At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead health and safety initiatives, ensuring a safe working environment across operations.
- Company: Panda, a leader in sustainable waste management and recycling.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and collaboration across teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety standards while working with passionate teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in health and safety, strong technical knowledge, and NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the Role
At Panda, we value waste. That means finding smarter, safer and more sustainable ways to recover value from materials, reduce environmental impact and keep essential operations running efficiently. We are looking for an experienced H&S Lead to support our Collections, Operations and Processing teams across key specialist safety areas, including machinery safety, fire safety, electrical safety and work at height. This is a visible, hands‑on role where you will act as a technical safety lead for the business, working closely with operational teams to improve standards, reduce risk and strengthen our safety culture. The H&S Lead will combine practical site engagement with data‑led insight, helping Panda stay ahead of regulatory, operational and industry expectations.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Act as Panda’s technical lead for machinery safety, electrical safety, fire safety and work at height.
- Develop, maintain and improve safety standards, procedures and guidance across specialist risk areas.
- Provide expert advice and practical support to operational, engineering and project teams.
- Lead specialist risk reviews, audits and assurance activity across sites.
- Stay up to date with emerging risks, legislation, technology and best practice within the waste, recycling and industrial sectors.
- Use safety data to identify trends, themes, risks and improvement opportunities.
- Produce clear reports, dashboards and insight papers for senior leadership.
- Lead or support investigations into incidents, near misses and high‑potential events.
- Share learning across the business and help embed stronger controls and standards.
- Carry out regular site visits to support operational teams and build local safety capability.
- Coach and guide managers and frontline teams in specialist risk areas.
- Work closely with H&S Business Partners, SHEQ teams and operational leaders to drive consistent safety standards.
About You
You will be a confident and credible health and safety professional with strong technical knowledge and the ability to turn complex safety requirements into practical operational solutions. You will bring:
- Significant experience in a Health and Safety role within industrial, recycling, manufacturing, engineering, logistics or operational environments.
- Strong knowledge of specialist risk areas such as machinery safety, electrical safety, work at height and fire safety.
- Experience leading or supporting incident investigations and identifying root causes.
- The ability to analyse safety data and turn it into clear actions and recommendations.
- Confidence presenting information to senior stakeholders and operational teams.
- NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent, or working towards.
- IOSH membership or equivalent professional membership.
- A practical, visible and collaborative approach to safety leadership.
It would also be beneficial if you have:
- Specialist training or qualifications in machinery safety, electrical safety, work at height or fire safety.
- Experience developing safety standards, technical guidance or assurance frameworks.
- Experience presenting to senior leadership or board‑level audiences.
- Chartered IOSH status, or working towards it.
What We’re Looking For
This H&S Lead role would suit someone who is:
- Visible and approachable across sites.
- Confident challenging standards in a constructive way.
- Practical and solutions‑focused.
- Comfortable working with both frontline teams and senior leaders.
- Data‑led, but able to keep recommendations clear and operationally relevant.
- Proactive in identifying risks before they become issues.
- Passionate about helping teams work safely and consistently.
Panda is committed to attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate and the people we serve.
Health and Safety Lead (Operations) in Chester employer: Beauparc
Panda is an exceptional employer that prioritises safety and sustainability, offering a dynamic work culture where employees are empowered to make a real impact. As the Health and Safety Lead, you will benefit from a collaborative environment that fosters professional growth through hands-on engagement and data-driven insights, all while working in a sector dedicated to reducing environmental impact. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Panda provides a supportive atmosphere for all employees to thrive and develop their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Health and Safety Lead (Operations) in Chester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its safety culture. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in areas like machinery safety and incident investigations. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Apply directly through our website and express your interest in the H&S Lead role. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience and passion for safety.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you note. It’s a great way to reiterate your interest in the position and remind them of your qualifications. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and professional!
We think you need these skills to ace Health and Safety Lead (Operations) in Chester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in health and safety, especially in areas like machinery and fire safety. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for at Panda!
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous roles; share specific examples of how you’ve improved safety standards or led incident investigations. We love seeing real-world applications of your expertise!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role as quickly as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Beauparc
✨Know Your Safety Standards
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest health and safety regulations, especially those related to machinery, electrical, fire safety, and working at height. Brush up on any recent changes in legislation or best practices in the waste and recycling sectors, as this will show your commitment and expertise.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific instances where you've successfully led safety initiatives or investigations. Be ready to discuss how you identified risks, implemented solutions, and improved safety culture. This practical experience will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Show Your Data Skills
Since the role involves analysing safety data, be prepared to talk about how you've used data to identify trends and make recommendations in the past. Bring examples of reports or dashboards you've created that led to actionable insights.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
Demonstrate your collaborative approach by discussing how you’ve worked with operational teams and senior leaders in previous roles. Highlight your ability to coach and guide others in safety practices, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for in a Health and Safety Lead.
