At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead food safety and compliance across restaurants and grocery channels.
- Company: Join a fast-growing, purpose-driven hospitality and grocery business focused on sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a vibrant culture that values integrity, quality, and continuous improvement.
- Other info: Willingness to travel across the UK and Europe is essential.
- Why this job: Shape the future of food safety while making a positive impact on people and the planet.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior food safety roles with knowledge of HACCP and quality management systems required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The Company
This is your opportunity to join a purpose-driven, fast-growing hospitality and grocery business that’s redefining how people experience fast food. With a commitment to sustainability, wellbeing, and innovation, this company serves food that’s both good for people and kinder to the planet. Their restaurant and grocery operations span the UK and Europe, with an inclusive, energetic culture that values integrity, quality, and continuous improvement.
The Role
As Head of Food Safety, you will lead on all aspects of food safety and technical compliance across both restaurant and grocery channels. You’ll be at the forefront of shaping the company’s safety strategy, overseeing quality systems, supplier relationships, and regulatory engagement. Working closely with internal teams and external partners, you’ll ensure that every product and process meets high standards while supporting a proactive culture of safety, learning, and excellence.
Key Accountabilities
- Develop and implement food safety, quality, and compliance standards across the business.
- Set technical policies that are robust, scalable, and aligned with evolving legislation and industry best practices.
- Act as primary contact for regulatory bodies, auditors, and food safety legal matters.
- Oversee restaurant-level hygiene, health & safety, pest control, and allergen management.
- Lead the internal and external audit programme; drive accountability through data and action plans.
- Collaborate with NPD and Ops to ensure safe and operationally sound product launches.
- Lead supplier approval, onboarding, compliance monitoring, and technical performance reviews.
- Own specification accuracy across all products — ensuring safety, labelling, and claims compliance.
- Govern technical aspects of the grocery range, including packaging, legal claims, and retailer standards.
- Support and develop a high-performing, motivated technical team.
Person Profile
- Previous experience in a senior food safety, technical, or quality assurance role.
- Background in food service, retail, or manufacturing.
- Deep knowledge of HACCP, QMS, allergen management, legislation, and sourcing standards.
- Lead Auditor certified (or equivalent) with practical auditing experience.
- Proven team leadership and coaching skills.
- Excellent communication and cross-functional influencing ability.
- Confident using data and reporting systems to drive decisions.
- Passionate about food, innovation, and sustainability.
- Willingness to travel in the UK and Europe as needed.
REF: PR/013085
To apply, please e-mail in strict confidence, with a comprehensive CV, including salary details, quoting the above reference and for the attention of liane.stockman@thepeopleco.com. Due to a high volume of responses, we cannot reply to each application individually. If you have not had a response within one week, we are sorry to say your application has not been successful on this occasion.
Head of Food Safety and Technical (City of London) employer: The People Co
Contact Detail:
The People Co Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Food Safety and Technical (City of London)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the food safety and technical compliance sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with key players and learn about the latest trends and challenges in food safety.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company’s current food safety practices and sustainability initiatives. This will not only help you understand their values but also allow you to tailor your discussions during interviews to align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your previous roles that demonstrate your expertise in HACCP, QMS, and allergen management. Highlight how you've successfully led teams and improved compliance standards in past positions.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest legislation and industry best practices related to food safety. Being knowledgeable about current regulations will show your commitment to excellence and proactive approach in the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Food Safety and Technical (City of London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in food safety, technical compliance, and quality assurance. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you meet the specific requirements of the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food safety and sustainability. Explain why you are interested in this particular company and how your background aligns with their mission and values.
Highlight Relevant Certifications: Include any certifications such as Lead Auditor or equivalent in your application. This will strengthen your profile and show that you have the necessary qualifications for the role.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you follow the application instructions precisely. Email your CV and include salary details while quoting the reference number. Attention to detail is crucial, so double-check everything before sending.
How to prepare for a job interview at The People Co
✨Showcase Your Expertise in Food Safety
Make sure to highlight your previous experience in food safety and technical roles. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've developed and implemented food safety standards, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead in this area.
✨Understand the Company's Values
Familiarise yourself with the company's commitment to sustainability and innovation. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs, and share ideas on how you can contribute to their mission of redefining fast food.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to HACCP, QMS, and allergen management. Brush up on relevant legislation and best practices, as well as your auditing experience, to confidently answer any technical queries that may arise.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in leading teams and driving accountability. Share examples of how you've motivated a team towards achieving high standards in food safety and compliance, as this role requires strong leadership capabilities.