HSE Manager in Gateshead

A leading European manufacturer within the sustainable packaging sector is seeking an experienced Health & Safety Manager to oversee and elevate health and safety performance across multiple high-volume manufacturing sites. Operating 24/7 and employing over 140 colleagues across several units and a warehouse facility, the organisation is committed to fostering a safe, responsible, and people-focused working environment.

Role Overview

The Health & Safety Manager will play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all employees. Working closely with senior operational leadership, this individual will drive the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of health and safety systems, policies, and culture across the organisation. This is a hands-on, influential position requiring strong collaboration with managers across operations, manufacturing, warehousing, and shift leadership. The successful candidate will build on existing frameworks, including ISO45001 accreditation, and guide the organisation toward achieving a world-class safety culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Development & Implementation of H&S Procedures: Develop, coordinate, and monitor safe working systems and processes. Identify areas of risk or poor practice and collaborate with managers to implement corrective actions. Support managers in reviewing and embedding new systems to ensure ongoing effectiveness. Assist in developing and updating risk assessments. Ensure timely procedural changes in line with legislative or operational updates.
• Policy Management: Create, review, and implement health and safety policies aligned with legislation and industry best practice.
• Risk Assessment & Auditing: Conduct regular risk assessments, inspections, and internal audits to identify hazards and implement control measures.
• Training & Awareness: Deliver or commission training programmes to embed a proactive safety culture. Identify organisational training needs and evaluate training effectiveness. Offer guidance to individuals and teams on personal safety matters. Manage and monitor the Health & Safety budget.
• Incident Management: Lead investigations into incidents, accidents, and near misses, producing thorough reports and root cause analyses. Ensure RIDDOR-reportable incidents are accurately submitted to the HSE. Liaise with external bodies (HSE, Environment Agency, insurers) when required. Manage responses to insurance claims related to health and safety incidents.
• Compliance & Reporting: Monitor compliance with legislation, internal policies, and ISO45001 requirements. Maintain accurate documentation for internal stakeholders and external audits. Prepare and present detailed reports on safety performance and improvement opportunities.
• Committee Leadership: Chair the Health & Safety Committee, ensuring regular communication and engagement across the business.
• Emergency Preparedness: Develop, maintain, and communicate emergency response plans, ensuring staff are confident in procedures.
• Continuous Improvement: Promote a culture of continuous improvement through active engagement with employees at all levels. Prepare and deliver documentation and recommendations for senior leadership and the board.
• Contractor & Customer Safety: Oversee the health and safety arrangements of contractors and customers visiting or operating on site.

Qualifications & Experience

• NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent) in Occupational Health & Safety – essential.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a manufacturing health and safety leadership role.
• Strong understanding of UK H&S legislation and best practice.
• Proven ability to influence, engage, and collaborate across all levels of a business.

Personal Attributes

• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Proactive, solution-oriented mindset.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Committed to building and maintaining a positive safety culture.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Company pension scheme
• Private health insurance
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities