Head of Food Safety and Technical

The People Co; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-growing hospitality and grocery firm in London is seeking a Head of Food Safety to lead all aspects of food safety and technical compliance. You will handle regulatory engagement, oversee quality systems, and develop a proactive safety culture. Ideal candidates have extensive experience in food safety, particularly in QSR or retail, and are passionate about sustainability. This role involves collaboration with various teams and offers the chance to significantly impact the company's operations.

Qualifications

• Senior experience in food safety or quality assurance roles.
• Deep knowledge of HACCP and food legislation.
• Lead Auditor certification or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Develop food safety and compliance standards across the business.
• Set technical policies aligned with legislation.
• Oversee regulatory compliance and audits.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety management

Regulatory compliance

Data analysis

Communication

Job description

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 QSR / retail and 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.