Location
London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£61,686 per annum

About the Role
Southwark Council is an exciting place to work as we transform the way we operate to reflect our drive for excellence. We are a large, ambitious and progressive council with a ‘can do’ attitude and an enviable reputation. We are committed to our ‘Fairer Futures for All’ promise which ensures that our residents and businesses are central to everything we do. If you want to make a difference at a local level, this is the opportunity for you.

An exciting opportunity has arisen in the Food Safety Team for an experienced, dynamic and innovative individual to lead the team and manage the delivery of food law regulation and infectious disease control. The service delivers vital statutory functions protecting public health through regulating food businesses operating in the borough to ensure food safety and preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

You will lead a team responsible for managing a complex caseload and providing expert advice and specialist knowledge to protect the community using relevant legislation. You will provide leadership and professional guidance, manage performance, and create effective partnerships with key agencies including the Police, HMRC, UK Border Force, London Fire Brigade, OPSS, Food Standards Agency, PCT, and UK Health Security Agency to deliver a multi-agency response.

Additional responsibilities include reviewing and monitoring service performance in line with the Food Law Code of Practice and council values, assisting in strategic development and long-term business planning, and ensuring the team delivers a high-quality service that meets national performance indicators. You will also contribute to policy development and the strategic management of the business unit.

Experience
You must have broad knowledge and substantial relevant experience in food law regulation with a demonstrable track record of motivating staff. Experience should include overseeing legal documents and case files, problem solving, decision making, and managing contentious issues sensitively. Your current or recent work must include food law enforcement with relevant post-qualification experience.

About you
Strong communication skills are essential as you will work closely with council departments, government agencies, external partners, and the public. You will be ambitious, driven, and able to represent the division, department, and council on food safety and infectious disease control matters. You will also assist with the organisation and training of junior officers and trainees, providing mentoring and guidance.

Qualifications
You must satisfy the qualifications and competency requirements of the Food Standards Agency for individuals responsible for the direct management and delivery of food law regulation.