Senior Environmental Health Officer

We are recruiting for a Senior Environmental Health Officer to join our Food Safety and Health & Safety Team.

Role Purpose
As an Officer with delegated authority and competency, you will be carrying out a programme of proactive and reactive functions which will contribute to ensuring compliance with food hygiene legislation within the Borough.

Key Responsibilities
Using delegated powers and competency to ensure compliance with food hygiene legislation so that the standards of food hygiene are maintained in businesses, for the benefit of residents, visitors and those coming into the Borough for their employment. Senior Environmental Health Officers are required to take on the additional role of formal closures of food businesses and the approval of premises under Assimilated Regulations (EC) 853/2004 and lead on one of our internal projects.

We are looking for an experienced Senior Environmental Health Practitioner to carry out the full range of duties including:

• Investigating Service Requests
• Proactive inspections
• Lead on projects and routine work including sampling and approvals
• Issuing notices and preparing legal proceedings and support more junior officers in the process
• Attendance at outdoor events
• Assist and support field staff from Food & Health and Safety teams in their duties, providing guidance as necessary.

This is a unique opportunity, and we are looking for a motivated and dedicated individual to help deliver on our key strategic objectives.

About You
The successful candidate must have the following qualifications:
• Diploma/Degree in Environmental Health.
• Registered Environmental Health Practitioner holding an EHRB certificate of registration or equivalent 
• Maintenance and proof of professional requirements regarding Continuous Professional Development (CPD) 
• Experience in Environmental Health roles. The ideal candidate will have experience in leading on legal casework, sampling programmes, approval of premises, mentoring and supervision.

You must also demonstrate:
• Sound knowledge and implementation of legislation, guidance, frameworks relevant to the service.
• Strong communication and collaborative skills, with the ability to work effectively in a diverse community.

Our Benefits
• Competitive salary depending on experience – Grade K £54,360 to £57,495 plus essential car user/travel allowances within the borough:
• Local Government Pension Scheme membership.
• Generous annual leave: 29 days, rising to 33 with 5+ years’ service, plus bank holidays and 3 additional days at Christmas.
• Flexible and agile working to support work–life balance.
• Staff money-saving schemes (e.g., rent deposit loans, season ticket loans).
• Learning and development opportunities through our Learning Academy, with clear career development and leadership pathways.

For an informal discussion about this post please contact Tom Lewis, Head of Service on 020 7364 0375 or Sylvette Peksa, Acting Team Leader on 020 7364 4640.

Tower Hamlets is a truly unique borough at the heart of London – a place where history and innovation sit side by side. From the docks and markets that shaped the East End to the global business hub of Canary Wharf, we are proud to be one of the most dynamic, diverse, and ambitious communities in the UK. We are also one of the fastest growing and youngest boroughs in the country, offering unrivalled opportunities to make a real difference to people’s lives. Our residents are energetic, creative, and resilient, and our council is committed to delivering the best possible services and opportunities for them.

Our award-winning new Town Hall in Whitechapel provides a modern, flexible workplace for our staff, right at the heart of the borough and directly opposite Whitechapel Tube and Elizabeth line station. It is more than just a workplace – it’s a hub for collaboration, innovation and community, designed to bring out the best in our people.

As an employer, we put equality, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. Our active Employee Network Groups celebrate and champion our workforce, helping to ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging. Guided by our TOWER values – Together, Open, Willing, Excellent and Respect – we are building a positive, inclusive culture where colleagues can thrive.

At Tower Hamlets Council, you’ll find exciting challenges, supportive colleagues, and the chance to shape one of London’s most important and vibrant places. If you’re looking for a role where you can see the impact of your work every day, then Tower Hamlets is the place for you.