At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safety culture change and ensure food safety across a multi-site UK estate.
- Company: Join a leading Defence Facilities Management team with Rolls-Royce.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company vehicle, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Travel across the UK and engage with senior leaders to drive safety ownership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety and food hygiene in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in HSE roles within complex, food-biased environments.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 44000 £ per year.
Salary: 44,000 Per Annum plus Company Vehicle
Shift hours: Full Time
Location: Regional / National role (UK-wide travel required | Main base: Derby)
Package: 44,000 per annum plus Company Vehicle
Hours: 40 hours per week (Note: Contracted to 52 weeks per year)
Reporting to: Head of Safety Defence Marine and Aerospace
Sector: Defence & Secure Government Contracts (ESS / Compass Group UK&I)
Lead Culture. Drive Safety. Make an Impact.
We are looking for an experienced Regional HSE Manager with a strong background in complex, food-biased environments to lead meaningful safety culture change across our high-profile Rolls-Royce contract within the Defence, Marine, and Aerospace (DMA) estate. This role goes far beyond static compliance. You will actively shape behaviours, influence senior operational leaders, and embed a culture where everyone truly owns safety.
The Role
- Providing visible, risk-based HSE leadership across a multi-site UK estate, you will partner directly with Business Directors, Senior Operators, and General Managers. Your focus is to:
- Move teams from compliance to proactive safety ownership.
- Embed our See, Care, Share safety culture.
- Ensure safety, food hygiene, and allergen standards are integrated into everyday operational decision-making.
Food Safety & Hygiene Responsibilities
- Given the food-biased nature of our complex estate, you will guide our Operators to ensure high levels of food safety assurance across our catering operations. Your responsibilities include:
- HACCP & Management Systems: Oversee, implement, and maintain the Food Safety Management Plan and HACCP systems to ensure full legal and corporate compliance.
- Allergen Control & Management: Enforce rigorous allergen management controls, ensuring strong communication to Operators to ensure robust application of policies.
- Hygiene & Operational Standards: Ensure high standards of food hygiene, kitchen cleanliness, and temperature monitoring are maintained, driving consistency through proactive site assessments and audits and complaint responses.
- Supply Chain & Traceability: Ensure strict adherence to approved food supplier policies, stock rotation procedures, and traceability protocols from delivery to service.
- Auditing & Inspections: Conduct detailed, proactive internal food safety audits. Support local teams through EHO inspections and client assurance audits.
What Else You’ll Do
- Lead Culture Change: Champion a proactive, open safety environment. Support leaders to take personal accountability, building a culture of trust and openness.
- Defence Governance & Compliance: Maintain and oversee the Workplace Safety Management System, ensuring all activities meet health and safety management plans.
- Operational Risk Management: Maintain direct oversight of high-risk activities. Manage permit-to-work systems, temporary works, and contractor-controlled activities.
- Incident Management & Learning: Lead investigations for food safety, health and safety, and allergen incidents, prioritising learning over blame. Ensure timely reporting.
- Assurance & Performance: Deliver a robust assurance program. Track performance for leading and lagging indicators, ensuring continuous ISO 45001 / 14001 compliance.
- Client & Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the primary HSE interface for clients during contract governance forums, performance reviews, and client assurance meetings.
What Success Looks Like
- Strong safety ownership and proactive engagement at all levels.
- Swift tracking and closure of corrective/preventive actions.
- A strong safety culture where the principles of See, Care, Share are applied.
What We’re Looking For
- Experience: Experience in an HSE role within complex, food-biased environments.
- Influence: Proven ability to challenge unsafe behaviours constructively, coach teams, and hold operational leaders accountable.
Food Safety and HSE Manager - Full Time - Derby employer: Compass Group
At Defence Facilities Management, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of safety and accountability. Our team in Derby enjoys competitive salaries, a company vehicle, and the opportunity to lead meaningful change within the Defence, Marine, and Aerospace sectors. With a strong commitment to employee growth and a supportive work environment, we empower our staff to take ownership of safety and make a real impact across our operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Safety and HSE Manager - Full Time - Derby
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Compass Group.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Compass Group!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Compass Group, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Compass Group, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Food Safety and HSE Manager - Full Time - Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Compass Group, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Compass Group.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Compass Group. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Compass Group. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Compass Group’s mission.
