Overview

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong knowledge of environmental hygiene, microbiological control, audit standards and team management. The Hygiene Manager will play a critical role in maintaining audit readiness, driving continuous improvement and embedding a strong food safety culture across the site.

The Role

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop the hygiene team, including supervisors and operatives across all shifts.
• Oversee daily, weekly and periodic cleaning schedules across high-risk, low-risk and external areas.
• Ensure hygiene standards meet BRCGS, retailer codes of practice and legislative requirements.
• Manage and verify cleaning validation and verification activities, including environmental swabbing and trend analysis.
• Review and approve cleaning chemicals, COSHH assessments and safe systems of work.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve hygiene efficiency, reduce downtime and minimise risk.
• Prepare for and lead hygiene elements of internal and external audits.
• Investigate hygiene-related non-conformances, customer complaints and microbiological failures, ensuring robust root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Manage hygiene budgets, chemical usage and contractor performance where applicable.
• Support wider food safety initiatives including pest control oversight and site GMP standards.

The Candidate

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience in a Hygiene Manager or senior hygiene leadership role within food manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of BRCGS standards, retailer expectations and environmental monitoring programmes.
• Experience managing large teams in a fast-paced, multi-shift operation.
• Knowledge of microbiology, cleaning validation, allergen control and hygienic design principles.
• Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills.
• Confident handling audits and engaging with external auditors and customers.
• IOSH / NEBOSH or relevant Health & Safety qualification desirable.
• Food Safety or HACCP qualification (Level 3 or above) preferred.