At a Glance
- Tasks: Protect colleagues' health by managing occupational health risks and hygiene across our network.
- Company: Join Gist, the logistics partner for M&S Food, committed to inclusivity and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days leave, M&S discounts, and ongoing development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible location with travel across the UK and a focus on continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people's health and wellbeing in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in occupational health and a relevant qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
This is a genuinely exciting time to join us. We’re the logistics partner behind M&S Food, keeping products moving smoothly across the UK. As Marks & Spencer continues to grow, we’re expanding our network to support those ambitions — and that growth brings real opportunity. We’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where people feel supported to be themselves at work. We value individuality, different perspectives and fresh thinking, and we want you to bring your authentic self, do meaningful work, and make a real impact.
UK-based (site flexible) | Monday–Friday | 37.5 hours
Salary: £41,000 - £51,000
At Gist, our Health, Safety and Environment function exists to ensure every colleague can go home safe and well every day. Protecting colleagues’ health means identifying, assessing and controlling occupational health risks before harm occurs. From occupational hygiene and health surveillance to compliance and assurance, our focus is on prevention, protection and long-term health.
The opportunity
We’re looking for an Occupational Health & Wellbeing Specialist to strengthen how occupational health risks and hygiene are managed across our network. This role is centred on preventing work-related ill health through effective identification, assessment and control of health hazards. You’ll work closely with site teams, HSE colleagues and external specialists to ensure occupational health risks are understood, monitored and controlled in line with legislation and best practice. While wellbeing forms part of the wider health agenda, the primary focus of this role is on occupational health risk management and hygiene, ensuring colleagues are protected from exposure and supported to remain safe and well at work. If you’re motivated by people impact, collaboration and continuous improvement, this role offers both purpose and influence.
What’s in it for you?
- A central role in shaping and improving occupational health and hygiene practices
- Exposure across a large, operational, multi-site environment
- Close collaboration with HSE, operational and people teams
- The opportunity to embed prevention-focused health practices into everyday operations
Alongside this, we offer:
- 20% M&S discount on most things from furniture, fashion and food
- 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (rising with length of service)
- Attractive annual bonus scheme linked to M&S performance and personal objectives
- Auto-enrolment pension or competitive Defined Contribution Pension Scheme and life assurance (up to 4x salary)
- Discounted healthcare cash plan
- Access to wellbeing support, including our Employee Assistance Programme
- Ongoing development opportunities
- Cycle to work scheme
Your impact
You’ll play a key role in protecting colleagues from occupational health risks and ensuring effective health controls are in place across the business. You’ll:
- Lead the identification, assessment and control of occupational health hazards
- Coordinate and oversee occupational hygiene assessments, environmental monitoring and surveys
- Manage and maintain effective health surveillance programmes
- Act as the professional lead for occupational health service provision and third-party suppliers
- Provide expert advice on exposure risks such as noise, dust, chemicals, ergonomics and manual handling
- Support sites with health risk assessments and implementation of appropriate controls
- Contribute to investigations of health-related incidents and emerging trends
- Use health data to inform targeted interventions and improvements
- Support wellbeing activity where it directly contributes to health protection, recovery and safe return to work
About you
You’re an experienced occupational health and well-being professional, comfortable working in fast-paced, operational environments. You’ll bring:
- A qualification in Occupational Health, Health Sciences or a related field
- NEBOSH General Certificate (or equivalent)
- Membership of IOSH or another appropriate professional body
- Experience managing occupational health services and third-party providers
- Experience coordinating occupational hygiene assessments and health surveillance
- Strong communication and influencing skills
- A structured, proactive approach with the ability to manage sensitive information confidentially
- Flexibility to travel and support a 24/7 operation when required
Desirable:
- Experience within logistics, distribution or a similar operational sector
- Experience working with trade unions or consultation forums
Why Gist?
At Gist we are united by our core values; with safety and people at the heart of everything we do, we are progressive, accountable, collaborative, and ethical. Our objective is to establish a performance-focused environment that is fair and inclusive, where everyone can develop, and connect meaningfully to their manager, the Gist vision, and M&S. We are fiercely protective of everyone’s health, safety, and wellbeing, and align firmly to M&S’s sustainability commitments in Plan A. Gist will play an integral part in the M&S journey as it pushes boundaries to lead the retail industry into a greener, speedier, more inspiring era. As part of the M&S group, there’s never been a better time to be part of our team. Join us and make an immediate impact.
Gist aims to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers, and suppliers. If you consider yourself to require reasonable adjustments to any part of our recruitment process, we invite you to share those requirements with us when completing your application. We will make every effort to ensure your needs are met to provide a fair and transparent process of assessment. If it’s meaningful to you, it’s important to us.
Our Internal Recruitment Team fulfil all vacancies on a direct basis. Unsolicited contact by unapproved agencies (sharing speculative CVs) will not be accepted and introductory fees will not apply.
Occupational Health and Wellbeing Specialist in Bexleyheath employer: Gist
Gist is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where safety and wellbeing are paramount. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and employee development, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on occupational health practices across a diverse network. Enjoy competitive benefits, including generous annual leave, M&S discounts, and ongoing professional growth in a supportive culture that values your individuality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Occupational Health and Wellbeing Specialist in Bexleyheath
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like Gist.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at Gist.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like Gist, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Occupational Health and Wellbeing Specialist in Bexleyheath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Gist.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at Gist.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Gist. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at Gist. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gist
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Gist’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
