Site Food Safety Lead

About us

Join one of Europe’s fastest-growing nutrition success stories. [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] creates world-class nutrition for every stage of life — from Kendamil infant and toddler formula to Kendalife adult nutrition. We’re a family-owned, purpose-driven business with big global ambitions. In 2025, we were ranked the UK’s fastest-growing food and drink company, with Kendamil now one of the fastest-growing baby brands in the world, the No.1 Organic formula in both the UK and USA, and available in 40+ countries (and counting). As the only British infant formula manufacturer, we’re proud to produce our award-winning products here in the UK using British full-cream milk, with no palm oil or unnecessary additives — trusted by families worldwide. We’re on an exciting path – join us!

The role

As the Food Safety Lead at our Kendal site, you will play a key role in maintaining and continuously improving the site’s Food Safety Management System (FSMS) in line with UK, EU, and FDA standards. You will ensure robust compliance for both domestic and export markets — with particular focus on U.S. FDA and FSMA requirements for infant formula — while leading validation activities and fostering a strong culture of food safety across the site.

Key Accountabilities

• Food Safety Management & Compliance - Lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of the site’s FSMS in line with HACCP principles and international standards for infant formula. Monitor and review programs to ensure full compliance with UK, EU, and FDA regulations. Conduct internal audits, inspections, and risk assessments.
• FDA Compliance (U.S. Exports) - Act as the site’s expert on FDA and PCQI regulations. Manage documentation for FDA and FSMA compliance. Partner with Regulatory Affairs for U.S. regulatory alignment.
• Validation Leadership - Lead validation activities across FSMS, including CIP, allergen cleaning, and thermal processes. Ensure scientifically sound, risk-based validations compliant with FDA, Codex, EU. Maintain validation master plans, protocols, reports.
• Training & Team Development - Provide leadership and coaching to food safety and hygiene teams. Deliver training on food safety, allergen management, validation, FDA compliance. Foster site-wide food safety culture.
• Continuous Improvement & Risk Management - Analyse performance data, lead root cause investigations, drive CAPA. Identify opportunities to strengthen systems.

What you’ll need

Essential:

• Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Food Technology or related.
• Formal qualifications in HACCP, PCQI, and/or food safety auditing. HACCP Level 4 required.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in food safety/quality within food manufacturing - ideally infant formula or high-care dairy.
• Strong knowledge of FDA regulations, PCQI responsibilities, U.S. export compliance.
• Demonstrated success in leading validation programs (cleaning, allergen, thermal).
• In-depth understanding of FSMS, food microbiology, allergen management, hygienic design.
• Skilled in validation lifecycle management.
• Knowledge of BRC, ISO 22000, Codex Alimentarius, CFR Title 21.
• Excellent analytical, communication, leadership skills.

Desirable: Lead Auditor qualification.

What you’ll get from us

• 33 days holiday (incl. bank holidays)
• Pension Scheme by Aegon (matching up to 5%)
• Free health cash plan
• Free Gym Membership
• Life Assurance at 2x basic salary after 6 months
• EAP Programme
• New parents: up to £350 worth of Kendamil products
• Employee Referral Scheme

How to apply

Contact [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] with your CV and a note on why you’re right for the job.

Contact

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] Ltd
Mint Bridge Road
Kendal
Cumbria LA9 6NL
United Kingdom
Customer Care Line: [contact hidden]