Licensing & Business Support Manager

Power the engine room behind one of the UK’s best market services.

Hackney’s markets are thriving — but none of it happens by accident. Behind every stall, every trader, and every successful event is a backbone of brilliant administration and licensing support. As our Licensing & Business Support Manager, you’ll lead the team that makes it all work — keeping the wheels turning across licensing, trader onboarding, income recovery, data reporting and business support.

You’ll be the go-to person for licensing systems, debt management, market occupancy data and customer support, ensuring everything is accurate, accountable and aligned with our inclusive economy goals. Whether it’s preparing a Licensing Panel case, reconciling market income, or helping a new trader get started — your team will make it happen, and you’ll be there leading from the front.

This is your chance to play a critical behind-the-scenes leadership role in one of the most ambitious and award-winning market services in the country.

The Role

You’ll oversee all aspects of licensing administration, financial tracking, compliance and trader engagement across our busy Markets, Shop Fronts & Street Trading service. From managing a high-performing team to liaising with bailiffs, finance teams and service users, you’ll make sure everything runs efficiently and transparently — with excellent customer experience at the core.

What the Role Involves

– Oversee all licensing applications, renewals, trader databases and occupancy trackers

– Manage team workflows for trader onboarding, payments, invoicing and enforcement records

– Lead debt recovery tracking, bailiff contract oversight and arrears reporting

– Represent the service at Officer Licensing Panels and support regulatory casework

– Deliver accurate data and KPI reports to service leads and senior managers

– Help design and maintain customer-friendly licensing procedures and digital tools

– Supervise and develop a small team of licensing and finance officers

– Champion transparency, efficiency and trader support across all systems and processes

Why Join Us?

Our Markets, Shop Fronts & Street Trading Service is:

– Nationally recognised and internationally referenced

– A multi-award-winning team with accolades from LGC, APSE, NABMA and more

– A driver of inclusive growth, sustainability and cultural celebration

– Home to Ridley Road, Broadway, Hoxton — and the UK’s first Zero Plastic Markets

– A place where staff thrive, innovate and shape the future of public service delivery

Ready to Shape the Future?

If you’re passionate about making systems work better for people, love clean data, fair processes, and frontline impact — this is your moment.

As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation.

If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV’s.

To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application.

As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description.

We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

Closing date for applications: 05 August 2025 (22.59)

Interview and assessment date: Week Commencing 25 August 2025

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking about applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available: hackneyworks@hackney.gov.uk