Principal Officer (Food & Safety)

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

Job summary

A local government authority in Cannock is looking for a Principal Officer (Food & Safety) to lead their Environmental Health service. You will be responsible for managing food and safety teams, ensuring compliance with regulations, and shaping the delivery of services. Ideal candidates will possess a Degree in Environmental Health and relevant experience. The position offers benefits like flexitime, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Flexitime Scheme

26 days annual leave

Hybrid Working Arrangements

Essential Car User Allowance

Local Government Pension Scheme

Professional fee payment

Discounted Leisure Centre Membership

Cycle Scheme

Ongoing training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Significant experience in food and safety and food competency to lead officer level.
• Previous experience of managing a team is desirable.
• A Level 3 Supervisory Management qualification or equivalent vocational experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage food and safety teams delivering food safety regulations.
• Shape delivery of Environmental Health services.
• Devise and implement projects.

Skills

Good communication and presentation skills

Ability to organise and prioritise

Assertiveness

Investigative and research skills

Education

A Degree / MSc / Diploma in Environmental Health

EHRB Registration or equivalent

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.

If you want to be part of our team, and feel you have the experience and skills we are looking for, then for an informal discussion, please contact David Prosser-Davies (Food, Safety & Licensing Manager) on 01543 464202 or email [e-mail] or Chris Butcher (Housing Standards & Environmental Protection Manager) on 01785 619376 or email [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