Senior Assurance Auditor

Would you like an opportunity to play a key role in the audit of food and feed law delivery by Food Standards Scotland and all of Scotland's Local Authorities? Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has a small Audit and Assurance team responsible for providing assurance that the delivery of controls for food and feed in Scotland meets legal requirements and official guidance. This function is delivered through a risk-based audit programme by a small team of auditors. This role is as one of these auditors, developing, undertaking and auditing activities, including onsite visits with the aim of providing assurance on the standard of delivery of food and feed law enforcement services by Local Authorities and FSS. The role is broad and involves engagement and collaboration with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders and operational partners. This post is offered on a part-time basis (17.5 hours per week).

Responsibilities

• Meet legislative requirements for auditing and monitoring the delivery of official controls by Local Authorities and FSS.
• Examine and assess FSS and Local Authority food and feed law enforcement arrangements by undertaking assurance audits of their service delivery in accordance with relevant procedures, milestones and timelines, and by analysing performance monitoring data, acting as Lead Auditor for some audits.
• Prepare audit reports on the outcome of audits and make recommendations, take appropriate follow-up action to support FSS and Local Authorities in their implementation of timely and effective measures to address identified problems, and liaising with internal colleagues and external officials, as necessary, on the outcome of audits.
• Contribute to policy and strategy development on audit and monitoring of FSS and Local Authority food and feed law enforcement activity including analysis of information and add to the wider contributions to inform FSS enforcement related policy issues and the function and implementation of these.
• Keep up to date with key developments relevant to FSS strategic objectives, and be able to present relevant FSS policy at senior level meetings and events.
• Represent FSS at external meetings and presentations.

Qualifications

• Environmental Health Officer or Food Safety Officer with an appropriate qualification recognised by REHIS/EHRB, and Lead Auditor qualification (e.g. UKAS ISO courses, or IRCA certified training programmes for Lead Auditor roles).

Success profile

Success profiles are specific to each job and include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.

Technical / Professional Skills

• Connections and communication. Build and use relationships and networks to share insights and learning about issues affecting service and delivery effectiveness. Apply best practices for diffusing hostility, managing conflict, and supporting colleagues when incidents occur. Communicate key issues and messages in an open, simple, and accessible way to stakeholders.
• Data and insight. Source and analyse data and insights to inform options and decisions. Lead the development of metrics, KPIs and dashboards to assess performance and improvements to services and operational delivery. Manage, support and engage positively with inspections and audits to gather data and evidence, and shape and act upon findings and recommendations.

Experience

Comprehensive and practical understanding of the legislation and official guidance relating to food law, and the regulatory systems for delivering official controls with direct experience of working in food law delivery within a Local Authority.

Behaviours

Working together - Level 3. Making effective decisions - Level 3.

How to apply

Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1000 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience, and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified applications will be withdrawn.

If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation. Assessments are scheduled for week commencing 23 February 2026, however this may be subject to change.

About Us

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) was established by the Food (Scotland) Act 2015 as a non-ministerial office, part of the Scottish Administration, alongside, but separate from, the Scottish Government. Our primary concern is consumer protection – making sure that the food is safe to eat, ensuring consumers know what they are eating and improving nutrition. FSS has a wide and diverse remit covering all aspects of the food chain which can impact on public health – aiming to protect consumers from food safety risks and promote healthy eating. Our mission is to be Scotland’s leading authority on food safety, standards and healthy eating; using data and evidence to provide assurance and advice that inspires consumer confidence and improves public health. Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits.

Working pattern

Our standard working hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the post. This role is hybrid compatible. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us. FSS employees currently work in a hybrid fashion. FSS’s Head Office is based in Pilgrim House in Aberdeen, and travel to meetings at this office would be expected on occasion. We do invite applications from outside this area, and there would be opportunities to work from an alternative Scottish Government building.

Security checks

Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).

Equality statement

We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.

Further information

Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.

Apply before

8 February 2026 (23:59)