Hygiene Manager - Ready Meals Factory

Prep Kitchen; Gravesend; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading meal prep company in Gravesend is looking for an experienced Hygiene Manager. Responsibilities include leading the hygiene team, ensuring compliance with food safety standards, and driving continuous improvements. Ideal candidates have experience in hygiene management within food production and excellent leadership skills. The role offers a competitive salary between £40,000 and £42,000.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a hygiene management role within food manufacturing.
• Experience in a compliance-driven environment (SALSA or BRC).
• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining high standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the hygiene team across production areas.
• Ensure compliance with food safety legislation and standards.
• Conduct regular hygiene audits and inspections.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

HACCP knowledge

COSHH knowledge

Job description

About Us

Prep Kitchen is the fastest-growing meal prep company in the UK, ranked #27 in The Sunday Times Hundred 2024 and 2025, a list of the nation’s 100 fastest-growing private companies. We provide convenient, healthy, and delicious meals to customers across the country. With a focus on high-quality ingredients, varied menu options, and exceptional customer service, Prep Kitchen has established itself as a trusted brand in the market.

Job Overview/Summary

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Hygiene Manager to join our team in a high-volume ready meals production environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the hygiene team, ensuring compliance with food safety standards, and driving continuous improvements in hygiene practices across the site. This role reports directly to the Technical Manager and the Head of Operations.

Competitive salary of £40,000 – £42,000 (DOE).

Main Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the hygiene team to deliver high standards of cleanliness across production, high-care, low-care, and ancillary areas.
• Ensure compliance with food safety legislation, BRC, HACCP and customer standards.
• Develop and maintain cleaning schedules and records to meet audit requirements.
• Conduct regular hygiene audits, inspections and risk assessments, ensuring corrective actions are implemented.
• Train, coach and develop hygiene team members to achieve best practices.
• Manage chemical usage and stock levels in line with COSHH regulations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve hygiene standards and operational efficiency.
• Work closely with the Technical and Production teams to support business objectives.
• Report regularly to the Technical Manager and the Head of Operations on hygiene performance, audits and improvement actions

Skills & Experience

• Previous experience in a hygiene management role within the food manufacturing sector (ready meals or chilled environment preferred).
• Experience of working within a compliance and standards driven environment (SALSA or BRC and minimum HACCP Level 2)
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and maintain high standards.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• COSHH knowledge and experience of chemical handling.
• Flexibility to work a 48 hour week, including variable/flexible working times as required.