Operational Support Officer

About the role
We are seeking an enthusiastic and self-motivated person to work as a Trading Standards Operational Support Officer within the Trading Standards Team at West Northants Council.

You will be required to study for, and achieve, the Regulatory Compliance Officer level 4 apprenticeship. You will be fully supported by your colleagues in your journey to achieve this.

If you are looking to develop a career in Trading Standards, then this role may be just what you have been waiting for. Our Operational Support Officer role is an excellent introduction into a great profession. You’ll develop professional skills and knowledge in our incredibly broad range of regulatory and investigative work.

We do not require any previous Trading Standards experience but do require applicants to have the dedication and commitment to undertake the Level 4 Regulatory Compliance Officer Apprenticeship.

We will provide on the job training across all aspects of Trading Standards delivered by our supportive and experienced team members.

Please see the job description and person specification for full details of the role and our requirements.

For an informal discussion, please contact Peter Fear, Trading Standards Manager on 07734 495902 or Nick Lenton, Trading Standards Manager on 07734 495915.

What will you be doing?
You will undertake the Level 4 Regulatory Compliance Officer Apprenticeship along with any additional training required for the role.

Please see full details of the apprenticeship requirements attached.

You will ensure the accuracy of our case management system and work towards obtaining the requisite skills and knowledge to support our Trading Standards Officers at an operational level.

With the supervision and guidance of more experienced Officers you will gather and process intelligence and respond to complaints and enquiries across the extensive Trading Standards remit.

You will undertake project work, investigate business non-compliance and provide support, advice and guidance to local businesses.

Please see the job description and person specification for full details of the role and our requirements.

About you
We do not require any previous Trading Standards experience but do require applicants to have the dedication and commitment to undertake the Level 4 Regulatory Compliance Officer Apprenticeship.

We are looking for an individual who is; passionate about consumer protection and the role Trading Standards have, has a positive attitude, who can remain calm and confident under pressure with the ability to communicate well.

We require 5 GCSE's grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) including Maths and English Language.

Please see the job description and person specification for full details of the role and our requirements.

Interviews are planned to take place the week commencing 24th November 2025.

About us
At West Northants Council, it’s about our people. People who thrive with ambition, bubble with new ideas, demand better ways of working, caring about every detail, and who never shy away from a challenge. Our culture is a gateway for new experiences. A place to forge new opportunities. To empower you in your career and unite you with like-minded people.

Our vision is ‘to make West Northants a great place to live, work, visit and thrive’. We truly stand by this and work hard every day to make this a reality. Our corporate values, THRIVE, stand for: Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate and Empower, they underpin everything we do and how we deliver services.

Hear more from our Chief Executive, Anna Earnshaw, about **what its like to work at West Northants Council.**

We are committed to ensuring diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion is woven into the fabric of WNC and everything we do, to enable all colleagues to develop and maximize their full potential. We are a disability confident employer, a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, and a Care Leaver Covenant partner

The following film was created by us to communicate our intentions - watch WNC colleagues explain **what DEI means to us**.

**West Northants Council, where careers thrive.**

Our benefits
You can also see our full list of employee benefits on our careers site here: Why you should work for us | West Northamptonshire Council.