Head of Health, Safety, and Environment in Preston

We are seeking an experienced and influential HSE UK & Ireland to lead and drive our health, safety, environmental and sustainability agenda across the UK and Ireland. This role will act as a key strategic leader, embedding a proactive safety culture, ensuring compliance with regulatory and ISO standards, and supporting the business in achieving its long-term sustainability goals.

The Person

• We are looking for a highly credible HSE leader who combines technical expertise with strong leadership and influencing skills.
• You will be a visible and trusted advisor, capable of driving behavioural change and engaging stakeholders at all levels, including executive leadership.
• Be a chartered HSE professional (e.g. IOSH) with a NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent).
• Ideally hold a NEBOSH Environmental qualification.
• Bring significant experience (5+ years) in a senior HSE leadership role, preferably within manufacturing.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards.
• Have proven experience in sustainability and environmental reporting.
• Be an effective communicator with the ability to influence at executive level.
• Show resilience, adaptability, and the ability to manage a high workload.
• Be a strong people leader with experience developing and coaching teams.

The Role

As Head of Health, Safety, and Environment UK&I, you will be responsible for leading the development and execution of the HSE strategy across all UK&I sites. You will act as the subject matter expert on all health, safety, environmental, and sustainability matters, ensuring legal compliance, driving continuous improvement, and embedding a mature safety culture. Reporting to the Operations Director, you will lead the UK HSE function, working closely with site leadership teams, the Business Leadership Team (BLT), and external stakeholders. You will also play a key role in sustainability initiatives and external reporting obligations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of the UK&I HSE strategy and sustainability agenda.
• Set and drive HSE objectives and targets in collaboration with the Executive Team and BLT.
• Promote a proactive, positive safety culture and influence behavioural change at all levels.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on all HSE matters to leadership teams and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant HSE legislation and keep the business informed of changes.
• Maintain and retain ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certifications.
• Oversee accident reporting, investigations, insurance claims, and ensure defensibility.
• Lead HSE audits across sites, identifying trends and driving continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement HSE systems, tools, and processes across the business.
• Deliver regular HSE performance reporting, dashboards, and insights.
• Lead monthly HSE meetings, tracking actions and introducing improvement initiatives.
• Support design risk assessments for new equipment, processes, and layout changes.
• Drive consistency and best practice sharing across UK&I sites.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external bodies (e.g. regulators, certification bodies).
• Partner with HR on incident management, including vehicle-related cases.
• Develop training materials and build HSE capability within line management.
• Lead, coach, and develop the UK HSE team.
• Support the business transition to a more proactive sustainability approach.
• Flexibly travel across UK&I sites as required.

Requirements

• Degree in a relevant field (desirable).
• NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent) and Chartered IOSH membership.
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.
• Demonstrated experience in sustainability reporting and initiatives.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior HSE leadership role.
• Manufacturing sector experience (preferred).
• Strong leadership, communication, and influencing skills.
• Ability to operate at operational, tactical, and strategic levels.
• Experience working with internal and external stakeholders, including regulators.
• High level of resilience and ability to manage competing priorities.

About BAXI

We're leading the energy transition to zero carbon, by offering complete residential and commercial heating and hot water solutions. As one team across the UK and Ireland, and with the backing of our global parent company, BDR Thermea Group, we work together with a collective knowledge and expertise that’s literally centuries in the making. We’re proud of our heritage, manufacturing in the UK since 1866, and we’re experienced in adapting to changing needs.

Our Benefits

Our package includes a competitive basic salary plus a variable incentive. We also offer:

• Private medical.
• Contributory pension.
• Income protection.
• Enhanced family leave (maternity, paternity, sick pay).
• Staff discounts and additional benefits.

Our Approach

Baxi is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and do not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, gender reassignment, race, nationality, religion, disability, or age. At BDR Thermea Group, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) are critical to our success. We are committed to creating a workplace where every potential future employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work.