Senior Food Safety Officer

Salary: Grade I £44,184 - £48,519

Are you an authorised Food Safety Officer looking for your next challenge?

Barnet Council is seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Food Safety Officer to join our Environmental Health & Public Protection team.

Working in one of London's largest and most diverse boroughs, you'll undertake a varied range of food hygiene and food standards work across independent businesses, national retailers, manufacturers and complex food operations.

This is an excellent opportunity to develop your expertise, make a meaningful impact on public health, and be part of a supportive and ambitious service committed to delivering high-quality regulatory outcomes.

Why Barnet?

Barnet is a diverse and growing borough with thriving town centres, vibrant communities and a broad range of food businesses.

We're committed to delivering excellent public services while supporting our employees to develop and succeed.

Our values guide everything we do: 

Caring | Learning to Improve | Inclusive | Collaborate

About the Service

Environmental Health & Public Protection delivers a wide range of regulatory services that help create safer, healthier and more prosperous communities.

Our Food Safety Team is highly regarded for its professional approach and delivers work across:

• Food hygiene and food standards interventions
• Imported food controls
• Health and safety enforcement in food premises
• Infectious disease investigations
• Outbreak response
• Business advice and compliance support

Working within this team offers exposure to a diverse range of regulatory challenges and opportunities for professional growth.

About the Role

As a Senior Food Safety Officer, you will help safeguard public health and support compliance with food legislation across Barnet's diverse food sector.

You will undertake inspections, investigations and enforcement activities, provide advice to businesses, and contribute to the delivery of a high-performing regulatory service.

What You'll Be Doing

• Undertake food hygiene and food standards inspections in accordance with the Food Law Code of Practice.
• Investigate complaints relating to food safety and food standards.
• Take proportionate enforcement action where required.
• Provide advice and guidance to food businesses.
• Contribute to infectious disease investigations and outbreak control work.
• Prepare reports, witness statements and enforcement documentation.
• Maintain accurate records and case management systems.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and partner agencies.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for a motivated and professional officer who is passionate about protecting public health and delivering excellent outcomes.

You will have:

• A recognised Environmental Health qualification or qualification meeting Food Standards Agency competency requirements.
• Recent experience undertaking food hygiene inspections and other regulatory interventions.
• Sound knowledge of food safety legislation and the Food Law Code of Practice.
• Strong communication, negotiation and influencing skills.
• Excellent report-writing and investigative abilities.
• The ability to manage a varied workload and work both independently and as part of a team.
• A commitment to delivering excellent customer-focused services.

Why You'll Love Working Here

Make a Genuine Difference

Your work directly protects residents, visitors and consumers whilst helping businesses operate safely and successfully.

Diverse and Interesting Work

Barnet's wide range of food businesses provides exposure to challenging and rewarding regulatory work across multiple sectors.

Invest in Your Professional Development

We actively support continuing professional development, specialist training and competency development, helping you maintain and enhance your expertise.

Flexible Ways of Working

We recognise the importance of work-life balance and support flexible and hybrid working arrangements wherever operationally possible.

Be Part of a Supportive Team

Join experienced colleagues who value collaboration, learning and professional excellence.

What We Offer

• 31 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Excellent learning and development opportunities 
• Professional training and continuing professional development 
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support 
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Salary sacrifice and payroll benefit schemes 
• Retail, travel, leisure and lifestyle discounts 
• Two paid volunteering days per year

Ready to Make a Difference?

Join a professional and supportive team that is passionate about protecting public health and helping businesses thrive.

For an informal discussion, please contact:

Andrew Willis
Service Manager - Environmental Health (Commercial)
✉ [email protected]

Closing Date: Sunday 11th October 2026
 

Working for Barnet

Barnet Council is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and support flexible working, equality of opportunity and employee wellbeing.

Caring • Learning to Improve • Inclusive • Collaborate