Head of Food Safety

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, traveling 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 Nataha’s Law requirements. Pro-actively responds to EHO visits and improvement notices and shares 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 HACCAP annual audits across the estate. The post holder must be willing to work towards HACCAP 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 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.