HSE Manager in Hereford

An established and high-performing manufacturing facility in Hereford is seeking a proactive and experienced HSE Manager to lead its Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) function. This is a pivotal role responsible for shaping, implementing, and enhancing HSE strategy, policies and procedures in a complex industrial environment. Reporting directly to the General Manager and working closely with senior leadership and group HSE representatives, the successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring compliance, driving cultural change, and embedding a proactive, risk-aware mindset across the site.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic guidance and operational support to senior management to continuously improve site-wide HSE performance.
• Oversee compliance with all relevant UK health, safety, and environmental legislation and internal standards.
• Lead the implementation and maintenance of HSE policies, risk management systems, and control measures.
• Coordinate internal governance and cross-audit activities, ensuring effective monitoring of legal and corporate obligations.
• Analyse HSE KPIs and trends, identifying areas of improvement and initiating corrective actions as necessary.
• Deliver clear, impactful monthly reporting to senior stakeholders, including presentations on performance, risks, and improvement initiatives.
• Conduct site audits, inspections, incident investigations and root cause analyses, ensuring follow-up and close-out of all actions.
• Actively engage with all levels of the workforce to promote ownership and accountability for safety and environmental performance.
• Represent the site in liaison with regulatory bodies and ensure timely submission of reports and permits.
• Support and train operational managers and frontline teams on safe working practices and compliance requirements.
• Ensure effective integration of ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 management systems, promoting best practice across the site.
• Contribute to the wider business strategy through collaboration with the UK and international HSE network.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering or a related discipline.
• NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent Level 6 qualification in occupational health and safety).
• Chartered Member of IOSH (CMIOSH) or working towards chartered status.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a dedicated HSE management role within manufacturing, engineering or a similarly high-risk environment.
• Demonstrable experience in the implementation and auditing of ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 systems.
• Familiarity with process safety principles and experience in higher hazard industries is highly desirable.

Key Skills & Competencies

• In-depth knowledge of current UK HSE legislation, guidance, and standards.
• Strong leadership and influencing skills with the ability to engage and support at all organisational levels.
• Skilled in cultural change and behavioural safety initiatives.
• High level of initiative, self-motivation, and the ability to work independently.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with confident presentation abilities.
• Strong planning and time management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and digital reporting tools.
• Effective people management and team development capabilities.

What’s on Offer

• A critical leadership role within a forward-thinking, safety-conscious manufacturing environment.
• The opportunity to drive real change and embed best-in-class HSE practices.
• Competitive salary package and benefits.
• Ongoing professional development and support.