1015
All conversations will be handled in the strictest confidence.