Principle Food Safety Officer

Fox Morris Group Ltd; Romford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority is seeking a skilled Public Protection Officer (Food Safety & Hygiene) to join their Environmental Health team. This role involves conducting inspections, investigating complaints, and ensuring food businesses comply with safety standards. Candidates should have experience in food safety enforcement and hold a relevant degree or diploma. The position offers a supportive environment with opportunities for professional development and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Ongoing training opportunities

Qualifications

• Manage an enforcement caseload in food safety.
• Understand food safety legislation and enforcement procedures.
• Communicate effectively and influence compliance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct food hygiene inspections and regulatory interventions.
• Investigate food-related incidents and complaints.
• Provide guidance to food business operators.

Skills

Experience managing an enforcement caseload within food safety

Knowledge of food safety legislation

Excellent communication skills

Strong partnership working skills

Confidence in preparing reports

Good IT skills

Flexibility to work outside normal hours

Full driving licence

Education

Degree or diploma in Environmental Health

Membership or registration with Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Mobile working tools

Job description

Public Protection Officer (Food Safety & Hygiene)

Contract: Full-time, 36 hours per week

Location: London

About the Role

We are seeking an enthusiastic and skilled Public Protection Officer (Food Safety & Hygiene) to join our Environmental Health team within a local authority. This is an excellent opportunity to play a vital role in safeguarding public health and supporting local businesses through effective regulation, advice and enforcement.

As part of the Public Protection Service, you'll carry out food hygiene inspections, respond to service requests, and support projects that ensure local food businesses meet the highest standards of safety and compliance. You'll also work with other teams to promote good practice and respond to incidents swiftly and professionally.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake programmed food hygiene inspections, sampling, and other regulatory interventions in line with statutory requirements.
• Investigate complaints, food poisoning allegations and food-related incidents.
• Take appropriate enforcement action where necessary to ensure compliance with food safety legislation.
• Provide advice and guidance to food business operators to help them understand and meet their legal obligations.
• Support project work to improve food standards, public health outcomes, and local business compliance.
• Liaise with residents, businesses, elected members, and partner organisations to promote public protection and awareness.
• Keep accurate records and contribute to performance monitoring, reporting and service development.

About You

• Experience managing an enforcement caseload within food safety, hygiene, or environmental health.
• Knowledge of food safety legislation, enforcement procedures and codes of practice.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence compliance positively.
• Strong partnership working skills and experience engaging with a variety of stakeholders.
• Confidence in preparing reports, notices and case files for legal proceedings when necessary.
• Good IT skills, including experience with mobile working tools and Microsoft Office applications.
• Flexibility to work outside normal office hours when required.
• A full driving licence.

A degree or diploma in Environmental Health (or equivalent qualification) is essential. Membership or registration with the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) is desirable.

Why Join Us?

• Play a key role in protecting public health and supporting local food businesses.
• Work in a supportive and collaborative environment that values professional development.
• Be part of a service committed to continuous improvement, innovation and community wellbeing.
• Benefit from flexible working arrangements and ongoing training opportunities.

Additional Information

• You may be required to work evenings or weekends as part of planned inspection or enforcement work.
• The postholder must comply with all Health and Safety and Data Protection requirements.
• The role may involve working across multiple sites within the borough.