Environment, Health and Safety Manager in Bedford

Aircraft Research Association (ARA) Ltd is a unique engineering SME. We are a leading specialist in model design and manufacture, aerodynamic testing and numerous associated technologies based around our transonic wind tunnel at our site in Bedford. Established in 1952, we have a strong, rich heritage, with unique research capabilities involving many bespoke processes including CFD. We deliver innovative solutions and services to our global customer base through our high skilled engineering and aerodynamic professionals.

We are now recruiting a Health and Safety (HSE) Manager for our site in Bedford. Role is 5 days a week in office.

Overview of the role:

The SHE Manager (SHEM) is responsible for ensuring all ARA employees, workers and contractors are fully aware of their responsibilities with respect to Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) and are meeting these requirements, providing appropriate training where necessary. The SHEM will raise the profile of HSE management throughout ARA, promoting SHE as a fundamental aspect of life for all employees and workers.

In day-to-day running of the facility, the SHEM will manage many HSE aspects of the operation and development of the site and, through application of continuous improvement, increase the safety of the plant as a whole and will ensure appropriate managers and staff are fully involved in management of SHE in other areas. The SHEM will chair a committee, which will include company directors and senior managers and drive improvement through that forum. We are currently transforming and upgrading our site so we can provide the best testing facilities for all our clients.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Understand the modern legislation, implementation and approach to SHE in the industrial/research setting.
• Apply this knowledge to determine areas of concern and sub-optimum practices around a complex, aging and operational facility.
• Encourage and promote staff identifying and raising SHE issues.
• Experience of developing long term SHE improvement plans covering people development and external expenditure, with the plans being costed and approved at board level.
• Understand, to an appropriate level, a wide range of complex plant and processes such that advice on SHE requirements can be clearly given. This will include operations in confined spaces, at height or in the presence of harmful substances.
• Manage specific hazards from a manufacturing and research facility using high energy sources such as high and very high pressurised air, large rotating machinery, traditional and modern machining centres, hydraulics, high voltage equipment, class 4 lasers.
• Check, approve, advise on and occasionally author RAMS.
• Formally report status of SHE to key stakeholders on a monthly basis, especially with regard to facility development projects.
• Manage and participate in audits for a number of regulatory bodies including ISO.
• Investigate events around site such as near misses, environmental issues (spillages, noise pollution, drain contamination, etc.). Ensure reporting is effective and that closing actions are appropriate and complete.
• Maintain a good understanding of the facility operations such that SHE issues are addressed in a timely manner, along with continuous improvements advice.
• Advise the research projects on the SHE measures required for certain processes such as spraying hazardous chemicals.
• Provide advice consultancy to the CEO, the senior leadership team (SLT), and other members of staff as required.

Person Specifications:

• Experience of reporting SHE status and improvements plans at Board level.
• Advising staff and promoting best SHE practices and culture using skills and experience.
• Pragmatic approach to prioritising and promoting HSE/SHE initiatives and continuous improvement.
• Be capable of applying problem-solving techniques in a logical, competent and timely manner; making critical decisions promptly.
• Keen attention to detail, in terms of quality of work produced and adherence to project schedules.
• Able to analyse situations, anticipate challenges, and develop clear plans that support long-term goals.
• Readily adaptable to changing circumstances.
• A team player, confident and capable of mentoring and coaching less experienced colleagues.
• Possess strong leadership credentials including inter-personal and people-management skills.

Qualifications/Experience:

• A NEBOSH diploma (or NEBOSH General Certificate plus demonstrable experience) and membership of IOSH.
• The successful candidate must satisfy security clearance requirements – including the last 5 years continual UK residency.

Aircraft Research Association Ltd is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We recognise the value in an inclusive and diverse workforce and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified people.