Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Manager in Buxton

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Manager to join our Buxton-based cheese packaging site. Reporting to the Head of HR, you will take full ownership of EHS strategy, ensuring legal compliance while driving a strong and positive safety culture across the business. In this hands-on role, you will develop, implement, and continuously improve Health, Safety, and Environmental systems and policies. You will work closely with managers and operational teams to identify risks, implement best practices, and ensure the highest standards are consistently maintained. You will be responsible for conducting site inspections, audits, and risk assessments, as well as leading incident investigations and implementing corrective actions. The role also involves delivering training, monitoring compliance with UK legislation, and ensuring robust emergency preparedness procedures are in place. From an environmental perspective, you will support sustainability initiatives, oversee environmental compliance, and contribute to ISO standards where applicable. You will also maintain accurate records, produce reports and KPIs, and provide guidance on regulatory changes and industry best practice. This is a key role within a busy food packaging environment, requiring a confident communicator who can engage and influence at all levels, promote continuous improvement, and foster a culture where safety is a shared responsibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Health & Safety
• Develop and maintain the organisation’s Health & Safety management system.
• Conduct regular site inspections, risk assessments, and audits.
• Investigate accidents, incidents, and near misses; produce reports and corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with UK legislation (e.g., Health and Safety at Work Act, COSHH, RIDDOR, Manual Handling).
• Deliver induction and refresher safety training for employees and contractors.
• Monitor PPE usage, safety signage, and safe systems of work.
• Lead emergency preparedness planning (fire drills, first aid arrangements, evacuation procedures).
• Environmental Management
• Support ISO 14001 or other environmental management systems (if applicable).
• Monitor waste streams, emissions, and environmental compliance.
• Lead sustainability initiatives (energy reduction, recycling, environmental impact reduction).
• Liaise with regulators (Environment Agency, local authorities).
• Compliance & Reporting
• Maintain accurate records of audits, training, incidents, and compliance documentation.
• Prepare EHS reports and KPIs for senior management.
• Stay up to date with EHS regulations and best practice and advise the business accordingly.
• Culture & Engagement
• Promote a positive EHS culture across the organisation.
• Collaborate with managers and staff to identify hazards and improve safety practices.
• Drive continuous improvement in all EHS areas.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Essential
• NEBOSH General Certificate (or equivalent).
• Experience in an EHS role (industry-specific experience beneficial).
• Excellent knowledge of EHS legislation and compliance requirements.
• Strong communication, investigation, and report-writing skills.
• Proactive, organised, and able to influence at all levels.
• Desirable
• NEBOSH Diploma or working towards it.
• ISO 45001 / 14001 audit experience or qualifications.
• Environmental qualification (IEMA Foundation Certificate).
• Experience in manufacturing, construction, logistics, or similar high-risk environments.

Key Competencies

• Risk management
• Incident investigation
• Coaching and training
• Stakeholder engagement
• Analytical thinking
• Continuous improvement mindset