Head Of Food Safety And Technical

Description:

The People Co. is partnering with a fast-growing hospitality and grocery company that is revolutionizing fast food with a purpose-driven, health-conscious, and sustainability-focused approach. Their presence spans across the UK and Europe with operations in both restaurant and grocery sectors. This company prides itself on its inclusive and energetic culture rooted in innovation, wellbeing, and continuous improvement.

As the Head of Food Safety and Technical, you will spearhead all strategic and operational initiatives related to food safety, technical compliance, and quality assurance. Your role will directly impact how the business maintains safety standards across its extensive operations, ensuring that every step from supplier onboarding to final product delivery is aligned with regulatory standards and best practices.

You will collaborate with cross-functional departments such as NPD (New Product Development), Operations, and external regulatory agencies to embed a strong food safety culture. You'll be the primary point of contact for all audits, legal matters related to food safety, and compliance programs across the restaurant and grocery platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and execution of food safety, quality assurance, and compliance frameworks

• Establish technical policies that are adaptable and legally compliant with both UK and EU food laws

• Serve as the main liaison for regulatory authorities, auditors, and legal matters in food safety

• Oversee in-store hygiene, pest control, health & safety, and allergen handling programs

• Lead and expand the internal/external audit process and drive improvement through data analysis

• Collaborate with NPD and Operations to ensure new products are safe, compliant, and viable operationally

• Manage the entire supplier technical process – from approval to performance evaluations

• Ensure that product specifications, packaging, and labelling meet safety and marketing compliance

• Govern technical oversight for grocery range, including packaging and legal retail claims

• Build and mentor a highly capable, motivated technical and food safety team

Candidate Profile:

• Previous leadership in food safety, technical compliance, or quality assurance

• Experience in food manufacturing, grocery retail, or food service sectors

• Certified in HACCP and trained as a Lead Auditor

• Familiar with legal requirements, sourcing standards, allergen controls, and food technology systems

• Capable of managing audits, specifications, supplier evaluations, and safety training

• Adept at using data and technology to make informed operational decisions

• Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with effective communication and influencing abilities

• Passion for sustainability, innovation, and delivering high-quality food experiences

• Flexibility for travel across the UK and Europe