Food safety manager

First Group UK; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading rail company is seeking a Food Safety Assurance Manager to oversee food safety across their catering operations. The ideal candidate will have experience in the food safety sector and strong auditing skills. This flexible role involves managing safety compliance, conducting audits, and implementing improvements across various locations on the GWR route. Travel passes will be provided for the GWR network, and a collaborative mindset is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in the food safety sector, with auditing skills a strong advantage.
• Proven track record of implementing improvements and driving change.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.

Responsibilities

• Oversee food, water, and catering safety across GWR.
• Review and update policies, procedures, and processes.
• Audit trains, crews, service centres, depots, lounges, and suppliers.

Skills

Food safety experience

Auditing skills

Communication skills

Job description

Who are we?

GWR is the proud custodian of Brunel's railway - one of the most prestigious in the world. We have some of the newest trains in the country and exciting plans to extend our services. With more than one hundred million passenger journeys each year, we carry people to over 280 stations in the Southwest, from Cornwall and South Wales to London, passing through beautiful country and some of the UK's top tourist destinations.

We are transforming the way people think about train travel, empowering our team of over 6,500 people from diverse backgrounds to make it a great experience for our customers. Together, we will revalue rail as a very special way to travel.

About the team:

Joinour Catering HQ team of eight managers, working together to enhance the GWR catering experience for our crews and customers. We focus on delivering safe, high-quality food and beverage offerings, reducing defects, and ensuring every customer journey is exceptional.

The role:

As aFood Safety Assurance Manager, you'll be responsible for overseeing GWR's food and water safety, ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation. This varied and evolving role combines day-to-day management with long-term strategic planning. You'll maintain and implement the IMS food safety policy, deliver training, conduct audits, and drive improvements across our catering operations.

Your main responsibilities will be:

Oversee food, water, and catering safety across GWR.

• Review and update policies, procedures, and processes.
• Audit trains, crews, service centres, depots, lounges, and suppliers.
• Ensure audit actions are completed and standards maintained.
• Deliver engaging briefings and training to teams.
• Drive improvements in line with legislation.
• Conduct risk assessments and promote safe working practices.
• Lead allergen management and compliance initiatives.
• Support new menu launches, assessing and implementing food safety measures.
• Chair working groups and oversee contract management and pest control.

What we're looking for:

We're looking for a passionatefood safety professional who can take ownership of safety across our catering operations. The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience in the food safety sector, with auditing skills a strong advantage.
• A proven track record of implementing improvements and driving change.
• Some experience in safety or risk assessments (desirable, but not essential).
• Flexibility, adaptability, and a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for reports, briefs, and training.
• The ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and thrive in a fast-moving, dynamic environment.
• Confidence engaging with both internal teams and external stakeholders.

Where is the job?

The role location is flexible and can be based anywhere on the GWR route. The role will include 3-4 days a week out and about auditing the trains, crews, service centres, lounges and external suppliers so a good link to central London is preferred as the locations range from Paddington station, Bristol, Plymouth and into Wales and you will receive travel passes for the whole of the GWR network.

What else do I need to know?

The role is 37 hours per week and some weekends and overnights may be required so a 5 out of 7 working pattern

INGWR