Head of Food Safety (London)

*This role is based in London*

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY:

Lead the UK/Ireland and EU markets in the development, execution, and continuous improvement of Pizza Hut's Food Safety & Quality Assurance systems, ensuring regulatory compliance, product quality, supply chain integrity, and a strong food safety culture.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Job Size

• Responsible for Food Safety and Quality Assurance across the UK, Ireland, and EU.
• Supports franchise partners, suppliers, manufacturing, distribution, and restaurant operations.
• Regional accountability for all programs and requirements outlined by the Global Food Safety Center of Excellence.

Food Safety & Quality Strategy & Governance

• Own the Food Safety & Quality Assurance (FSQA) strategy for the UK, Ireland, and EU markets, ensuring alignment with Pizza Hut's global vision and businessobjectives.
• Provide leadership for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Food Safety Management System (FSMS), associated policies, standards, and governance processes.
• Drive a proactive food safety culture through risk-based decision making, operational excellence, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Anticipate emerging regulatory and industry trends, ensuring organizational readiness and ongoing compliance.

Supplier & Restaurant Food Safety

• Provide strategic oversight of supplier quality systems, Quality Systems Audit program, supplier approval, performance management, audits, corrective actions, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with Operations Team on strategic oversight for restaurant food safety programs and FSCC audit program.
• Establish andmaintainproduct quality standards throughout the entire product lifecycle, including product specifications, ingredient management, quality audits, product evaluations, and restaurant complaint investigations.
• Partner with Supply Chain and Procurement to support alternate sourcing strategies, supplier development, business continuity planning, and cost optimization whilemaintainingfood safety and quality expectations.
• Ensure effective food safety oversight across manufacturing, distribution, and restaurant operations.

Risk Management, Compliance & Crisis Leadership

• Serve as the regional subject matter expert for food safety, quality, regulatory compliance, nutrition, and allergen management.
• Lead regional crisis management activities, including food safety incidents, product withdrawals, recalls, and regulatory investigations, ensuringtimelyand effective resolution.
• Develop risk-based performance metrics, predictive analytics, and executive reporting toidentifyemerging risks and drive preventative actions.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements and Pizza Hut global standards across assigned markets.

Business Partnership & Stakeholder Leadership

• Serve as the primary Food Safety & Quality business partner to regional leadership, Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, Marketing, Regulatory Affairs, and franchise organizations.
• Build collaborative relationships with franchisees, suppliers, regulatory agencies, and industry associations to strengthen organizational capability and protect the Pizza Hut brand.
• Influence cross-functional decision making by integrating food safety and quality considerations into business planning, innovation, and operational execution.
• Represent Pizza Hut in industry forums and with regulatory authorities to advance food safety best practices and organizational credibility.

Organizational Capability & Talent Development

• Build and develop a high-performing Food Safety & Quality organization through coaching, capability development, succession planning, and performance management.
• Establish technical training programs that strengthen food safety knowledge across franchisees, suppliers, and internal business partners.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and operational excellence that enables sustainable business growth.

People Leadership

• Direct Reports: 5
• Indirect Reports: Cross-functional leadership across franchisees, suppliers, and regional teams.

Working Relationships

• Global & Regional FSQ COEs
• Operations Team
• Supply Chain Team
• Food and Packaging Suppliers
• Franchisees
• Regulatory Authorities

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Scienceor related field
• 7 - 10+ years of Food Safety & Quality experience
• Deepexpertisein Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS), HACCP, GFSI-recognized standards, supplier quality assurance, food regulations, and crisis/incident management.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, influence stakeholders, and drive continuous improvement initiatives across complex and geographically diverse environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess risks, interpret technical data, and make sound business decisions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated success managing audits, regulatory inspections, corrective action programs, and supplier performance improvement initiatives.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Professional fluency in French.