Head of Standards - Training and Safety

ZipRecruiter; Welwyn Garden City; On-site; GBP 58,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food service company based in Welwyn Garden City seeks a Head of Standards for Training & Safety. This strategic role involves overseeing food safety management, compliance, and training strategy while leading a team dedicated to ensuring the highest safety and quality standards in operations. Join a purpose-driven organization committed to improving public health through nutritious food experiences.

Benefits

Employee Assistance programme

Learning and Development opportunities

Onsite free parking

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in food safety, compliance, or training.
• Strong project management and strategic planning skills.
• Up-to-date knowledge in food safety and health regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Standards team focusing on food safety and training.
• Ensure compliance with food safety legislation and conduct audits.
• Support new business mobilisation and management of training programs.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Communication

Detail-oriented

Food Safety Knowledge

Education

Level 4 Advanced Food Safety

Level 3 Safeguarding Lead

IOSH/NEBOSH Certification

Level 3 Project Management

Auditing and Coaching Qualifications

Tools

LMS (e.g., Totara, SCORM)

iTrent

Power BI

MS Office

Catering Systems (e.g., Cypad)

Job description

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 .

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 HCLs 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 companys 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

Youll 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

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