Hygiene Specialist

The Role

The factory hygiene Specialist is responsible for leading the site hygiene programme and supporting the manufacturing operation in all aspects of cleaning and hygiene management. They are responsible for ensuring all hygienic critical control points are managed pro‑actively using HACCP methodology and that hygienic best practices and standards are implemented and maintained.

The role holder is a key member within the Quality Team, reporting to Technical Lead. They will bring technical knowledge, tenacity and a professional approach to ensure that high standards of hygiene are maintained and problems are overcome. This is predominantly a day‑based role but with the flexibility and drive to support the factory as and when business needs require.

KPIs include Cleaning & Disinfection Programme, Hygiene & Housekeeping Programme, Allergen Management, Pest Control and Environmental Monitoring.

• Report to Technical Lead
• First point of contact, internally and externally, for anything relating to hygiene
• Implement, maintain and verify comprehensive cleaning schedules for production equipment and the manufacturing environment.
• Maintain a product and mix allergen matrix and put in place rules for segregation and cleaning.
• Provide expert input and guidance into management of allergen or lifestyle related product claims e.g. dairy free, vegan including maintaining cleaning schedules and determining validation procedures.
• Provide expert input into HACCP teams.
• Provide support and expert input to project teams for new products and processes.
• Deliver an on-going training programme to support effective cleaning and to educate staff about other food safety matters.
• Lead cleaning and disinfection validation studies, providing technical expertise and conducting hygienic assessments.
• Implement and/or maintain monitoring programmes for process and environmental microbiological hygiene indicators.
• Drive the investigation of hygiene non‑conformances and the necessary corrective actions.
• Lead improvement activity to increase the effectiveness of cleaning operations and hygiene standards across the site.
• Manage the service contracts for third‑party hygiene service providers e.g. pest control, chemical suppliers and cleaning providers
• Drive pest control programme for site by maintaining awareness driving completion of corrective actions.
• Manage the system for toxicological approval of food contact surfaces.
• Ability to deputise for the site Technical Lead and cover other roles within the Quality Team
• Represent the site on European working groups concerning hygiene or other food safety matters.
• Maintain FSSC 22000 certification taking ownership for hygiene aspects of the standard.
• Safe management of hygiene related site contractors, issuing permits as required.
• Line management of any direct reports or technicians reporting in to the hygiene manager
• Identify and drive cost saving opportunities associated with cleaning, chemicals or hygiene in the site.
• PROBLEM SOLVING – Bringing technical expertise and aptitude for applying WCM techniques to understand quality issues and to implement improvements.
• CHANGE – Implementing changes to deliver compliance to standards or to drive improved quality performance.

Educated to degree level, the job holder will have a strong technical background and understanding of food safety management requirements. Preferably a university degree in a technical discipline or general sciences. Working knowledge of FSSC or BRC.

• Proven experience working within food manufacturing, with a quality or hygiene background.
• Previous experience working and deputising within a quality department.
• Qualification, training or proven experience in hygienic design and processes.
• Relevant experience in Quality Assurance/Laboratory and food safety management.
• A real leader and a dynamic individual who is prepared to take responsibility for departmental and site issues leading to resolutions.
• Self‑starter able to drive initiatives and solve problems when they arise without initial direction from their line manager.
• Commitment – belief in own job and its value to the organisation,…