Team Leader - Sampling Team in Cardiff

Location

We offer great flexible working opportunities, and have offices in Belfast, Cardiff and York.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not overseas.

Travel within the UK will be required on an occasional basis, possibly with overnight stays.

About the job

Job summary

As Team Leader for the Sampling Team, you will play a vital part in safeguarding food safety across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a specialist team whose work underpins the Food Standards Agency’s mission to ensure food is safe and accurately described.

Working at the heart of science, evidence and research, you will guide activity that supports national surveillance and strengthens the UK’s ability to monitor an evolving food landscape. You will shape strategy, foster strong collaboration across government and the wider scientific community, and promote a culture that values innovation and integrity. This role offers the chance to influence the approach taken to sampling across the organisation, while supporting colleagues through expert guidance and clear leadership.

If you are motivated by meaningful scientific impact and enjoy bringing people together to deliver high quality outcomes, this is an opportunity to contribute to work that genuinely builds trust in food.

Job description

The successful candidate will oversee the delivery of national sampling programmes, ensuring they operate efficiently and in line with organisational priorities. Working closely with internal and external partners, they will coordinate activity that supports surveillance, legislation and policy development, offering specialist advice across a range of food safety issues. The role includes leading projects such as the Retail Surveillance Survey and other sampling initiatives, driving continuous improvement in capability and approach.

The postholder will represent the organisation at working groups, contribute to cross government collaboration and play an active part in the wider leadership team within the Science and Research Unit. They will manage and develop staff, promote effective planning, and ensure that resources are used responsibly while maintaining a strong commitment to scientific excellence and stakeholder engagement.

For further information and to submit your application, click the apply icon.

Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 15th February 2026