We are seeking a highly motivated Trading Standards Officer within our Trading Standards service to lead on tobacco and vape control activity, coordinating enforcement operations and tackling illicit trade within the borough. From bustling retail parks to one of the world's busiest container ports, Thurrock offers a varied, challenging and rewarding Trading Standards environment.
Whether your expertise lies in generic Trading Standards work, product safety, or complex investigations, this is an opportunity to make a real difference within a progressive and ambitious service.
This role will focus on tackling the sale of illicit tobacco and illicit vapes by coordinating intelligence-led and multi-agency operations with partner organisations. It presents a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference to the Thurrock community through both criminal and civil enforcement activity.
What We Are Looking For
The successful candidate will be an investigator who is tenacious, organised and motivated to deliver high-profile outcomes. Experience of enforcement activity relating to illicit trade, closure notices, community engagement, intelligence development and partnership working will be highly advantageous.
Applicants should ideally hold the Trading Standards Practitioner Diploma (or equivalent), although candidates with other relevant enforcement backgrounds and transferable investigative skills will also be considered.
You will be an excellent communicator with the ability to manage a demanding caseload, build effective partnerships and work confidently within a team environment.
We offer support and training for personal development within a friendly working environment.
DBS Check: An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required.
Benefits of Working with Us
At Thurrock Council, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable)
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
- Staff discounts and local offers
- A supportive and inclusive working environment
Important Dates
Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 6th August 2026
Closing Date (Internal & External): 20th September 2026
Interview Date: To Be Confirmed
Additional Information
For an informal discussion about any of these posts, please contact Charlotte Edwards, Trading Standards Manager, via [email protected]
To view the Job Profile and Person Specification, please follow the link below:
Download Job Profile (PDF Document)
Safer Recruitment Application Requirements
As part of the Safer Recruitment process, Gap Management from when leaving full-time education is required for all Safeguarding roles. Please complete the Gaps in Employment grid provided (refer to the example document for guidance) and upload it under Miscellaneous Documents as part of your application. Please provide a full history with explanations of any gaps and ensure you also upload a copy of your full CV.
If the Job Profile and Person Specification list any qualifications as essential, please also upload copies of those relevant qualifications.
Gaps in Employment Form
Gaps in Employment Example
Why Thurrock?
Working at Thurrock Council gives you the opportunity to join an organisation that is changing at pace, one where you can make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve.
Thurrock Council is moving towards a new community leadership approach which involves linking with local partners and communities as we shape our improvement for the years ahead.
This is an exciting time to join us, to shape the future success of our changing organisation and to have a positive influence on our borough.
Our location
Thurrock is located on the north bank of the river Thames. Our urban centres are a vibrant mix of established towns and new young communities, with a diverse and growing population of around 160,000 residents.
We are an emerging cultural and arts centre, home to the production centre for the Royal Opera House and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills. We have excellent retail and leisure opportunities, including Lakeside Shopping Centre, country parks, forests, and marshes.
Thurrock is just half an hour journey away from the centre of London by train and well connected by road.
Staff benefits
We offer lots of staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement and hybrid working. We champion flexible working and job share applications are welcome.
Further information can be found here Employment benefits | Working for the council | Thurrock Council
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Thurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification.
We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.
For further information about Thurrock Council please visit our website: Thurrock Council
Skills Required
- Enhanced DBS check
- Proven investigative skills; tenacious, organised and motivated investigator
- Ability to manage a demanding caseload and work effectively in a team
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and partnership working
- Experience of enforcement activity relating to illicit trade, closure notices, community engagement, intelligence development and partnership working
- Trading Standards Practitioner Diploma or equivalent (or other relevant enforcement background and transferable investigative skills)
- Completion of Safer Recruitment requirements including gaps in employment disclosure and CV upload
What We Do
Thurrock Council is the local government authority for the Thurrock area, providing essential public services. Its responsibilities include managing local public transportation and bus services, as well as offering specialized support and professional training to educational institutions through Thurrock Services for Schools and Thurrock Traded Services.
