Job Title: Site Food Safety Lead
Location: Kendal,Cumbria,UK
Salary: up to £50,000
About Us
Join one of Europe’s fastest-growing nutrition companies.
Kendal Nutricare 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 the 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 standar
ds.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.
What you will do :
* Lead the development and ongoing management of the site Food Safety Management System in line with HACCP and infant formula standards.
* Ensure compliance with UK, EU, and FDA regulations through audits, inspections, and risk assessments.
* Act as the site lead for FDA and PCQI compliance, maintaining U.S. export readiness.
* Own and manage validation programs, including CIP, allergen control, and thermal processing.
* Lead food safety training, coach teams, and embed a strong food safety culture across the site.
* Drive continuous improvement through data analysis, root cause investigation, and CAPA.
What you’ll need
Essential:
* Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Food Technology, or a related discipline.
* Formal qualifications in HACCP (Level 4 required), PCQI, and/or food safety auditing.
* Minimum of 5 years’ experience in food safety or quality within a food manufacturing environment, ideally infant formula or high-care dairy.
* Strong working knowledge of FDA regulations, PCQI requirements, and U.S. export compliance.
* Proven experience leading validation activities, including cleaning, allergen, and thermal processes.
* In-depth understanding of food safety management systems, food microbiology, allergen control, and hygienic design.
* Demonstrated capability in managing the full validation lifecycle, from protocol development to data analysis.
* Knowledge of relevant standards and regulations, including BRC, ISO 22000, Codex Alimentarius, and CFR Title 21.
* Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
Desirable:
* Lead Auditor qualification.
What You’ll Get From Us
The chance to be part of Europe’s fastest-growing infant milk brand, working with a driven and talented team committed to supporting thousands of loyal customers.
Our benefits include:
* 33 days’ holiday (including bank holidays), pro rata based on start date and FTE.
* Aegon pension scheme with employer contributions matched up to 5%.
* Free health cash plan.
* Free gym membership*.
* Life assurance at 2x basic salary after 6 months’ service.
* Access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
* Up to £350 worth of Kendamil products for new parents (excluding Stage 1 formula)*.
* Employee referral scheme*.
*Terms and conditions apply.