Location
160 Tooley Street, London, SE1 2QH

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

Salary
£61,686 per annum

About the Role
Southwark Council is a large, ambitious and progressive organisation with a ‘can do’ attitude and an enviable reputation. We are passionate, forward-thinking and committed to our ‘Fairer Futures for All’ promise, ensuring residents and businesses are central to everything we do. As Team Leader for Food Safety, you will lead and manage the Food Safety Team to deliver effective food law regulation and infectious disease control services.

You will oversee the council’s statutory duties to protect public health and ensure compliance with food safety legislation. Your role will involve directing and supporting the regulation of food businesses across the borough, promoting high standards of food hygiene and safety. You will lead investigations and responses relating to infectious disease prevention and control, ensuring excellent customer care while meeting regulatory and performance standards.

In addition, you will manage service delivery, resources, and performance to maintain a high-quality and efficient service, ensuring compliance with Food Standards Agency requirements and best practice guidance. You will contribute to the achievement of the council’s local priorities and public health objectives, working within a motivated, driven, and supportive team that values excellence.

The role is permanent and requires a Standard DBS check. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including a local government pension scheme and access to a variety of staff benefits such as gym membership, health insurance, season ticket purchase, bicycle purchase, additional voluntary pension contributions, subscriptions, and professional fees support.

Experience
You will be required to manage a complex caseload and provide expert advice and specialist knowledge within a regulatory service responsible for protecting the community. Experience in leading a team responsible for food safety and infectious disease control is essential. You will have a proven track record of managing performance, delivering high-quality services, and working collaboratively with multiple partner agencies including Police, HMRC, UK Border Force, London Fire Brigade, OPSS, Food Standards Agency, PCT, and UK Health Security Agency.

You will also have experience in reviewing and monitoring service quality in line with the Food Law Code of Practice and other relevant guidance, as well as contributing to strategic management and policy development within your unit or department.

About you
You are a confident and effective leader who provides clear direction and professional guidance to your team. You are committed to delivering excellent customer service and achieving performance targets. You have strong partnership working skills and can build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders. You are motivated by public health objectives and the opportunity to make a positive impact on the community.

You demonstrate sound performance management skills and are able to support and develop your team to meet service goals. You are adaptable, forward-thinking, and aligned with the council’s values and vision.

Qualifications
One of the following essential qualifications is required:
- A Food Standards Agency (FSA) recognised qualification in Food Hygiene, Food Control, or Environmental Health, such as a Degree or Diploma in Environmental Health
- Environmental Health Practitioner registration
- Higher Certificate in Food Control/Official Control
- APC in Food Hygiene & Standards Control
- Or an equivalent recognised qualification