Brief Summary
Our public sector client in the Midlands are looking for an experienced Food Safety Officer to join their Environmental Health team on an initial 6-month contract, with the potential for extension.
The successful candidate will be responsible for carrying out food hygiene inspections, investigating food complaints, and ensuring food businesses comply with current food safety legislation. Working as part of a busy Environmental Health team, you will play a key role in protecting public health and maintaining high food safety standards across the district.
Key Responsibilities
• Conduct programmed and reactive food hygiene inspections in accordance with the Food Law Code of Practice
• Carry out food safety audits and risk assessments across a range of food establishments
• Investigate complaints relating to food hygiene, food standards, and food businesses
• Provide advice and guidance to food business operators on legislative requirements and best practice
• Take appropriate enforcement action where necessary, including issuing notices and preparing evidence for legal proceedings
• Respond to requests for service, food incidents, and public health matters as required
• Maintain accurate inspection records and prepare detailed reports within statutory timescales
• Work collaboratively with internal departments, external agencies, and local businesses to promote food safety and public health
Required Experience
• Previous experience working as a Food Safety Officer, Environmental Health Officer, or similar food regulatory role
• Relevant qualification in Environmental Health, Food Safety, or a related discipline with eligibility to undertake food law enforcement duties
• Strong knowledge of food hygiene legislation, food safety standards, and the Food Law Code of Practice
• Experience carrying out food hygiene inspections and determining appropriate enforcement action
• Ability to manage a varied caseload and prioritise workload effectively
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to provide clear advice to businesses and members of the public
• Experience investigating complaints and gathering evidence in accordance with legal procedures
• Excellent report-writing, record-keeping, and organisational skills
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
Desirable (Optional)
• EHRB Registration or Chartered Status through CIEH
• Competency to undertake Category A-D food hygiene inspections
• Experience using Uniform, Civica, or similar Environmental Health software
• Previous experience working within a local authority Environmental Health team
• Broader Environmental Health experience, including health and safety or infectious disease control
If you are an experienced Food Safety Officer looking for your next local authority contract opportunity, we would be keen to hear from you.