The Compleat Food Group
Milton Keynes
£65-70k per annum
Predominantly Night-Based Role
The Role
Reporting to the Site Head of Technical, the Hygiene Manager (Nights) will be responsible for ensuring exceptional hygiene standards across the factory, with a strong focus on people leadership, food safety, audit readiness and continuous improvement.
This role is predominantly night-based, with the core shift starting at 20:00. Based on a 40‑hour working week, finish times will typically fall in the early morning, depending on operational requirements and completion of hygiene activities.
While the majority of working hours will be at night, the role also requires:
* Attendance once per week during afternoon hours for coordination, handover or planning
* Occasional daytime support, only where operationally required
* Participation in a weekly meeting at 15:00 (can be attended via Microsoft Teams)
Previous night‑shift hygiene experience is not essential; however, strong leadership experience in a food manufacturing hygiene role is required.
Key Responsibilities
* Full people management responsibility for the hygiene function, including Hygiene Team Leaders, Hygiene Operatives, Nightshift Hygiene Support (Engineering) and Facility Cleaners (AM & PM)
* Recruit, train, develop and motivate a high‑performing hygiene team
* Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date training records for all hygiene operatives
Hygiene, Food Safety & Compliance
* Own and maintain the site Hygiene Manual, including cleaning work instructions and schedules
* Ensure cleaning schedules are adhered to and remain valid and up to dateDevelop safe systems of work and CIC cards for new equipment
* Manage site environmental monitoring, cleaning swabs and the Listeria Monitoring Plan, including root cause analysis of failures
* Sign off inspections following equipment cleaning and engineering maintenance
Audits, Investigations & Continuous Improvement
* Support preparation for BRC and other external audits
* Investigate hygiene‑related incidents, non‑conformances, swab failures and audit findings to prevent re‑occurrence
* Lead and contribute to continuous improvement projects relating to hygiene and cleaning effectiveness
Health, Safety & Environment
* Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, COSHH and environmental requirements
* Lead accident, incident and near‑miss investigations
* Ensure risk assessments are completed, reviewed and communicated
* Maintain high standards of housekeeping, safety and equipment maintenance
* Take responsibility for contractors and visitors within your area
Site & Stock Management
* Manage hygiene consumables, including high‑care PPE and cleaning materials
* Oversee pest control actions on site
* Provide technical information to internal and external stakeholders as required
What We’re Looking For
Experience
* Previous experience as a Hygiene Manager (or equivalent) within a food manufacturing environment
* Proven people management or supervisory experience
* Experience working in a fast‑paced, high‑risk food production setting
Knowledge & Skills
* Strong knowledge of food safety legislation and hygiene principles
* Excellent communication, coaching and influencing skills
* High attention to detail and strong problem‑solving ability
* Knowledge of microbiology testing, BRC standards and quality management systems (desirable)
Qualifications
* Level 2 & 3 Food Safety & Hygiene
* ESOL Level 2 or equivalent
* IOSH Health & Safety qualification (desirable)
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