At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead food safety and quality assurance for Pizza Hut across the UK, Ireland, and EU.
- Company: Join a global brand committed to food safety and quality excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead a high-performing team and influence industry standards.
- Why this job: Shape the future of food safety in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Food Science and 7-10 years of relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Description
Lead the UK/Ireland and EU markets in the development, execution, and continuous improvement of Pizza Hut's Food Safety & Quality Assurance systems, ensuring regulatory compliance, product quality, supply chain integrity, and a strong food safety culture.
Responsibilities
- Job Size
- Responsible for Food Safety and Quality Assurance across the UK, Ireland, and EU.
- Supports franchise partners, suppliers, manufacturing, distribution, and restaurant operations.
- Regional accountability for all programs and requirements outlined by the Global Food Safety Center of Excellence.
- Food Safety & Quality Strategy & Governance
- Own the Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) strategy for the UK, Ireland, and EU markets, ensuring alignment with Pizza Hut's global vision and business objectives.
- Provide leadership for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Food Safety Management System (FSMS), associated policies, standards, and governance processes.
- Drive a proactive food safety culture through risk-based decision making, operational excellence, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Anticipate emerging regulatory and industry trends, ensuring organizational readiness and ongoing compliance.
- Supplier & Restaurant Food Safety
- Provide strategic oversight of supplier quality systems, Quality Systems Audit program, supplier approval, performance management, audits, corrective actions, and continuous improvement.
- Partner with Operations Team on strategic oversight for restaurant food safety programs and FSCC audit program.
- Establish and maintain product quality standards throughout the entire product lifecycle, including product specifications, ingredient management, quality audits, product evaluations, and restaurant complaint investigations.
- Partner with Supply Chain and Procurement to support alternate sourcing strategies, supplier development, business continuity planning, and cost optimization while maintaining food safety and quality expectations.
- Ensure effective food safety oversight across manufacturing, distribution, and restaurant operations.
- Risk Management, Compliance & Crisis Leadership
- Serve as the regional subject matter expert for food safety, quality, regulatory compliance, nutrition, and allergen management.
- Lead regional crisis management activities, including food safety incidents, product withdrawals, recalls, and regulatory investigations, ensuring timely and effective resolution.
- Develop risk-based performance metrics, predictive analytics, and executive reporting to identify emerging risks and drive preventative actions.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements and Pizza Hut global standards across assigned markets.
- Business Partnership & Stakeholder Leadership
- Serve as the primary Food Safety & Quality business partner to regional leadership, Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, Marketing, Regulatory Affairs, and franchise organizations.
- Build collaborative relationships with franchisees, suppliers, regulatory agencies, and industry associations to strengthen organizational capability and protect the Pizza Hut brand.
- Influence cross-functional decision making by integrating food safety and quality considerations into business planning, innovation, and operational execution.
- Represent Pizza Hut in industry forums and with regulatory authorities to advance food safety best practices and organizational credibility.
- Organizational Capability & Talent Development
- Build and develop a high-performing Food Safety & Quality organization through coaching, capability development, succession planning, and performance management.
- Establish technical training programs that strengthen food safety knowledge across franchisees, suppliers, and internal business partners.
- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and operational excellence that enables sustainable business growth.
- People Leadership
- Direct Reports: 5
- Indirect Reports: Cross-functional leadership across franchisees, suppliers, and regional teams.
- Working Relationships
- Global & Regional FSQ COEs
- Operations Team
- Supply Chain Team
- Food and Packaging Suppliers
- Franchisees
- Regulatory Authorities
Qualifications
- Knowledge and Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field
- 7 - 10+ years of Food Safety & Quality experience
- Deep expertise in Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS), HACCP, GFSI-recognized standards, supplier quality assurance, food regulations, and crisis/incident management.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, influence stakeholders, and drive continuous improvement initiatives across complex and geographically diverse environments.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess risks, interpret technical data, and make sound business decisions.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Demonstrated success managing audits, regulatory inspections, corrective action programs, and supplier performance improvement initiatives.
Preferred Qualifications
Professional fluency in French.
Head of Food Safety/Quality UK/EU in Plano employer: KFC
KFC in Washington, England, is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and a vibrant work culture. With benefits such as bonus potential, extra holiday, and staff discounts, we foster a supportive environment where passionate leaders can thrive and make a meaningful impact on both the team and guest experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Food Safety/Quality UK/EU in Plano
✨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 KFC.
✨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 KFC!
✨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 KFC, 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 KFC, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Food Safety/Quality UK/EU in Plano
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at KFC, 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 KFC.
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 KFC. 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 KFC. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at KFC
✨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 KFC’s mission.
