Principal Officer (Food & Safety)

Cannock Chase Council; Cannock; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Cannock is seeking a Principal Officer (Food & Safety) to lead food and safety teams. The role requires a degree in environmental health and significant experience in the field. Responsibilities include managing teams in Cannock Chase District and Stafford Borough, shaping environmental health services, and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. The position offers competitive benefits, including flexitime and hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Flexitime Scheme allowing upto 18 days extra leave p.a.

26 days annual leave and 31 days after 5 years continuous service

Hybrid Working Arrangements

Essential Car User Allowance and Free Parking

Local Government Pension Scheme

Payment of one professional fee per annum

Discounted Council Leisure Centre Membership

Cycle Scheme

Opportunities for ongoing training & professional development

Qualifications

• Significant experience in food and safety to lead officer level.
• Previous experience of managing a team, devising and implementing projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage food and safety teams in Cannock Chase District and Stafford Borough.
• Play a key role in shaping delivery of Environmental Health services.

Skills

Good communication and presentation skills

Ability to organise and prioritise

Assertiveness and ability to work under pressure

Investigative and research skills

Education

Degree / MSc / Diploma in Environmental Health

EHRB Registration or equivalent

Level 3 Supervisory Management qualification or equivalent vocational experience

Job description

Principal Officer (Food & Safety)

Grade J: £45,091 - £49,282 per annum

Post Number: CE279

Permanent – 37 Hours per week

Benefits to you:

• Flexitime Scheme allowing upto 18 days extra leave p.a.
• 26 days annual leave and 31 days after 5 years continuous service
• Hybrid Working Arrangements
• Essential Car User Allowance and Free Parking
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Payment of one professional fee per annum
• Discounted Council Leisure Centre Membership
• Cycle Scheme
• Opportunities for ongoing training & professional development

We are seeking a highly motivated, inspirational team leader to join us in taking forward our Environmental Health service in both Cannock Chase District and Stafford Borough.

You will be responsible for leading and managing our food and safety teams in both authorities delivering food safety and occupational health and safety regulation. Working within a team of four Principal Officers, you will play a key role in shaping delivery of our Environmental Health services.

If you are an established team leader ready for a new challenge, or an experienced EHO interested in taking your first steps into management, we want to hear from you.

Essential requirements for this role include:

• A Degree / MSc / Diploma in Environmental Health
• EHRB Registration or equivalent
• Significant experience in food and safety and food competency to lead officer level (or ability to gain this within six months of appointment)
• Good communication and presentation skills
• Ability to organise and prioritise
• Assertiveness and ability to work under pressure
• Investigative and research skills

Previous experience of managing a team, devising and implementing projects and a Level 3 Supervisory Management qualification or equivalent vocational experience is desirable.

Contact

For an informal discussion, please contact David Prosser-Davies (Food, Safety & Licensing Manager) on 01543 464202 or e-mail [e-mail], or Chris Butcher (Housing Standards & Environmental Protection Manager) on 01785 619376 or e-mail [e-mail].

To apply for this vacancy online please go to https://cannock.engageats.co.uk/V2/Login.

Alternatively, please telephone [phone] or write to HR Services, Cannock Chase Council, Civic Centre, Beecroft Road, Cannock, Staffordshire, WS11 1BG or e-mail [e-mail] quoting post number CE279.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Sunday 11th January 2026.

THE COUNCIL IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER