Team Leader Alcohol Licensing Central

• Lead a team delivering alcohol licensing services using a risk‑based regulatory approach. 
• Use data and insights to improve service delivery and support positive regulatory outcomes.
• Build strong partnerships to deliver effective, consistent alcohol licensing across Tāmaki Makaurau.

He angitūtanga: The opportunity
Auckland Council’s Licensing and Compliance Department has an opportunity for a Team Leader Alcohol Licensing, reporting to the Manager Licensing & Environmental Health.

In this pivotal leadership role, you will oversee a range of objectives including reducing alcohol-related harm, promoting public health outcomes and supporting businesses to enable a vibrant hospitality sector across Tāmaki Makaurau. You will adopt a risk based regulating approach with a focus on high risk and high harm matters. 

You will lead a team of dedicated professionals, using data, reporting and analytics to continuously improve service delivery and influence positive outcomes. Working collaboratively across council departments, partner agencies and communities, you will contribute to delivering trusted, consistent and effective regulatory services.

Day-to-day you could expect to work on:
•    Lead and support the team in delivering alcohol licensing services within the risk based regulating framework.
•    Leading, mentoring and managing team performance, including monitoring KPIs, and addressing performance matters.
•    Implementing a Quality Management approach with a focus on continuous improvement.
•    Building strong working relationships across council, hospitality sector, partner agencies and communities. Planning and leading inspections of licensed premises to ensure compliance with the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. 
•    Preparing high quality written reports and submissions, presenting evidence before ARLA, and supporting the District Licensing Committee through accurate record keeping and adherence to statutory timeframes
•    Leading recruitment and workforce planning in partnership with the Unit Manager to meet current and future service delivery needs
•    Responding to escalated and complex matters using sound judgement, strong investigative techniques and a solutions-focused approach

He kōrero mōu: About you
This role requires experience in similar alcohol licensing or regulatory leadership roles, with a sound understanding of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, Auckland’s hospitality industry and the wider alcohol licensing environment. You bring both a public health lens and a focus on supporting Auckland’s hospitality industry., 

You are a confident and capable people leader who can motivate, coach and develop others to deliver high quality, customer-focused services. You thrive in a performance driven environment, are highly organised and can prioritise effectively while managing competing demands.

You demonstrate sound judgement, resilience and professionalism when dealing with escalated matters. You’re comfortable presenting evidence, influencing decision makers and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including elected members, partner agencies and communities.

You will also value collaboration and diversity. Above all, you lead with integrity, accountability and a commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes for Aucklanders.

We will be looking for specific experience with:
•    A minimum of 5 years’ experience in alcohol licensing, hospitality or a related regulatory field
•    Demonstrated experience leading and managing a team, including planning, organising and prioritising work in a high-pressure environment
•    Contemporary working knowledge of alcohol licensing legislation and enforcement tools, with the ability to interpret and apply legislation effectively
•    Preparing high quality reports, submissions and presenting evidence before ARLA or similar regulatory authorities
•    Strong stakeholder and political relationship management skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate effectively
•    Proven ability to solve complex regulatory issues using sound investigative techniques, strategic thinking and an understanding of operational interdependencies
•    Financial oversight, resource management and experience working within quality management systems and continuous improvement frameworks
•    A tertiary qualification in Social Sciences, Law (or related discipline), or a recognised equivalent enforcement qualification would be advantageous

If you’re passionate about public health, regulatory excellence and leading a team that makes a real difference in our communities, we’d love to hear from you.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

At Auckland Council, you will join a dynamic, supportive environment where your mahi (work) will directly impact the lives of over 1.7 million Aucklanders. We offer flexible working conditions, a focus on well-being, and a culture of continuous improvement.

We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are accredited by GenderTick, a signatory of the Pride Pledge. These commitments reflect our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. 

Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of.

As part of our organisation, please view a range of our: benefits

Tono Mai: Apply Now!

Application close date: 27 February 2026

Salary range: The salary range for the role is $102,595 - $108,000 per annum (based on skills & experience) 

This role is deemed safety-sensitive and in line with Auckland Council policy, you will be required to complete pre-employment drug and alcohol testing.  

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer. We serve the diverse communities of Tāmaki Makaurau and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds - regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, educational background, or religious beliefs. We also welcome applications from our Rainbow communities as well as disabled and neurodivergent people. We are committed to making our hiring process accessible to everyone. If you require any support or adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.