At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead food safety standards across Scottish Prison Service and ensure compliance with legislation.
- Company: Join the Health and Safety team at the Scottish Prison Service.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, attractive pension, personal development, and discounts at various retailers.
- Other info: Enjoy 37 days annual leave, rising to 42 days, and excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food safety and wellbeing in a unique environment.
- Qualifications: Higher Certificate in Food Practice and extensive knowledge of health and hygiene legislation.
The predicted salary is between 54398 - 58065 £ per year.
A new opportunity has arisen for a manager to become part of the Health and Safety team, in Operations Directorate, based at HQ on a permanent basis. The post holder will report directly to the G Band Head of Health and Safety and will have no direct line management responsibility. The Head of Food Safety post is identified as a permanent non-operational post. Due to current SPS and Scottish Government (SG) guidance, the post holder will be expected to adopt hybrid working practices, which will be required to work remotely, travelling to all sites across the SPS when required, for audit, support or contingency and planned Environmental Health Officers visits.
Working as a key member of the Health and Fire Safety team in Operations Directorate, the Head of Food Safety will be responsible for ensuring the strategic leadership, governance, and assurance of food safety standards across all Scottish Prison Service (SPS) establishments/SPSC. This role will involve the updating and reviewing of the SPS food safety manual with relevant HACCP system requirements and provisions, in line with legislative requirements. Ensure compliance with UK Food Safety Legislation in prison catering operations and safeguarding the health and wellbeing of prisoners and staff.
Proactively work with stakeholders to ensure we are offering the most nutritious, value for money food options, in line with the government buying standards. Work towards standardised recipe development that meets nutritional needs, religious, specialist and health care needs/diets, for the two seasonal changes. Ensure all sites are using the allergen software product to meet Natasha’s Law requirements. Pro-actively respond to EHO visits and improvement notices and share best practice across the SPS estate and wider stakeholders and be able to demonstrate flexibility to adapt.
Work with PPDS and Estates in any new kitchen design or new build to support the catering facility layout and equipment, including business cases for replacement equipment. During loss of services/contingency meal provisions, the Head of Food Safety will support any establishment either virtually or on site, depending on the impact of the loss of service/contingency. The Head of Food Safety will be responsible for HACCP annual audits across the estate. The post holder must be willing to work towards HACCP Level 4, if not already within the first 12 months of taking up the post. The post holder will also be expected to hold the Health and Safety NEBOSH (level) General Certificate and NEBOSH Fire Certificate or be willing to work towards.
If you have the following, we would like to hear from you:
- Higher Certificate in Food Practice and Diploma in Advanced Food Hygiene (essential)
- Level 4 Award in Managing Food Safety in Catering or equivalent (Essential)
- Extensive knowledge of the relevant, current Health and Hygiene legislation and HACCP System provisions and requirements (including allergens).
- Extensive knowledge and experience in catering management, in an operational environment and proven experience in policy development and strategic planning.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills (internal and external).
- Knowledge of nutritional standards and special dietary requirements (religious, medical, allergen) and the application of the catering audit tools.
- Experience of data analysis, and development of systems coupled with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office packages (particularly Excel).
Some of the benefits you can enjoy in this role are:
- This role lends itself to Hybrid working, in line with policy. While the main office location will be HQ there may be some travel to establishments to aid in the understanding of the operational issues.
- Attractive Pension (Civil Service)
- Commitment to your personal and professional development
- Free gym and car parking
- Discounts at high street stores, supermarkets and restaurants through our partners at Blue Light Card, Edenred and Civil Service Sports Council.
- Sick Pay
- Annual Leave - 37 days rising to 42 days
For information on the job, including full job description and person specification, and to apply for these vacancies please visit the Scottish Prison Service website. We are committed to your personal and professional development and offer a wide range of career progression opportunities. Closing date: 19 May 2026.
Head of Food Safety in Edinburgh employer: Scottishprisonservice
The Scottish Prison Service is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises personal and professional development. With hybrid working options, generous annual leave, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, including access to discounts and a strong pension scheme, this role as Head of Food Safety provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on food safety standards while enjoying a balanced work-life environment in Edinburgh.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Food Safety in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the food safety and health sectors, especially those connected to the Scottish Prison Service. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that job descriptions just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of HACCP and UK Food Safety Legislation. We want you to be ready to showcase your expertise and how it aligns with the role of Head of Food Safety.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your stakeholder engagement skills! This role is all about collaboration, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked with others in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re committed to your personal and professional development, so you’ll be in good hands.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Food Safety in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in food safety and catering management. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements of the Head of Food Safety role.
Showcase Your Knowledge:Demonstrate your understanding of UK Food Safety Legislation and HACCP systems in your application. We’re looking for candidates who can clearly articulate their expertise in these areas, so don’t hold back!
Engage with Stakeholders:Mention any past experiences where you’ve successfully engaged with stakeholders. This role involves a lot of collaboration, so we’d love to see examples of how you’ve worked with others to achieve common goals.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through the Scottish Prison Service website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottishprisonservice
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest UK Food Safety Legislation and HACCP system requirements. Being able to discuss these in detail will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you’re ready to lead food safety initiatives.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've engaged with stakeholders in the past. Whether it’s working with suppliers or collaborating with internal teams, demonstrating your ability to build relationships will be key in this role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific situations, like responding to an EHO visit or managing a contingency meal provision. Think through potential scenarios and have your strategies ready to share.
✨Highlight Your Continuous Learning
Since the role requires ongoing professional development, be prepared to discuss any relevant courses or certifications you’re pursuing, like the NEBOSH General Certificate. This shows your commitment to staying updated in the field.
