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].

• 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.

• Basic DBS Check
• Qualifications Check
• Professional Registration Check
• 2 years of Referencing