Head of Standards - Training and Safety

Hertfordshire Catering Limited; Welwyn Garden City; On-site; GBP 58,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Hertfordshire Catering Limited seeks a Head of Standards to oversee training and safety for a growing catering business. This role will lead the Standards team, ensuring compliance with food safety legislation while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and development.

Benefits

Monday - Friday 37hpw working schedule

Employee Assistance programme

Learning and Development opportunities

Onsite free parking

Qualifications

• Proven experience in training, compliance, or safety in food service.
• Strong strategic planning and project management capabilities.
• Technical knowledge in food safety and legislation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Standards team focusing on training and safety management.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and health legislation.
• Manage learning and development programs including LMS.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Communication

Organizational Skills

Technical Knowledge in Food Safety

Education

Level 4 Advanced Food Safety

Level 3 Safeguarding Lead

IOSH/NEBOSH

Level 3 Project Management

Level 3 Auditing

Level 3 Coaching

Tools

LMS (Totara, SCORM)

iTrent

Power BI

MS Office

Job description

Head of Standards - Training & Safety - Welwyn Garden & City

Salary range £58,691 - £62,006 per Annum depending on experience

About HCL

HCL is a leading contract caterer, proudly delivering nutritious and engaging food experiences across primary and secondary schools and commercial sites. As we grow our presence across London and the South East, we are seeking a strategic and hands-on Head of Standards to lead on food safety, health & safety, training, and organisational development.

The Role

As a senior leader within our Operational Leadership Team, you will be responsible for setting and maintaining the highest standards in safety, training, and compliance. This includes overseeing our Food Safety Management System (FSMS), managing mobilisation for new contracts, and driving a culture of continuous improvement.

Due to the nature of our business, it is highly desirable to have experience within training, technical or food safety teams within food manufacturers, foodservice or catering operators. A sound level of knowledge of key food manufacturing risks especially in allergy management, is preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Standards team: Training & Mobilisation Manager, Health & Safety Manager, and Learning Manager.
• Oversee development and execution of training and standards strategy aligned with HCL’s 5-year Business Plan.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety and health & safety legislation, audits, and accreditation standards.
• Support mobilisation of new business, including TUPE processes and contract handovers.
• Oversee learning and development, including LMS management, induction programmes, and apprenticeship schemes.
• Act as the company’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.

About You

• Proven leadership in training, compliance, or safety roles within hospitality, education catering, or food service.
• Strong project management and strategic planning skills.
• Confident communicator and influencer at senior level.
• Highly organised, detail-focused, and resilient under pressure.
• Up-to-date technical knowledge in food safety, H&S, safeguarding, and audit requirements.
• Confident in LMS (e.g., Totara, SCORM), iTrent, Power BI, MS Office, and catering systems (e.g., Cypad).

Essential Qualifications

• Level 4 Advanced Food Safety
• Level 3 Safeguarding Lead
• IOSH/NEBOSH
• Level 3 Project Management, Auditing, and Coaching
• Experience with LMS platforms and data reporting (e.g., Totara, iTrent, Power BI)

Why Join HCL?

• Monday - Friday 37hpw working schedule
• Employee Assistance programme
• Learning and Development opportunities
• Onsite free parking

You’ll be part of a purpose-driven organisation focused on delivering excellent food and service for children and communities. This role offers the chance to shape standards across a growing business while supporting people development and public health.

Join HCL today