At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team ensuring food safety inspections and standards are met.
- Company: Local authority in London with a focus on food safety.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, hybrid working, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: 3-month rolling contract with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in food safety while leading a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: Significant food safety enforcement experience and relevant qualifications required.
I'm currently recruiting for an experienced Food Safety Team Leader to join a busy London local authority on an initial 3-month rolling contract. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced food safety professional looking for their next interim Food Safety job, with responsibility for the day-to-day management of a well-established team alongside a small caseload of more complex enforcement matters.
The role:
- Lead and manage a team of officers delivering food hygiene and food standards inspections
- Oversee workload allocation and ensure the inspection programme is delivered in line with the Food Law Code of Practice
- Carry out regular 1-2-1s, staff performance management and technical support
- Provide technical advice and guidance to officers across a range of food law matters
- Ensure policies and procedures are up to date and consistently followed
- Oversee delivery of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, including appeals, right to reply and FSA uploads
- Review complex cases and formal enforcement action, including prosecution cases
- Support business planning, performance management and wider service priorities
- Maintain a small caseload of more complex food safety matters where required
The Food Safety Team Leader will primarily be responsible for a team of around 11 officers, including administrative support, rather than carrying a large individual caseload.
What we're looking for:
- Significant, recent local authority food safety enforcement experience
- Strong practical knowledge of:
- Food Safety inspections
- Food Standards inspections
- Food Hygiene Rating Scheme
- Statutory Notices
- Hygiene Emergency Prohibition
- Prosecution case preparation and oversight
- Formal and informal enforcement options
- Evidential standards and case management
- Experience in court, approved establishments and managing staff would also be advantageous.
- Candidates must hold the appropriate qualification required under the current Food Law Code of Practice. A Higher Certificate in Food Control is mandatory, alongside the required professional competency/registration.
Contract details:
- £60-£65 per hour
- Initial 3-month rolling contract
- London
- Hybrid working
- 9am-5pm
- ASAP start
If you're searching for Food Safety jobs in London and have experience as a Food Safety Team Leader, Principal Environmental Health Officer, Senior Food Safety Officer or experienced Food Safety Enforcement Officer, get in touch to discuss the role in more detail.
Food Safety Team Leader in London employer: Park Avenue Recruitment
As an employer, Park Avenue Recruitment offers a dynamic work environment that values integrity and collaboration, making it an excellent choice for professionals in the public sector. With a focus on employee growth and development, the company provides opportunities for meaningful contributions to local governance while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements. Located in Kent, employees benefit from a supportive culture that prioritises work-life balance and competitive remuneration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Safety Team Leader in London
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out food technology fairs and local agricultural shows. These gatherings are goldmines for meeting employers like Park Avenue Recruitment face-to-face. Bring your enthusiasm, and don’t be shy to ask questions about their work!
✨Join Industry-Specific Groups
Dive into social media groups and forums focused on food science and technology. Networking with professionals already in the game can help us get the inside scoop on temporary roles, including those at Park Avenue Recruitment.
✨Consider Seasonal Opportunities
Since this is a temporary role, keep an eye on seasonal hiring times when food companies ramp up for production cycles. Check out companies like Park Avenue Recruitment during these periods, as they often look for extra support.
✨Got Skills? Show Them Off!
If you’ve got a knack for lab work or product testing, create a mini portfolio of your projects and experiences. It's a great way to stand out when chatting with hiring managers at Park Avenue Recruitment. Plus, it’s perfect for showcasing your practical skills!
We think you need these skills to ace Food Safety Team Leader in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Know-How:In the food science and technology field, it’s all about the nitty-gritty details. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant coursework, labs, or projects that showcase your technical skills in food processing, safety, or product development. Don't forget to mention any specific techniques or technologies you're comfortable with – they can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Project:Since this is a temporary role, make your cover letter shine by focusing on your motivation and how you can contribute to Park Avenue Recruitment immediately. Highlight your adaptability and any relevant experiences that make you a perfect fit for this specific project – employers love to see that enthusiasm and readiness to dive straight in!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any food safety or quality control certifications, make sure they’re front and centre in your application. These badges of honour can give us – and Park Avenue Recruitment – confidence in your skills and commitment to maintaining high standards in the lab or in production.
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills:Food science is often a team sport, so weave in examples of how you've effectively collaborated with others during your studies or previous jobs. Whether it was group projects or internships, showcasing your ability to work well with others and communicate effectively can really strengthen your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Park Avenue Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Food Safety Standards
In the food science and technology field, it's crucial to understand food safety regulations and standards, such as HACCP. Make sure you're ready to discuss how you've implemented these in previous projects, even if they were part of your studies. They might ask you specific questions about handling food safely, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect some hands-on assessments or scenario-based questions during your interview with Park Avenue Recruitment. They might put you in a situation where you have to propose a food product or troubleshoot a food safety issue on the spot, so practice thinking on your feet and explaining your process clearly.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge of Current Trends
Temporary roles often require you to be up-to-date with the latest trends in food technology, like sustainability or novel processing methods. Be ready to share insights on how you can contribute to Park Avenue Recruitment's projects or products based on your knowledge of emerging trends in the sector.
✨Highlight the Learning Experience
Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your eagerness to learn and adapt quickly. Share examples of how you've swiftly picked up new skills or technologies in past experiences, whether in your studies or internships. Companies want to see that you can hit the ground running and make an impact, even in a short time!
