About the role
- Lead and maintain a robust compliance framework across all restaurants, ensuring full alignment with UK food safety, health & safety, employment law, data protection, licensing, and industry regulations. Continuously improve processes through effective planning.
- Conduct QTRly internal compliance audits (food safety, health & safety, allergen, fire safety) across all stores, identifying non-compliance and guiding Managers on best practice – highlighting any trends to the Senior team
- Prepare and review risk assessments annually or after incidents, report findings and mitigation strategies to the Head of Operations.
- Ensure full compliance with UK legislation, including HACCP, Health & Safety at Work Act, COSHH, Allergen Regulations, GDPR, and Licensing Laws.
- Act as the primary contact for compliance issues, lead impartial investigations, and ensure effective corrective and preventive action.
Design and deliver engaging compliance training (e-learning and in-person).
- Maintain compliance records, resources and report any serious breaches to the Head of Operations.
- Maintain and manage compliance systems (FSMS, risk assessments, fire safety plans, allergen matrix, cleaning schedules).
- Manage relationships with regulatory bodies (EHO, HSE, FSA, Local Authorities) and external inspections at all locations.
- Ensure all sites are trained and set up to achieve and maintain 5* EHO ratings.
- Oversee incident reporting and follow-up investigations.
- Provide First Aid and Fire Safety guidance; manage relationships with training providers.
- Use data to create company-wide risk maps and action logs.
Minimum 3 years’ experience in compliance within QSR, restaurants, or hospitality.
- Strong knowledge of HACCP, allergen procedures, fire safety, GDPR, COSHH, and waste management.
- Confident trainer and communicator able to engage at all levels.
- Skilled in using data and insights to drive improvements.
- Embody Farmer J’s values: Bold, Humble, Willing to Learn, Conscious, and Committed.
- Promote a culture where every Farmer “gives a fork” about safety and compliance.
- Level 4 Award in Managing Food Safety in Catering (CIEH, Highfield, or equivalent).
- NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety (or IOSH Managing Safely as a minimum).
- Level 3 or 4 HACCP qualification.
- First Aid at Work and Fire Safety training.
- Allergen Management and COSHH training (usually included in Level 4 Food Safety).
- CIEH membership (desirable).
- First-class organisational skills and the ability to juggle multiple projects.