Food safety manager

FirstGroup Internal; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK transportation company is seeking a Food Safety Assurance Manager to ensure compliance with food and water safety regulations across their catering operations. You will oversee audits, develop policies, and deliver training to teams. The ideal candidate has experience in food safety, strong auditing skills, and excellent communication abilities. This position requires flexibility with some weekends and overnight work, offering a dynamic work environment.

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.
• Review and update policies and procedures.
• Audit trains, crews, and suppliers.

Skills

Food safety experience

Auditing skills

Excellent communication

Risk assessments

Job description

Overview

Grade: MS

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.

The team

Join our 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 a Food 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

• 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.

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.

For further information please contact

Sarah Creaser - Catering operations manager s [e-mail]

For more information regarding the application process

Recruitment Team [e-mail]

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We all belong at GWR. This is our vision for providing an inclusive environment for all our colleagues, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment. We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA, ethnicity, religion and disability. We maintain zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent. We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive. We review all roles and job descriptions to ensure they are accessible and, where possible, we support and provide flexible working options; we recommend that you refer to each vacancy description for further details. If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below. We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.
https://exceptionalindividuals.com/neurodiversity/
https://www.healthassured.org/blog/neurodiversity/