Hygiene Team Lead

Job Description

Permanent Role | FMCG | Newry-Based | Excellent Benefits

VANRATH are thrilled to partner with a leading player in the food production sector to recruit a Hygiene Team Lead. This is an exciting opportunity to step into a key role with a forward-thinking, well-established company known for its strong team culture and excellent working environment.

This permanent position is based at the company's Newry facility, offering career development and long-term progression opportunities within the business.

Salary & Benefits

  • Competitive salary package (negotiable based on experience)

  • Excellent employee benefits

  • Annual performance and salary reviews

  • Clear path for progression

About the Role

As Hygiene Supervisor, you will oversee the hygiene function across the site, ensuring production areas and equipment are kept to the highest cleanliness and safety standards. You'll lead and support a team of hygiene operatives while working closely with the site leadership to maintain audit readiness and operational excellence.

Day-to-Day Duties:

  • Lead and coordinate the hygiene team, managing shift schedules, task assignments, and holiday cover

  • Ensure that cleaning operations follow company procedures and site-specific cleaning plans

  • Maintain compliance with COSHH regulations and safe use of cleaning chemicals

  • Drive best practice in Health & Safety, ensuring correct PPE use and documentation upkeep

  • Liaise with Production and Technical teams to report hygiene risks or unsafe conditions

  • Manage cleaning supply levels, order materials, and complete regular stock checks

  • Conduct deep cleans after maintenance or engineering activities

  • Keep all factory zones inspection-ready and support during external audits or customer visits

  • Deliver hygiene training and support the onboarding of new hygiene staff

  • Carry out GMP and hygiene audits, identify areas for improvement, and follow up on actions

  • Assist with investigations into hygiene-related issues, supporting root cause analysis and improvements

  • Perform other hygiene-related responsibilities as needed to support the site

What We're Looking For

Essential Experience & Skills:

  • Experience in a hygiene or cleaning-focused role within a food production or manufacturing environment

  • Previous experience supervising or leading a team

  • Sound understanding of cleaning protocols, hygiene standards, and regulatory requirements

  • Familiarity with COSHH and chemical handling best practices

  • Knowledge of workplace health & safety policies and procedures

  • Able to manage tasks under pressure and meet tight schedules

  • Effective communication and strong organisational skills

  • Team-oriented mindset with leadership and training abilities

Desirable Qualifications:

  • Level 2 or above Food Hygiene Certificate

  • COSHH training certification

  • Health & Safety qualification (e.g., IOSH Managing Safely)

For further information on this vacancy, please apply via the link below or contact Jack Groves in the strictest confidence.


VANRATH have proudly supported the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice since 2014 and are founding members of the 'Time To Care' initiative.