Food and Safety Officer

Main Purpose of Job

To protect public health by delivering a range of services for which the Council is responsible in relation to food safety, food hygiene, export health certification and attestations, food business registrations and approvals, food poisoning investigations, occupational health and safety, skin piercing registration, work related infectious disease control health and safety and all port heath functions for Lowestoft port, at a level appropriate to the post holder’s qualifications, experience and competence.

To assist in developing a culture of continuous improvement and performance, ensuring the Council’s values and behaviours are embedded in delivering a customer focused service.

• Appropriate Food Law Code of Practice (FLCoP) qualification at Level 5 or above (e.g. Environmental Health degree / Higher Certificate in Food Control), with ongoing CPD.
• Regulatory enforcement experience in food safety, food hygiene, infectious disease control and occupational health & safety, proportionate to band (7–9).
• Sound working knowledge of UK food safety, health & safety legislation, Codes of Practice, FSA/HSE guidance, PACE and enforcement procedures.
• Ability to carry out inspections, investigations, sampling, enforcement action and prosecutions, including higher-risk and approved premises at senior levels.

• Strong analytical, judgement and problem-solving skills, able to manage complex and high-risk cases independently at senior level.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to advise businesses, senior officers, members and partner agencies.
• Proven ability to work independently, prioritise workload, meet deadlines and remain professional in challenging or confrontational situations.
• Commitment to mentoring, coaching and supporting colleagues, with leadership and line management responsibilities at Band 8–9.

Role includes port health functions (Lowestoft Port), export health certification, incident/outbreak response, partnership working and emergency duties.

Post is politically restricted, requires travel across East Suffolk and beyond, and must be delivered in line with East Suffolk Council values and customer-focused service standards.

Hours Per Week: 37.00

Start Date:

05/01/2026
End Date: 31/03/2026
Start Time: 09:00
End Time: 17:30