Job Description

This opportunity is only open to applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.

The Incidents Manager role will support the Head of Incidents and Resilience and contribute to the effective response and handling of food and feed incidents impacting on Scotland, managing these in accordance with FSS and UK established procedures.

This includes providing timely response to high level requests for information on incidents and investigations, in addition to providing support, advice and guidance to key stakeholders (including local authorities, Scottish Government, the food industry in Scotland) during incidents and investigations, and in relation to long-term remediation and monitoring.

This individual will work in close collaboration with colleagues across the FSS and wider government and enforcement community and actively engage with and contribute to any reviews of incidents and investigations to ensure continuous improvement. Working to resolve difficulties in incidents and investigations, proactively raise any concerns over progress of incidents and/or investigations with senior managers in a timely manner.

The post holder will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure an effective incident response capability where there are concerns about actual or suspected threats to the safety or quality of food and/or feed that require intervention to protect consumers’ interests.

This role will involve working under pressure using available information and scientific data to make evidence-based decisions which take into account the bigger picture and you must be anble to use your own initiative to deal with complex cases.

As part of this role, you may be required to represent FSS at external stakeholder meetings delivering presentations as required or Provide briefings to senior managers and co-ordinate the drafting of submissions to Scottish Government Ministers, responses to Ministerial questions, and Freedom of Information requests.

Networking effectively and building effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders is also a key priority within this role.

Key responsibilities

• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure an effective incident response capability where there are concerns about actual or suspected threats to the safety or quality of food and/or feed that require intervention to protect consumers' interests.
• This role will manage the day to day performance of the incidents team and ensure an efficient and effective response to all feed and food incidents.
• Lead on engagement with a wide range of stakeholders both domestically and internationally and manage day to day performance of the incidents team and ensure an efficient and effective response to all feed and food incidents.
• This role will also include participating in the out of hours incidents rota.
• Network and build strong working relationships with stakeholders.
• Represent FSS at stakeholder meetings
• draft submissions to Ministers, respond to ministerial questions and FOI requests.
• Contribute to the effective response and handling of food and feed incidents impacting on Scotland, managing these in accordance with FSS and UK established procedures.

Experience required

• Current experience leading a team of incidents officers in the management and coordination of both routine and non-routine food/ feed incidents, ensuring accurate logging of all information and proven experience in making fast paced evidence and risk based decisions.

• Practical understanding of, and experience in the use of appropriate food and feed law including Regulation (EC) No 178/2002

• Experience in the role of an Environmental Health Officer with an ability to identify various risk management options to ensure a proportionate incident response.

Working Pattern

This role is a temporary position with an expected committment of 23 months.

How to Apply

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B3 grade employees.

Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words).

Vacancies close at 12:00pm on Friday 10 April 2026.

Selection Process

All applicants will be invited to an informal discussion. There will be no formal testing or assessment.

Discussions are expected to be scheduled for w/c tbc.

Further Information

If you have specific questions about the role, please contact stuart.mcadam@fss.scot

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.