Food Safety Officer

Compliance & Standards
Maintain thorough knowledge of all applicable food safety legislation, HACCP requirements, H3SE regulations, and certification standards.
Ensure the business’s food safety program and manuals are current, accurate, and compliant with all regulatory and certification updates.
Guarantee that certification requirements—whether existing or newly added—are consistently met.

Oversight of Food Handling & Hygiene
Monitor food handlers to ensure all food handling tasks are performed safely and correctly.
Ensure all personnel maintain proper personal hygiene and follow established safety procedures and record-keeping protocols.
Remain reasonably available to food handlers and regulatory authorities during operational hours.

Hazard Management
Identify, prevent, and address potential food safety hazards within the operation.
Support the implementation of corrective actions within appropriate timeframes.

Training & Education
Ensure staff complete all required training and maintain valid certifications.
Provide technical training to employees, management, vendors, and clients on food safety practices, pest control, operational methods, and sanitation.
Develop and update food safety awareness materials and campaigns.

Audits & Inspections
Participate in planning, preparing, and conducting internal and external food safety audits across all facilities, including field, packinghouse, and cold storage, following SOP requirements.
Coordinate inspection schedules with departments, vendors, or suppliers.
Travel to inspection sites as needed and remain on-site throughout the audit process.
Deliver verbal feedback to management and produce detailed written reports outlining findings and required corrective actions.

Client & Vendor Relations
Work with the team to resolve complaints by providing necessary technical or safety information.
Foster positive client relationships to support retention, contract extensions, and mobilization of new services.
Participate in meetings, presentations, and engagements that reinforce service quality and client satisfaction.

Operational Planning & Improvement
Organize the annual food safety compliance plan and associated budgets.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives and document innovations, efficiencies, and process enhancements.
Ensure services are delivered consistently, within budget, and to expected performance levels across all food safety areas.

Performance & Impact
Demonstrate innovation and deliver additional value-added services when possible.
Support team development, ensuring engagement goals and growth plans are met.
Monitor client perception and maintain strong satisfaction metrics, ensuring measurable excellence in service delivery.

A Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, Public Health, Environmental Health, Nutrition, or a related field is required.

**Certifications & Training**
HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) certification, typically Level 3 or higher, is essential.
Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) certification is required where applicable by local law.
Training in ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, BRC, SQF, or other relevant food safety and quality management systems is preferred.
Training in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Hygiene Practices (GHP) is necessary.
OHS/HSE training or certification is considered an advantage.

**Experience**
A minimum of 3 years of experience in food safety management, food handling supervision, or quality assurance within a food production or food service environment is required.
Hands-on experience conducting audits, inspections, or regulatory compliance checks is essential.
Experience with documentation, record-keeping, and implementing corrective actions is also required.

**Skills & Competencies**
The candidate must possess strong knowledge of food safety laws, HACCP principles, and industry safety standards.
The ability to identify and mitigate food safety hazards is critical.
Excellent observation, analytical, and problem-solving skills are necessary.
Strong communication skills are required for training, reporting, and liaising with regulatory bodies.
The candidate must be able to prepare technical reports and maintain accurate documentation.
Organizational skills for planning audits, compliance programs, and inspections are essential.
The ability to effectively train and educate staff at various levels is also required.

**Personal Attributes**
The role demands a high attention to detail and a strong sense of responsibility.
Integrity and a commitment to enforcing safety standards are fundamental.
The candidate must be able to work independently and make sound decisions.
A willingness to travel for inspections or audits is required, if applicable to the role.