Food Safety Auditors & Lead Auditors (Freelance)

At Intertek, we are seeking experienced Food Safety Auditors and Lead Auditors to support the Supplier Assurance Program of a major UK & international grocery retailer.

In this subcontractor role, you will perform 2nd party audits on the retailer's suppliers, ensuring compliance with the retailer's food safety standards, HACCP principles, and UK/EU regulatory requirements.

🚀 Your mission

• Conduct 2nd party food safety audits of the retailer's suppliers, as scheduled and coordinated by Intertek, following established audit frameworks and protocols
• Evaluate supplier compliance against the retailer's Food Safety Standards, HACCP principles, legal regulations, and supplier-specific requirements
• Identify and document potential food safety risks, non-conformities, and areas for corrective improvement
• Prepare detailed, clear, and actionable audit reports for client and Intertek review, including evidence such as photographs and records
• Work collaboratively with Intertek audit management and the retailer's Supplier Assurance teams to support follow‑up corrective actions and supplier continuous improvement
• Maintain confidentiality and neutrality while adhering to client and Intertek guidelines for 2nd party auditing
• Ensure auditing activities conform to health & safety policies and scheduling requirements
• Manage audit schedules effectively and travel as needed within the assigned geographic scope

Requirements

🎯 What we are looking for

• Degree or relevant experience in a food‑related or bioscience discipline, or equivalent higher education plus practical experience
• VAT number and willingness to work on a freelance basis
• Minimum 5 years post‑qualification experience in the food industry
• HACCP qualified to a minimum of Level 3
• Experience auditing across three or more food categories
• Certified food safety auditor credentials and supplier auditing experience preferred
• Proven track record conducting 2nd party or supplier audits, ideally within retail food supply chains
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, food safety legislation (UK/EU), and retailer‑specific food safety requirements
• Excellent report writing, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Proficient with digital audit reporting tools and remote auditing technologies
• Desirable: Lead Auditor qualification (IRCA or equivalent)

🌍 Reporting & contract

• Reports directly to Intertek audit coordination teams with a dashed reporting line to the retailer's Food Safety Compliance function
• Subcontractor role with flexible hours based on audit volume and scheduling managed via Intertek
• Represent the client's values and standards professionally while working through Intertek's auditing platform

Benefits

💡 What we offer

• Opportunity to work with a leading grocery retailer, supporting supplier food safety excellence
• Work within a recognized auditing framework via Intertek, benefiting from established systems and support
• Flexible subcontracting with exposure to diverse supplier operations across the retailer's supply chain
• Access to Intertek and client resources, guidance, and training related to auditing and food safety standards

👉 If you're passionate about food safety, auditing, and driving supplier excellence, apply now to join our supplier assurance network.