HSE Manager

We are currently recruiting for a Head of Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) to lead the HSE function for a complex manufacturing organisation operating across multiple UK and international sites. This role will be responsible for establishing and maintaining a strong Health, Safety and Environmental framework, ensuring full regulatory compliance while driving a positive and proactive safety culture across the organisation. Working closely with the Senior Management Team, the successful candidate will provide expert guidance on all HSE matters, oversee the development of policies and procedures, lead a small HSE team, and ensure robust systems and processes are in place to support safe operations across all locations.

Key Responsibilities

• HSE Leadership & Strategy
  • Lead the organisation’s Health, Safety and Environment function across all sites.
  • Develop and implement the company-wide HSE strategy aligned with regulatory and industry best practices.
  • Act as the primary point of contact and subject matter expert for all HSE matters within the organisation.
  • Promote and embed a strong safety culture throughout all operational areas.
• Compliance & Governance
  • Ensure full compliance with HSE legislation, regulations, and internal policies.
  • Maintain and continuously improve the health and safety management system, aligned with industry standards.
  • Keep all HSE policies, procedures and documentation up to date and compliant.
  • Maintain the organisation’s HSE risk register and support risk management activities across the business.
• Operational Support
  • Work closely with operational teams to understand compliance challenges and implement practical solutions.
  • Chair HSE meetings with operational leadership teams to ensure consistent standards are maintained.
  • Ensure that critical working practices and safety procedures are understood and adhered to by employees and contractors.
• Incident Management & Reporting
  • Ensure all accidents and incidents are recorded, investigated and monitored, implementing appropriate corrective actions.
  • Oversee data collection, reporting and HSE performance analysis for senior leadership and committees.
• Training & Development
  • Develop and deliver the annual HSE training plan, identifying training requirements across the organisation.
  • Support the development of safety awareness and competency across all levels of the business.
• Team Leadership & Supplier Management
  • Lead, develop and manage the HSE team, supporting performance and professional development.
  • Manage relationships with external HSE specialists, consultants and service providers.

Requirements

• Knowledge
  • Strong knowledge of Health, Safety and Environmental legislation within manufacturing or production environments.
  • Understanding of ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 management systems.
  • Knowledge of large-scale manufacturing or complex production environments is advantageous.
• Skills
  • Strong organisational and planning skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
  • Ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels of the organisation.
  • Strong presentation skills, including preparing and delivering presentations to leadership teams.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
  • Ability to prioritise tasks and manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
• Experience
  • Experience in a senior HSE leadership or management role within a manufacturing or production environment.
  • Experience advising and supporting senior management teams on HSE compliance and best practice.
  • Experience conducting HSE audits, investigations and implementing improvement plans.
  • Experience developing and delivering HSE training programmes.
  • Strong knowledge of UK RIDDOR regulations and equivalent EU requirements.
  • Experience managing third-party suppliers or specialist contractors.
  • Desirable experience includes: HAVS (Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome) management, COSHH management, Occupational health surveillance within production environments, Fire Marshalling and Display Screen Equipment assessments.
• Qualifications
  • NEBOSH General Certificate, IOSH qualification, or other recognised Health & Safety certification.
• Personal Attributes
  • Self-motivated and proactive.
  • Strong leadership and influencing skills.
  • Practical and pragmatic approach to problem solving.
  • Approachable and collaborative working style.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced and complex operational environment.
  • Flexible and adaptable team player.
• Other Requirements
  • Willingness to travel to other UK sites and occasionally internationally as required.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave
• Employer pension contribution
• Death in service benefit
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Stable permanent role within a well-established manufacturing organisation