Site Food Safety Lead in Kendal

The role is responsible for ensuring full food safety and regulatory compliance across both domestic and export markets, with a particular emphasis on U.S. FDA and FSMA requirements for infant formula. Leading site-wide validation activities and championing a strong, proactive food safety culture.

Food Safety Management & Compliance

• Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of the site Food Safety Management System (FSMS) in accordance with HACCP principles and international infant formula standards.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant UK, EU, and U.S. FDA regulatory requirements.
• Plan and conduct internal audits, inspections, and risk assessments to identify, manage, and mitigate food safety risks.

FDA Compliance & U.S. Export Readiness

• Act as the site subject matter expert for FDA, FSMA, and PCQI requirements to maintain continuous export readiness to the United States.
• Manage and maintain all food safety documentation, records, and processes required for FDA compliance.
• Collaborate closely with Regulatory Affairs to ensure alignment with current and emerging U.S. regulatory expectations.

Leadership

• Lead the design, execution, and documentation of validation activities across the FSMS.
• Oversee validation programs including Clean-in-Place (CIP) systems, allergen cleaning and controls, and thermal process validations (e.g. pasteurisation, UHT).
• Ensure validation activities are scientifically robust, risk-based, and compliant with FDA, Codex, and EU standards.
• Maintain validation master plans, protocols, and reports, ensuring timely review, approval, and revalidation.

Training and Development

• Provide leadership, coaching, and technical guidance to food safety and hygiene teams.
• Deliver training on food safety systems, allergen management, validation methodologies, and FDA/FSMA compliance.
• Promote a strong, site-wide food safety culture through engagement, education, and visible leadership.

Continuous Improvement and Risk Management

• Analyse food safety performance data and lead root cause investigations.
• Drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen food safety systems, validation effectiveness, and regulatory readiness.

Essential

• Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Food Technology, or a related discipline.
• Formal qualifications in HACCP, PCQI, and/or food safety auditing (HACCP Level 4 required).
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in food safety or quality within a food manufacturing environment, ideally within infant formula or high-care dairy.
• Strong working knowledge of FDA regulations, PCQI responsibilities, and U.S. export compliance.
• Proven experience leading validation programs for cleaning, allergen control, and thermal processes.
• In-depth understanding of FSMS principles, food microbiology, allergen management, and hygienic design.
• Demonstrated capability across the full validation lifecycle, from protocol development to data analysis and interpretation.
• Knowledge of BRC, ISO 22000, Codex Alimentarius, and CFR Title 21.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
• Lead Auditor qualification.