Service Manager - Regulation and Compliance

Who we are & what we stand for

These roles form part of a wider organisational redesign to ensure the Council is structured to deliver high-quality, efficient and sustainable services for the people of Gateshead. This supports our commitment to modernising how we operate, strengthening accountability and putting residents at the heart of everything we do, ensuring everyone in our borough can thrive.

We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.

We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward‑thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises the skills you bring, encourages creativity, and passionately advocates a great work/life balance. With hybrid working, flexible arrangements and excellent employee benefits, we’re confident it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

Lead. Protect. Influence. Deliver.

Are you an experienced regulatory leader with a passion for protecting communities, driving compliance, and delivering high-quality public services? We're looking for an exceptional Regulation & Compliance Service Manager to lead a diverse portfolio of regulatory and enforcement services that make a real difference to residents, businesses, and communities.

This is a strategic leadership opportunity for a motivated professional who can balance regulatory excellence with customer-focused service delivery, while navigating a complex and evolving legislative environment.

As Regulation & Compliance Service Manager, you will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across a broad range of public protection services, including:

• Environmental Health
• Trading Standards
• Licensing
• Environmental Protection
• Enforcement
• Metrology

You will ensure the effective delivery of statutory and non-statutory regulatory services, safeguarding the public, supporting local businesses, managing risk, and ensuring compliance with legal and professional standards.

Working closely with elected Members, senior leaders, government agencies, regulators and partner organisations, you will shape service delivery, influence policy, and drive continuous improvement across the service.

What you'll get to do:

As a key member of the leadership team, you will:

Lead and Inspire

• Provide professional, technical and operational leadership across regulatory and compliance services.
• Lead, motivate and develop high-performing teams and managers.
• Build workforce capacity, capability and resilience to meet future challenges.

Deliver Excellent Public Services

• Ensure statutory and non-statutory functions are delivered efficiently, effectively and lawfully.
• Exercise delegated authority on licensing, enforcement and regulatory matters.
• Oversee complex investigations, enforcement activity and regulatory interventions.

Drive Strategic Improvement

• Lead service planning, transformation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Respond proactively to legislative changes, emerging risks and new regulatory responsibilities.
• Monitor and report on service performance, outcomes and compliance.

Influence and Collaborate

• Provide expert advice to elected Members, committees and senior leaders.
• Build strong partnerships with regulatory bodies, government agencies, enforcement partners and neighbouring authorities.
• Represent the Council at local, regional and national forums.

Manage Resources and Governance

• Lead budget management, procurement, income generation and resource planning activities.
• Ensure robust governance, information management and compliance arrangements are in place.
• Maintain high standards of risk management, data protection and operational accountability.

What you'll bring:

• A degree, diploma or equivalent professional qualification in Environmental Health, Trading Standards, Licensing, Regulatory Compliance, or a related public protection discipline.
• Membership of, or eligibility for membership of, a relevant professional body (such as CIEH, CTSI or IoL), with evidence of ongoing professional development.
• Extensive knowledge of local authority regulatory and public protection services.
• Strong understanding of licensing, enforcement, environmental protection, trading standards and compliance legislation.
• Knowledge and experience of enforcement processes, investigations, evidence management and legal proceedings.
• A solid understanding of local government governance, political decision-making and committee processes.
• Knowledge of strategic leadership, service improvement, workforce development and performance management.
• An understanding and experience of financial management, resource planning, risk management and information governance.
• Significant experience leading regulatory, compliance or public protection services within local government.
• Experience interpreting and applying complex legislation to achieve robust and defensible outcomes.
• Delivery of service transformation, performance improvement and organisational change.
• Experience advising senior leaders, elected Members and committees on regulatory matters.
• Strong partnership-working experience with regulators, enforcement agencies and government bodies.

What’s in it for you

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

Our commitment to you

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation

How to apply

You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.

We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.

If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk

Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.

Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.