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- Tasks: Lead food safety and health inspections across diverse venues in London.
- Company: Join Merton Council's Regulatory Services Partnership, a top Environmental Health Service in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and excellent holiday entitlement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public health while working in exciting locations.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Environmental Health Professional with experience in food safety.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available; applications reviewed on receipt.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Regulatory Services Partnership (RSP) hosted by Merton Council is one of the largest Environmental Health Services in London, with the Food and Safety Team responsible for overseeing in the region of 6,000 food businesses in Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth. The area covered is diverse in nature and includes a variety of high profile and interesting venues, such as Wimbledon Tennis, AFC Wimbledon, Twickenham Rugby, Battersea Power Station, New Covent Garden and Hampton Court Flower Show.
We have an exciting opportunity for a talented and enthusiastic qualified professional to join our team of dedicated Food and Health and Safety officers to deliver the food safety, health and safety and infectious disease function across the RSP boroughs. As one of 3 lead officers you will be expected to work across the boroughs responding to the priorities of each. The work will be varied and never boring.
You should have a real passion for improving the environment and public health by engaging with our communities and businesses. You will be highly motivated, with a flexible approach and an eagerness to develop existing competencies as well as attaining new skills. Whilst our administrative base is in the London Borough of Merton, we operate hybrid working and provide touchdown points in all boroughs.
If you’re looking for a chance to make a difference, alongside an excellent benefits package, then this could be the place for you. Working as part of a busy team, it will be your responsibility, in conjunction with the other Leads and the Team Manager, to ensure that the team delivers and meets its statutory obligations, performance standards and service delivery plans.
You will be the technical lead in all food and health and safety matters including food hygiene and standards inspections, food complaints, investigation of accidents and communicable diseases. You will use your professional and technical knowledge and expertise to support other officers within the team, leading by example.
You must be a suitably qualified Environmental Health Professional (EHRB or CIEH Registered Environmental Health Practitioner or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience in food safety and health and safety enforcement. Ideally you will hold a higher level health and safety qualification, such as a NEBOSH diploma and/or have substantial health and safety enforcement experience.
Merton Council offers a competitive salary and membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme, excellent holiday entitlement and flexible working along with essential car user allowance and mileage scheme for officers using their car for work. Please see our why work for us page on our website for more information about a great range of benefits that go beyond salary and offer flexibility to suit you.
For an informal discussion about these posts please contact Laura Aston (Food and Safety Manager) on 020 8288 5670. Closing date for all applications is 17th June 2025. However, please note applications will be reviewed on receipt and candidates may be called in before the closing date if they meet the criteria.
Food and Safety Lead Officer employer: London Borough of Merton
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Merton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Food and Safety Lead Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific food safety regulations and health standards relevant to the areas covered by the RSP. Understanding local challenges and priorities will help you demonstrate your knowledge during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Merton Council or similar organisations. Engaging with professionals in the field can provide valuable insights into the role and the team dynamics, which you can leverage in your conversations.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for public health and community engagement by participating in local events or initiatives related to food safety. This hands-on experience can set you apart and demonstrate your commitment to improving the environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you would support and mentor other officers in the team. Highlighting your ability to lead by example and foster a collaborative environment will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Food and Safety Lead Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Food and Safety Lead Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your qualifications as an Environmental Health Professional and any relevant experience in food safety and health and safety enforcement. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise.
Show Passion for Public Health: Express your enthusiasm for improving public health and the environment in your application. Mention any community engagement or initiatives you have been involved in that relate to food safety and health.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Merton
✨Show Your Passion for Public Health
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for improving public health and the environment during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with communities or businesses in the past, as this will demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Be prepared to discuss your qualifications and experience in food safety and health and safety enforcement. Mention any specific cases or projects you've worked on that relate to the responsibilities of the Food and Safety Lead Officer position.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Teamwork
Since the role involves working across different boroughs and as part of a team, highlight your ability to adapt to various situations and collaborate effectively with colleagues. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team environment.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask about the team dynamics, challenges faced by the Food and Safety Team, and the priorities of the RSP. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
