Food Safety & Brand Standards Auditor

Are you passionate about food safety, hygiene, and maintaining the highest standards in hospitality? Ecolab’s EcoSure division is expanding rapidly and we are in need of a dedicated, detail-oriented professional to join us in Exeter as a Freelance Auditor. In this contract role, you will deliver on-site audits, hands-on training, and consulting services aimed at ensuring clients consistently meet food safety, cleanliness, brand integrity, and workplace health standards.

We are looking for someone who thrives when working both independently and collaboratively, who brings deep industry knowledge, excellent communication skills, and strong problem-solving abilities. If you have experience in food hygiene audits, hospitality settings, and the desire to help businesses elevate their standards, this could be the perfect fit. Read on for full job details, qualifications, and how to apply.

Job Description

In this Exeter-based freelance contract role, you will be responsible for performing comprehensive audits of food safety, brand standards, hygiene, workplace health & safety, and cleanliness at client sites in the hospitality and food service sector. Your audits will include both scheduled and unscheduled visits to restaurants, cafes, hotels, or other food handling establishments. You’re expected to assess their compliance with current regulations, internal brand guidelines, and industry best practices. You will work closely with the client teams, coaching and mentoring staff, conducting training sessions on hygiene procedures, hazard controls, cleaning schedules, pest management, cross-contamination risks, personal hygiene, and overall food safety culture.

You will also liaise with account managers or client contacts to address any non-conformances, provide recommendations, follow up on corrective actions, and ensure continuous improvement. Regular reporting is part of your duties—you must compile accurate audit reports, highlight key findings, specify actionable items, and maintain clear communication throughout the process. You will track food safety alerts, updates to health inspection results, and regulatory changes to advise clients on maintaining compliance.

Weekly targets will be set, including a budgeted number of audits and client coaching sessions. High standards of customer satisfaction are expected: your assessments and feedback must foster trust, be constructive, thorough, and help clients elevate their standards. You may often work at evenings or weekends, depending on client needs. Travel within the Exeter region is part of the role, so having a reliable vehicle and a clean driving licence are essential. While you will operate independently, you’ll coordinate with Ecolab’s teams to share best practices, receive guidance, and maintain consistency in audit delivery.

Eligibility & How to Apply

To be considered for this opportunity, you should meet the following qualifications and be prepared to follow the application process outlined below.

1. Relevant Qualifications: You must hold a recognised Level 4 Food Safety qualification. Certifications such as HACCP, ISO 22000, BRC, NEHA (e.g. RS, REHS, CP-FS or equivalent) are highly desirable. These credentials will enable you to interpret regulations, assess risks, and recommend improvements responsibly.
2. Experience & Skills: You should have prior auditing experience—conducting food safety or brand standards evaluations in retail food operations or hospitality. Experience in a teaching, coaching or consulting capacity is essential. Solid relationship management skills, strong planning and organisational ability, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure while juggling multiple assignments will be vital.
3. Practical Requirements: You must be based in or very close to the Exeter area, with reliable transport and a clean driving licence. Ability to travel during evenings and weekends is important. You should be able to operate with minimal supervision, show initiative, problem solve effectively, and manage your schedule to meet deadlines and audit targets.
4. How to Apply:
   • Prepare a current CV highlighting your food safety qualifications, auditing and hospitality experience, and any coaching or training roles you’ve held.
   • Write a cover letter or brief statement explaining why you are interested in auditing with EcoSure/Ecolab, your experience with brand standard audits, and how you maintain high standards under pressure.
   • Include details of your certifications (copies or verifiable credentials), your geographic location, availability on weekdays, evenings, weekends, and your mobility (vehicle, licence status).
   • Submit your application through Ecolab’s careers portal or via email as directed by the listing. Ensure your application is complete and includes contact details.

Ecolab operates this role on an independent consulting basis. Please note that immigration sponsorship is not provided. If you have any questions related to this position or the application process, do not hesitate to reach out to the contact person listed in the job posting. We encourage applications from individuals who are committed to upholding top standards and improving food safety practices in the hospitality industry.

FAQs

• Do I need formal certification to apply?
  Yes. A Level 4 Food Safety qualification is required, and additional certifications (HACCP, ISO 22000, BRC, NEHA etc.) are strongly preferred. These ensure you’re equipped to evaluate compliance and lead effective audits.
• Is this role remote or on-site?
  This role is primarily on-site. You will visit client locations around Exeter and conduct physical audits. Some remote communication for reports, coaching, or coordination may be required.
• What hours will I be expected to work?
  You should be available for weekdays, evenings, and weekends as needed. Client schedules vary, so flexibility is important for meeting audit and training demands.
• Does Ecolab provide support for travel expenses?
  As an independent consultant, you are responsible for your transport; having your own vehicle and clean driving licence is necessary. Details of travel reimbursement can be clarified during the application or onboarding process.