Senior HSE Advisor

The Senior HSE Advisor plays a critical role in driving a proactive, compliant and high-performing Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) culture across the organisation. The position is responsible for leading the implementation, monitoring and continuous improvement of HSE strategies, systems and programmes that protect employees, support operational excellence and ensure compliance with all applicable legislative and regulatory requirements. Working closely with operational leaders and employees, the Senior HSE Advisor provides expert guidance, promotes best practice and champions continual improvement in health, safety, environmental and wellbeing performance.

Key Deliverables

• Maintenance of a compliant and effective HSE management system.
• Reduction in incidents, accidents and near misses through proactive risk management.
• Delivery of effective HSE training and competency programmes.
• Completion of high-quality incident investigations and corrective action plans.
• Successful audit and inspection outcomes.
• Continuous improvement in safety, environmental and wellbeing performance metrics.
• Strong employee engagement and a positive safety culture across the organisation.
• Accurate and timely HSE reporting and record management.

Key Activities & Responsibilities

• Health, Safety & Environmental
  • Support the development, implementation and continuous improvement of the company's HSE strategy, policies and management systems.
  • Provide professional advice and guidance on all HSE matters to managers, supervisors and employees.
  • Act as a visible HSE leader in promoting a positive safety culture and driving behavioural safety initiatives.
  • Support operational teams in embedding HSE requirements into daily activities and decision-making processes.
• Compliance & Governance
  • Ensure compliance with relevant UK and Northern Ireland health, safety and environmental legislation, regulations and industry standards.
  • Monitor legislative changes and recommend actions to maintain compliance.
  • Support regulatory inspections and audits and maintain positive relationships with enforcement agencies and external stakeholders.
  • Ensure all HSE policies, procedures and records remain current, effective and audit-ready.
• Risk Management
  • Lead and facilitate risk assessments, safe systems of work and method statement reviews.
  • Identify hazards, assess risks and implement effective control measures.
  • Support operational and project teams to ensure HSE risks are considered at all stages of planning and execution.
  • Promote risk awareness and accountability throughout the organisation.
• Incident Management & Continuous Improvement
  • Lead the investigation of incidents, accidents, near misses and unsafe conditions.
  • Conduct root cause analysis and ensure corrective and preventative actions are implemented and completed.
  • Track and analyse incident and performance data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce risk and enhance operational performance.
• Training, Coaching & Employee Engagement
  • Develop, coordinate and deliver HSE training, inductions and awareness programmes.
  • Support employee competency development and compliance with mandatory training requirements.
  • Coach and mentor managers and employees in HSE best practices.
  • Facilitate safety committees, toolbox talks and employee engagement initiatives to strengthen the safety culture.
• Environmental Management
  • Support environmental compliance activities, including waste management, permitting and sustainability initiatives.
  • Monitor environmental risks and ensure appropriate mitigation measures are implemented.
  • Promote responsible environmental practices and contribute to the organisation's sustainability objectives.
  • Assist in the management of environmental documentation, monitoring and reporting requirements.
• Occupational Health & Wellbeing
  • Support occupational health programmes, including health surveillance and workplace wellbeing initiatives.
  • Monitor workplace exposure risks and ensure appropriate controls are maintained.
  • Work collaboratively with Occupational Health providers and HR teams to support employee wellbeing and fitness for work.
  • Promote awareness of physical health, mental wellbeing and workplace wellness programmes.
• Performance Monitoring & Reporting
  • Monitor and report on key HSE performance indicators.
  • Prepare management reports and recommendations to support informed decision-making.
  • Conduct workplace inspections, audits and compliance assessments.
  • Maintain accurate records and documentation to support regulatory, business and certification requirements.
• Integrated Management Systems (ISO 14001 & ISO 45001)
  • Support the maintenance and continual improvement of ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certified management systems.
  • Coordinate internal audits and support external certification audits.
  • Ensure HSE documentation, processes and records remain compliant and audit ready.
  • Monitor objectives, KPIs and corrective actions to drive continual improvement.
  • Promote awareness and understanding of management system requirements across the business.

Required Criteria

• Demonstrated experience in a Health, Safety and Environmental advisory or leadership role within a manufacturing, engineering or industrial environment.
• Strong working knowledge of UK and Northern Ireland health, safety and environmental legislation.
• Proven experience in conducting risk assessments, audits, and incident investigations.
• Excellent communication, coaching, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to influence and engage employees at all organisational levels.

Desired Criteria

• NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent HSE qualification.
• Professional membership of IOSH or an equivalent professional body.