Food Safety Auditors & Lead Auditors (Freelance)

At Intertek, we are seeking experienced Food Safety Auditors and Lead Auditors to support the Supplier Assurance Program of a major UK & international grocery retailer.

In this subcontractor role, you will perform 2nd party audits on the retailer’s suppliers, ensuring compliance with the retailer’s food safety standards, HACCP principles, and UK/EU regulatory requirements.

🚀 Your mission

• Conduct 2nd party food safety audits of the retailer’s suppliers, as scheduled and coordinated by Intertek, following established audit frameworks and protocols.
• Evaluate supplier compliance against the retailer’s Food Safety Standards, HACCP principles, legal regulations, and supplier-specific requirements.
• Identify and document potential food safety risks, non-conformities, and areas for corrective improvement.
• Prepare detailed, clear, and actionable audit reports for client and Intertek review, including evidence such as photographs and records.
• Work collaboratively with Intertek audit management and the retailer’s Supplier Assurance teams to support follow-up corrective actions and supplier continuous improvement.
• Maintain confidentiality and neutrality while adhering to client and Intertek guidelines for 2nd party auditing.
• Ensure auditing activities conform to health & safety policies and scheduling requirements.
• Manage audit schedules effectively and travel as needed within the assigned geographic scope.

🎯 What we are looking for

• Degree or relevant experience in a food-related or bioscience discipline, or equivalent higher education plus practical experience.
• VAT number and willingness to work on a freelance basis
• Minimum 5 years post-qualification experience in the food industry.

• HACCP qualified to a minimum of Level 3.
• Experience auditing across three or more food categories.
• Certified food safety auditor credentials and supplier auditing experience preferred.
• Proven track record conducting 2nd party or supplier audits, ideally within retail food supply chains.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, food safety legislation (UK/EU), and retailer-specific food safety requirements.
• Excellent report writing, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficient with digital audit reporting tools and remote auditing technologies.
• Desirable: Lead Auditor qualification (IRCA or equivalent).

🌍 Reporting & contract

• Reports directly to Intertek audit coordination teams with a dashed reporting line to the retailer’s Food Safety Compliance function.
• Subcontractor role with flexible hours based on audit volume and scheduling managed via Intertek.
• Represent the client’s values and standards professionally while working through Intertek’s auditing platform.