We are looking for an experienced Principal Environmental Health Officer to join our Food, Health & Safety Team.
This is an excellent opportunity to take on a senior role within the service, supporting the Team Manager with the supervision of officers, quality assurance activities and the delivery of complex food safety and health & safety investigations. Alongside supervisory responsibilities, you will maintain your own caseload of food hygiene inspections and enforcement work.
You will work within a Food and Safety Regulation Service that delivers inland food law enforcement as well as supporting a service with responsibilities for import controls at Heathrow Airport. The role offers exposure to a wide range of regulated premises, including approved establishments, food manufacturers, event safety work and even an on-farm dairy.
You will:
- Support the supervision and development of officers, trainees and apprentices
- Assist the Team Manager with quality assurance and service delivery
- Lead on complex food safety and health & safety investigations
- Carry out food hygiene inspections and enforcement activities
- Prepare cases and present evidence in court where required
- Represent the service at meetings, liaison groups and committees
- Provide specialist technical advice and guidance to colleagues and stakeholders
- Deputise for the Team Manager when required
The role requires participation in the Environmental Health standby rota and occasional work outside normal office hours.
About You
We are looking for a motivated and experienced Environmental Health Officer with strong technical expertise in food safety and health & safety enforcement.
You will bring:
- A degree or equivalent qualification in Environmental Health
- Registration with the Environmental Health Registration Board
- Extensive experience in food safety and health & safety regulation
- Experience supervising, mentoring or supporting officers
- Strong enforcement experience, including preparing cases and presenting evidence in court
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage a complex caseload
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Sound judgement and the ability to make decisions under pressure
- Confidence using a range of IT systems and technology
You will also demonstrate:
- A commitment to continuous improvement
- Excellent customer service skills
- Strong problem-solving abilities
- Effective teamwork and relationship-building skills
- A passion for learning and professional development
A full UK driving licence is essential.
What We Offer
- Market Factor Supplement of £3,000 per annum (non-contractual)
- Standby allowance of up to £2,000 per annum
- 36-hour working week
- Fixed-term contracts will be considered
- Opportunities to broaden your professional experience across a wide range of regulatory areas
- Ongoing development and career progression opportunities
Why Hillingdon
Based in Uxbridge, on the edge of West London, Hillingdon offers the opportunity to work in one of the country's most diverse and interesting regulatory environments. With excellent transport links, a varied workload and a supportive team culture, this is an excellent opportunity to develop your career while making a real difference to residents, businesses and visitors.
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Oliver Darius on 01895 277475 or email [email protected].
We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the fantastic benefits we provide:
- Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
- 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff.
- Generous Holiday Entitlement – increasing with length of service (for non-casual roles).
- Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
- Salary Sacrifice Schemes – option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
- Cycle to Work – Eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
- Local Government Pension Scheme – access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
- Vivup Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits.
- Mental Health Support and Counselling Services – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
- Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.
- Trade Union Membership – The Council recognises UNISON, Unite, AEP and GMB and supports employees’ freedom of choice in relation to trade union membership.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly.
The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities.
Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation's success.
Recruitment Information
Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a ‘per application’ basis.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject to the following pre-employment screening:
- Basic DBS Check
- Qualifications Check
- Professional Registration Check
- 2 years of Referencing
Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.
It may be necessary due to a high volume of applications to close this role early. We therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
