Location
160 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2QH

Hours
Monday to Friday, 36 hours per week, flexible working pattern

Salary
£49,155 per annum

About the Role
Following movement in the team, an exciting opportunity has arisen for a full-time and permanent Food Safety Officer. As a knowledgeable and enthusiastic field officer, you will be an important part of a very busy team responsible for regulating food business undertakings across the borough and delivering appropriate infectious disease control functions. The role involves providing expert advice, guidance and support to both new and existing food businesses, enforcing a variety of food legislation, and taking prosecutions to secure high standards of food hygiene and food law compliance.

Southwark Council is a large, ambitious and progressive organisation with a ‘can do’ attitude and an enviable reputation. We are successful, passionate and forward-thinking, committed to our ‘Fairer Futures for All’ promise which ensures residents and businesses are central to everything we do.

In this role, you will regulate food business undertakings across the borough, deliver infectious disease control functions, conduct inspections, investigations and interventions in accordance with relevant food legislation, enforce a wide range of food safety and food standards regulations, investigate complaints and food-related issues, prepare legal documentation and undertake prosecutions where necessary. You will work closely with businesses, partners and stakeholders to promote high standards of food hygiene and safety and contribute to a busy, supportive team committed to protecting consumers and maintaining public confidence in local food businesses.

We offer a supportive, challenging and rewarding environment with family-friendly policies including flexible and home working options, a local government pension scheme, and many other staff benefits. You will join a motivated and driven team that strives for excellence and values its members, making a real difference to the lives of residents in the borough.

Experience
- Proven experience carrying out a full range of food safety, food hygiene and food standards enforcement activities.
- Strong knowledge of food safety principles and food law regulation.
- Experience in preparing legal documents, reports and case files to a high standard.
- Proven track record of delivering high-quality regulatory work.

About you
- Ambitious, motivated and proactive with a results-focused approach to service delivery.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with confidence to use professional judgement.
- Ability to handle sensitive and contentious issues with tact, professionalism and integrity.
- Commitment to continuous professional development and maintaining technical expertise.

Qualifications
- Qualifications and competencies required to undertake official food controls.
- Registration with the Environmental Health Registration Board (EHRB) or an equivalent/successor professional body is desirable.