At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Food Safety Team to ensure public health and food safety compliance.
- Company: Join Southwark Council, a progressive and ambitious local authority.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a supportive team environment await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: FSA recognised qualification in Food Hygiene or Environmental Health required.
The predicted salary is between 54360 - 61686 £ per year.
Southwark is a large, ambitious and progressive council with a 'can do' attitude and enviable reputation. As a Council, we are successful, passionate and forward-thinking. We are committed to our 'Fairer Futures for All' promise which ensures that our residents and businesses are central to everything we do. If you want to make a difference at a local level, apply to Southwark Council today.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage the Food Safety Team, ensuring the effective delivery of food law regulation and infectious disease control services.
- Oversee the council’s statutory duties to protect public health and ensure compliance with food safety legislation.
- Direct and support the regulation of food businesses across the borough, promoting high standards of food hygiene and safety.
- Lead investigations and responses relating to infectious disease prevention and control.
- Ensure the service delivers excellent customer care while meeting regulatory and performance standards.
- Contribute to the achievement of the council’s local priorities and public health objectives.
- Manage service delivery, resources, and performance to ensure a high-quality and efficient service.
- Maintain compliance with Food Standards Agency requirements and best practice guidance.
What We're Looking For:
You will be required to manage a complex caseload and provide expert advice and specialist knowledge to a regulatory service that is responsible for protecting the community, using relevant legislation to control and enforce in the team that is responsible for food safety and infectious disease control. You will ensure the team contributes to the maintenance and improvement of the borough’s environment and well-being through the following:
- Provide leadership and management of the officers in the team, providing direction and professional guidance.
- Effectively manage direct reports through sound performance management and monitoring regimes.
- Create and lead effective partnerships with other key agencies including the Police, HMRC, UK Border Force, London Fire Brigade, OPSS, Food Standards Agency, PCT, UK Health Security Agency to deliver a multi-partnership response to the effective delivery of environmental health and trading standards services.
- Review and monitor performance and quality of services in accordance with the requirements of the Food Law Code of Practice other relevant guidance and the council’s visions and values.
- Assist the unit manager in the strategic development and long term business planning of the business unit, division and department in line with council priorities.
- Ensure the team provides and delivers a high quality service and achieves performance against national indicators.
- Contribute positively to the strategic management of the business unit, division and department and the development of policy through individual contribution and membership of management teams.
Essential Qualifications:
One of the following essential qualifications is required: A Food Standards Agency (FSA) recognised qualification in Food Hygiene, Food Control, or Environmental Health, such as a Degree/Diploma in Environmental Health, Environmental Health Practitioner registration, Higher Certificate in Food Control/Official Control, APC in Food Hygiene & Standards Control, or an equivalent recognised qualification.
Additional Information:
- Closing Date: 01/11/2026
- Shortlisting Date: 07/11/2026
- Interview Date: 16/11/2026
- Hours of Work: Monday to Friday (36hrs per week) Flexible working pattern
- Location: 160 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2QH
- Type of Contract: Permanent
- DBS: A Standard DBS is Required for this role
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council. As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
Salary Range (Full time equivalent) £54,360 - £61,686
Team Leader - Food Safety employer: Southwark Council
Southwark Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and collaboration. As a Legal Disrepair Specialist, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while benefiting from a range of professional growth opportunities and a commitment to work-life balance in a vibrant London location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Team Leader - Food Safety
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Southwark Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Southwark Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Team Leader - Food Safety
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Southwark Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Southwark Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Southwark Council.
