Regional Illegal Tobacco Officer

Job Introduction

An Exciting Opportunity to Make a Difference

We are seeking a proactive and experienced professional to join Trading Standards East Midlands as a Regional Illegal Tobacco Officer. This pivotal role will strengthen enforcement efforts across nine Local Authority Trading Standards Services within the region, contributing to the national fight against illegal tobacco.

Base: Lincoln/Boston but home may be considered.

This position supports the Government’s 2024 strategy, “Stubbing Out the Problem”, which aims to reduce both the demand for and supply of illicit tobacco products in the UK. Building on the success of Operation CeCe, a joint initiative between National Trading Standards (NTS) and HMRC, you will play a critical role in enhancing enforcement capability across the East Midlands.

Key Responsibilities

• Co-ordinate and support regional enforcement activity to disrupt the illegal tobacco trade.
• Assist in investigations, including taking statements and preparing evidence for both Criminal and Civil cases.  
• Develop and manage regional projects and strategies to reduce the availability of illegal tobacco.
• Collaborate with local Trading Standards teams, HMRC, police, and other enforcement partners.
• Deliver measurable outcomes aligned with national objectives.
• Facilitate intelligence sharing, data analysis, and dissemination of best practice across the region.
• Represent the East Midlands at national meetings and contribute to cross-regional coordination efforts.
• Act as a conduit between NTS and local enforcement agencies, supporting investigations and operational disruptions against the illegal tobacco supply chain.

About the Role

This is a fixed-term contract until March 2029, hosted by Lincolnshire County Council. You will operate across the Trading Standards East Midlands region, covering the following local authorities:

• Derby City Council
• Derbyshire County Council
• Leicester City Council
• Leicestershire County Council
• Lincolnshire County Council
• Nottingham City Council
• Nottinghamshire County Council
• North Northamptonshire Council
• West Northamptonshire Council

You will work closely with Trading Standards officers, HMRC, and other law enforcement agencies to ensure intelligence-led disruption of illegal tobacco sales. The postholder will report to the Head of Lincolnshire Trading Standards, with oversight from the Trading Standards East Midlands Partnership Manager.

Role Requirements

• Proven experience in enforcing legislation and conducting investigations.
• An understanding of Trading Standards roles and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent project management, coordination, and communication skills.
• Ability to build effective partnerships and collaborate across multiple agencies.
• Willingness to travel regularly throughout the East Midlands and attend national meetings.
• Ability to pass police vetting (Level 3)
• Full UK driving licence and access to a car for work purposes.

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact Lisa Foster at lisa.foster@lincolnshire.gov.uk Mobile:  07766 072472

Closing date: 18th January 2026.

Interviews: these will be held in Lincoln on 2nd February 2026.

Due to recent changes in immigration law in the UK we are unable to offer skilled worker visa sponsorship for this role as it does not meet the requirements of RQF Level 6.

Please be advised that this position may be subject to a criminal record check.

All candidates are advised to read the attached job information pack prior to making an application.

On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward. 

We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions.

Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

A Smarter Working Employer

We have embraced new ways of working and hybrid working will be a feature of this role. You will be given a nominated contractual work base and you will be required to commute to this work base when necessary.  Working arrangements regarding hybrid working will be discussed as part of the appointment process.

Our technology platform and equipment is very good enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We require that you have in place good connectivity, and we will discuss during the recruitment process if support with this is needed.

Fluency Duty 

In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Our values – collaborative, adaptable, eco-conscious, supportive, and responsible – guide everything we do. We’re looking for candidates who share these values and bring them to life in their work, helping us build strong teams and make a real difference in the communities we serve.