Head of Surveillance

Are you an experienced science leader with expertise in agri-food sampling and surveillance? Can you build influential partnerships and lead national scientific capabilities to meet current and future food safety challenges? As Head of Surveillance, you will lead the Food Standards Agency’s surveillance teams within the Science, Evidence and Research Division, delivering high-impact surveillance, research and innovation that supports the UK’s food standards system

You will lead delivery of the National Food Surveillance Programme, covering sampling, testing methods, laboratory capacity and associated enabling infrastructure (such as data management and skills). Working across the FSA and with government, academia, industry and external experts, you will help ensure that scientific evidence and national capabilities support effective decision-making and reinforce the FSA’s role as a trusted regulator. The permanent Grade 6 role can be based in Belfast, Cardiff or York, or be home-based, with occasional UK travel and possible overnight stays.

You will manage three surveillance teams through three Grade 7 team leaders, setting direction, developing capability and creating an inclusive environment in which colleagues can deliver effectively. You will provide co-leadership across the Science and Research Unit, oversee objectives and projects, encourage innovation, and ensure surveillance research is coherent, well managed and focused on current and emerging priorities.

As a member of the Division’s Senior Leadership Team, you will contribute to strategy, business planning, resource allocation and organisational change. You will oversee programme and travel budgets, champion value for money, and work with finance and commercial colleagues to commission and contract projects with appropriate external experts. You will also act as a senior ambassador for the FSA, communicating technical matters clearly, strengthening strategic networks and supporting cross-organisational initiatives.