At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead health and safety initiatives across automotive sites, ensuring compliance and a strong safety culture.
- Company: Join an award-winning team recognised for workplace wellbeing and development.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, extra day off for your birthday, and 23 days annual leave.
- Other info: Dynamic hybrid role with excellent growth opportunities and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety in the automotive industry while developing your career.
- Qualifications: NEBOSH qualification and experience in health and safety, preferably in high-risk environments.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58000 € per year.
Hybrid, 1 to 2 days from home
Region - Primarily, South West / Thames Valley / West Midlands
Salary - up to £50,000 per annum plus £6,000 car allowance
42.5 hours
Our client is looking for a Health and Safety Manager that will be responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining the organisations Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) management system across all automotive sites. The right candidate will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. They will have strong analytical and report writing abilities as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office.
You will add value by ensuring full compliance with UK H&S legislation, driving a strong safety culture, and minimising risk associated with all aspects of the auto trade, including workshops, showrooms, parts departments, and customer areas.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
- Education: A recognised Health and Safety qualification, such as a NEBOSH National General Certificate.
- Experience: Proven experience in a dedicated Health and Safety role, preferably within the automotive, engineering, manufacturing, or similar high-risk technical environment.
- Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of UK Health, Safety, and Environmental legislation. Specific knowledge of safety relating to Work Place Transport Regulations, vehicle repair, lifting equipment (LOLER), and hazardous substances (COSHH) is essential.
Key Responsibilities:
- Policy and System Management: Develop, implement, and review comprehensive HSE policies, procedures, and safe systems of work (SSOW) tailored to the auto trade environment. Maintain and continuously improve the H&S Management System, ensuring it meets standards like ISO 45001 (where applicable).
- Compliance and Auditing: Ensure the business adheres to all relevant UK legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and associated regulations. Conduct regular internal audits, inspections, and site safety checks across all locations. Manage and coordinate external H&S audits and regulatory visits.
- Risk Management: Undertake and review comprehensive risk assessments for all activities, equipment, and processes, particularly in high-risk areas. Implement effective control measures to mitigate identified risks.
- Incident Management: Lead where required the investigation of all accidents, incidents, and near-misses, ensuring thorough root cause analysis. Manage RIDDOR reporting where legally required. Develop and implement corrective and preventative actions to avoid recurrence.
- Training and Culture: Develop and deliver H&S training programmes for all staff. Champion a positive and proactive safety culture through engagement, communication, and visible safety leadership.
- Environmental: Manage environmental compliance, including the safe storage and disposal of waste oils, chemicals, and scrap materials in line with UK regulations.
Benefits for you:
- An extra day off for your Birthday
- Business close 24 December and 27 December in 2025
- 23 days of annual leave per year PLUS Bank Holidays
- Four times death in service benefit.
- Working for an official Great Place to Work™ and UK Best Workplace.
- Working for a Best UK Workplace for Wellbeing and Development.
- Awarded Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award (RLS)
- Working with our award-winning team – we are Motor Trader’s CV Employer of the Year.
- Auto-enrolment pension.
- Self-development journal
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay policies.
- Access to our wellness programme and Employee Assistance Programmes.
- Mental Health First Aiders.
- Reward and recognition programmes, including our annual Group Awards.
- Annual appraisals programme and progression opportunities.
- Manufacturer training and access to our in-house training.
- Long service recognition and annual leave increase after 5 years’ service.
Health And Safety Manager in Reading employer: Forward Assist Recruitment
As a Health and Safety Manager with us, you'll join an award-winning team recognised as Motor Trader’s CV Employer of the Year, where your contributions will directly enhance our strong safety culture across multiple automotive sites in the South West and Thames Valley regions. We pride ourselves on being a Great Place to Work™, offering generous benefits such as additional leave for your birthday, enhanced family leave policies, and a commitment to employee development through training and progression opportunities. Our supportive work environment, coupled with initiatives like mental health first aid and wellness programmes, ensures that you can thrive both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Health And Safety Manager in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the health and safety field, especially those in the automotive sector. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK HSE legislation and specific regulations like LOLER and COSHH. We want you to be ready to impress with your expertise and show how you can add value to the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a strong online presence! Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your skills and experience in health and safety. Engage with relevant content to showcase your passion and knowledge in the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Health And Safety Manager in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your relevant experience in health and safety, especially within the automotive sector. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Show Off Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills align with the role. If you've got strong analytical and report writing abilities, give examples of how you've used these in past roles to make a real impact.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you the best fit for the Health and Safety Manager position.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you're keen and ready to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forward Assist Recruitment
✨Know Your HSE Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK Health, Safety, and Environmental legislation. Be ready to discuss specific regulations like LOLER and COSHH, as well as how they apply to the automotive industry. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can also apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills, prepare examples of how you've influenced stakeholders in previous roles. Think about times when you successfully communicated safety protocols or trained staff, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities. For instance, how would you handle a near-miss incident? Practise articulating your thought process and the steps you would take to ensure safety and compliance.
✨Highlight Your Training Experience
Training is a big part of this role, so be prepared to discuss any training programmes you've developed or delivered. Share specific examples of how your training improved safety culture or compliance in your previous workplaces, and how you engaged staff in these initiatives.