Hygiene Officer

We're looking for a detail-oriented and collaborative Hygiene Officer to join our team in Visakhapatnam, India. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of hygiene, sanitation, and food safety across all operational areas. You will work closely with kitchen, stewarding, and facility management departments to maintain compliance with FSSAI regulations and international hygiene standards while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. Your analytical mindset, combined with your commitment to excellence and innovative approach to problem-solving, will be instrumental in protecting our guests' and employees' health and maintaining our organization's reputation.

• Develop, implement, and monitor comprehensive hygiene and sanitation management systems in accordance with FSSAI guidelines, international standards, and local Indian regulations
• Conduct routine inspections and audits of all food preparation areas, storage facilities, receiving areas, transportation, and operational zones to ensure compliance with hygiene protocols
• Lead periodic control, monitoring, and validation processes according to established procedures and quality plans; analyze findings and provide actionable recommendations
• Collect and analyze samples from food, drinking water, surfaces, personnel hands, and raw materials for microbiological and laboratory testing; interpret results with transparency and clarity
• Perform routine hand hygiene and surface contamination checks using practical swab testing methods and document findings meticulously
• Organize and deliver targeted training programs to kitchen, stewarding, and facility staff on food safety protocols, personal hygiene standards, and proper sanitation procedures
• Maintain detailed documentation and hygiene records; ensure all records are organized, accessible, and readily available for audits and regulatory inspections
• Investigate and report on nonconforming products and hygiene incidents; lead corrective actions and monitor their effectiveness with decisive follow-up
• Manage emergency situations, product recalls, and crisis protocols according to established procedures; document and report all outcomes transparently
• Coordinate with external auditors and regulatory bodies during hygiene and food safety audits; ensure facility compliance and readiness
• Address guest and employee concerns related to hygiene with professionalism and empathy; communicate findings transparently to management
• Collaborate with facility medical staff and management to monitor and investigate any illnesses potentially related to food service or sanitation issues
• Implement pest control and sanitation protocols; ensure proper chemical handling, waste management, and environmental sustainability measures
• Support management in preparing reports, statistical data, and performance metrics related to hygiene initiatives; identify trends and opportunities for improvement
• Stay current with hygiene trends, occupational publications, and regulatory changes; pursue continuous professional development through seminars and training
• Serve as a liaison between department managers and senior management to facilitate effective communication and system improvements
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management to support organizational goals and maintain operational excellence

**Education & Certifications:**

• Bachelor's degree in Veterinary Science, Food Science, Microbiology, or a related field
• Formal training or certification in Food Safety Management Systems (HACCP, ISO 22000, or equivalent)
• Knowledge of FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) regulations and guidelines
• Knowledge of food safety legislation and hygiene regulations applicable in India and internationally

**Experience:**

• Minimum 1 year of professional experience in quality assurance, food safety, hygiene management, or a related field
• Proven experience working within Food Safety Management Systems in a hospitality, food service, healthcare, or similar environment
• Experience conducting microbiological testing and interpreting laboratory results
• Demonstrated experience with internal and external audit processes
• Experience with pest control protocols and sanitation management

**Skills & Competencies:**

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities, particularly in complex or high-pressure situations
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences
• Excellent organizational and documentation skills with meticulous attention to detail
• Leadership capabilities and ability to mentor and train staff effectively
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Ability to establish open communication channels and collaborate effectively across departments
• Strong interpersonal skills and empathetic approach to staff engagement and customer interactions
• Decisive decision-making abilities combined with transparency in reporting and recommendations
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities efficiently
• Innovative mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement and process optimization
• Physical capability to conduct inspections, sampling, and assessments across various facility areas

**Language:**

• Fluent English proficiency (written and verbal) to communicate effectively with staff, management, and regulatory authorities

**Additional Qualifications:**

• Familiarity with hospitality industry standards and guest-focused service principles
• Knowledge of occupational health and safety standards
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays as required
• Willingness to pursue additional certifications and professional development opportunities