Looking for a new and different opportunity?
Ready to use your food and drink industry experience and knowledge in a role with more variety?
Want to help food and drink businesses overcome challenges, grow and develop?
We are seeking an energetic Advisor to join our team to support regional growing food and drink businesses implement practical and effective systems and helping them overcome challenges as they develop and grow their operations. This role involves working directly with small and medium sizes businesses develop and improve their food safety management systems, support compliance with UK food legislation, and help businesses prepare for third-party certification schemes. The successful candidate will be able to work independently with small businesses and translate technical food safety requirements into practical, workable solutions. The role also includes supporting the maintenance of the Food Safety Management System at Food Works.
Location: Hybrid – based at The Food WorksSW in Weston Super-Mare, with some remote working and visits to client sites
Key Responsibilities
Food Safety Systems
◦ Develop and review HACCP plans for a range of SME food businesses.
◦ Conduct hazard analyses and identify appropriate control measures.
◦ Support businesses in implementing practical monitoring and verification procedures.
◦ Review and update food safety documentation when processes or products change.
Food Safety Standards & Certification
◦ Support businesses working towards certification schemes such as SALSA and BRCGS.
◦ Conduct gap analyses against relevant standards.
◦ Assist businesses in preparing for third-party audits and inspections.
◦ Support corrective actions following audits.
Labelling & Compliance
◦ Review product labels to ensure compliance with UK food labelling legislation.
◦ Verify ingredient declarations, allergen emphasis, and regulatory requirements.
◦ Provide guidance to businesses on compliant labelling and product information.
Allergen Management
◦ Conduct allergen risk assessments for products and production processes.
◦ Review supplier information and allergen declarations.
◦ Support implementation of practical allergen control measures.
Microbiological Risk & Shelf Life
◦ Support businesses in assessing microbiological risks associated with products and processes.
◦ Assist with microbiological testing programmes where required.
◦ Provide guidance on shelf-life validation and verification.
Supplier & Raw Material Assurance
◦ Support development of supplier approval systems.
◦ Review supplier documentation and specifications.
◦ Conduct raw material risk assessments.
Industry & Legislative Updates
◦ Keep up to date with developments in food safety legislation and industry best practice.
◦ Monitor updates from organisations such as the Food Standards Agency.
◦ Translate legislative changes into practical guidance for client businesses.
Training & SME Support
◦ Deliver food safety training and workshops through our Training Centre.
◦ Conduct site visits to review food safety practices and identify improvement opportunities.
◦ Provide practical, proportionate solutions suitable for small businesses.
Internal Systems
◦ Maintain and review the Food Safety Management System at Food Works.
◦ Support ongoing improvement of internal procedures and documentation.
About You - We are looking for someone who:
◦ Has a strong background in food manufacturing within a technical, quality or environmental Health role.
◦ Has experience owning and managing a Quality Management System (QMS).
◦ Has experience developing and maintaining HACCP-based food safety systems.
◦ Has experience hosting and managing external audits, including certification or customer audits such as BRCGS or SALSA.
◦ Understands UK food safety legislation and regulatory requirements.
◦ Is confident working independently and managing their own workload.
◦ Is comfortable working directly with small business owners and production teams.
◦ Has the ability to translate technical requirements into clear, practical systems that work for SMEs.
◦ Is a confident communicator and engaging speaker, comfortable delivering training sessions and workshops.
What the Role Offers
◦ A varied and rewarding role supporting a wide range of food businesses. The opportunity to work closely with SMEs and help them develop robust and practical food safety systems.
◦ A hybrid working environment, combining office work, remote work, and on-site engagement with food businesses.
◦ Part of a team running the South West’s only purpose built food and drink development centre.
For an informal discussion about the role please contact Simon Gregory or Beth Winters on 01934 287710 or email [email protected] to request full job description.
Pay: £36,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
Work Location: In person
