Senior Food Safety Officer

London Borough of Barnet; Greater London; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking a Senior Food Safety Officer to carry out food hygiene inspections, ensuring compliance with food safety legislation. The ideal candidate will have a recognised qualification in Environmental Health or Food Safety and hands-on experience in food hygiene inspections. Join a supportive team focused on safeguarding public health while receiving excellent training and development opportunities. Various employee benefits include flexible working options and lifestyle discounts.

Benefits

31 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Access to Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexitime and hybrid working options

Lifestyle discounts from major retailers

Training and development opportunities

Employee well-being programmes

Qualifications

• Recognised qualification in Environmental Health or Food Safety required.
• Hands-on experience in food hygiene inspections compulsory.
• Strong knowledge of the Food Law Code of Practice is a must.

Responsibilities

• Carry out food hygiene and standards inspections.
• Ensure compliance with food safety legislation.
• Provide expert advice to local businesses.
• Prepare reports and maintain statutory records.

Skills

Food hygiene inspections

Regulatory enforcement

Excellent communication

Report writing

Education

Environmental Health or Food Safety qualification

Job description

Senior Food Safety Officer

Barnet Council is committed to safeguarding public health through the highest standards of food safety. This permanent role offers the opportunity to make a real impact in our community.

What you’ll do

• Carry out official food hygiene and standards inspections for Category C & D premises.
• Ensure compliance with food safety legislation and the Food Law Code of Practice.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to local businesses.
• Prepare accurate reports and maintain statutory records.
• Collaborate with colleagues to identify trends and drive improvements.

What we’re looking for

• A recognised qualification in Environmental Health or Food Safety.
• Hands‑on experience in food hygiene inspections and regulatory enforcement.
• Strong knowledge of the Food Law Code of Practice.
• Excellent communication and report‑writing skills.

Why join us?

You’ll play a vital role in safeguarding public health while working in a supportive team that values expertise and innovation. This is your chance to make a difference and develop your career in a dynamic environment.

What we offer

• 31 days annual leave, plus public and bank holidays.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Work‑life balance options, including hybrid working, flexitime, job share, home working, part‑time.
• A vast range of lifestyle discounts from major retailers, supermarkets, energy suppliers and more.
• Broad range of payroll benefits including cycle‑to‑work, eye‑care vouchers, travel and gym membership.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• Employee well‑being training programmes, including confidential employee assistance.

How to apply

Read the job description and person specification before clicking ‘Apply’ to commence the online application form. If you would like any further information about the role, please contact [e-mail].

Closing date for applications: 19 January 2026.

Interviews will take place during the week commencing 2 February 2026.

E‑quality and diversity

Barnet Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Barnet operates stringent safer recruitment procedures, including AI detection screening, biometric ID/right‑to‑work checks, qualification and registration checks, up to 6 years of employment data, references, DBS checks, credit checks and social media screening.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are a Disability Confident, Committed Employer and will make reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants and those with health conditions throughout the recruitment process.

All posts are subject to a probationary period of six months, during which you will be required to demonstrate suitability for the position.

Due to the high number of applications, we may close vacancies before the stated closing date if sufficient numbers of applications are received. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible.

Please regularly check the email account (including junk mail) you used to submit your application, as any correspondence will be sent electronically. If you do not hear from us within four working weeks of the closing date, unfortunately you have not been shortlisted.