The Role
Due to the opening of our new factory and continued growth, an exciting opportunity has arisen to join our busy hygiene team. Applications are welcome from inclusive, empathetic and thoughtful leaders, able to demonstrate experience in a similar environment and industry.
With strong people skills, the Hygiene Manager will have responsibility for a team of up to 20 operatives, managing and coaching as appropriate. Promoting the safe and efficient running of the shift, overseeing and monitoring of the hygiene process in all production areas and associated equipment. The HTM will ensure both industry and customer standards are maintained at all times, measuring KPI's and endeavouring to focus on continuous improvement.
As a key and pivotal part of the function and team, the Hygiene Manager also has responsibility for the management of the site, with accountability for both health & safety matters, site security and acting as main point of contact during the designated shift.
Key Responsibilities
- Problem Solving – Act as the first point of contact for operational issues during the night shift, escalating where necessary and driving timely resolution
- Lead and manage the hygiene team to deliver high standards of cleanliness across all factory areas
- Ensure (Hygiene) compliance with UK food safety legislation, HACCP, GMP, BRCGS Global Standards & Customer Codes of Practice
- Develop and implement effective cleaning schedules, ensuring validation and verification of all hygiene activities
- Operate within (or better) the departmental budgets for both labour costs as well as, chemicals & consumables
- Lead, motivate, and support night shift staff; manage rotas, allocate tasks, and ensure adequate staffing levels
- Day to day supervising of the hygiene night shift team
- Conducting 1 to 1 meetings, reviews and appraisals with staff
- Conduct hygiene audits, risk assessments, and microbiological swabbing to maintain product & factory integrity
- Ensuring delivery of agreed KPI's
- Continuous Improvement – Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance team performance during night operations
- Train and develop staff to embed a strong food safety and hygiene culture across the site
Hygiene & Cleaning
Develop, implement, and maintain cleaning schedules across production areas, equipment, and facilitiesSupervise hygiene teams and ensure correct use of cleaning chemicals and sanitation equipmentValidate and monitor cleaning processes to ensure effectiveness and efficiencyMaintain detailed hygiene records for internal audits and customer / retailer requirementsCompliance & Food Safety
Implement and manage hygiene systems in line with BRCGS Global Standards, HACCP, GMP, and retailer codes of practiceConduct regular hygiene risk assessments and microbiological swabbing to verify cleaning effectivenessAct as a key contact during internal, third-party, and regulatory audits (e.g., Environmental Health Officers)Training & Culture
Deliver hygiene and food safety training to production and sanitation staffPromote a strong hygiene and “right first time” culture throughout the factoryLeadership & Collaboration
Lead and manage the hygiene team, including workforce planning, performance monitoring, and developmentCollaborate with production, quality assurance, compliance and engineering teams to minimise downtime during cleaningDrive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance hygiene standards and reduce costsWorking Conditions
Factory / production floor-based role, requiring frequent inspections in wet, noisy, or cold environmentsHands-on management of sanitation activities, ability to cover day & night teamsRequirements
Minimum 3–5 years of experience in hygiene or sanitation management within a food, beverage, or pharmaceutical manufacturing environmentGood knowledge of cleaning systems, chemicals, and relevant equipmentIOSH Managing SafelyCIEH Food Hygiene Level 3HACCP Level 2 (minimum)Level 3 NVQ / Diploma / ILM Leadership and ManagementUnderstanding of FMCG or fresh food sector is essentialGood knowledge of HACCP, GMP, BRCGS, or other food safety management systemsProven leadership and team management skillsSelf-motivating & able to drive teams to meet targetsStrong problem-solving abilities and attention to detailMechanical aptitude / process machinery experienceCertification in food safety, environmental health, or industrial hygiene (advantageous)Excellent communication skills both written and verbalShift Pattern - Nights : 4 On 4 Off - 6pm - 6am (with the ability to cover day & night teams)
Benefits
Why Work for Barfoots?
Investors In People Silver Award status.Company pension scheme24 / 7 Online GP accessLife AssuranceEmployee Assistance ProgramBenefits PlatformDevelopment opportunitiesDiscounted leisure membershipDiscounted vegetable box schemeCycle to work schemeFree onsite parkingApproved training centre for Highfield qualificationsRapidly growing companyCommitted to Sustainability - Using our waste to power our site!