At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safety, health, and environmental strategies in a high-hazard manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a leading organisation committed to safety and compliance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and influence at a senior level.
- Why this job: Shape the future of safety culture in a dynamic, high-risk setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in process safety and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Hays Health & Safety are excited to be supporting a leading, high-hazard manufacturing organisation based in the Chester area looking to appoint an experienced SHE Manager to lead all aspects of Safety, Health and Environment across a complex COMAH-regulated site. This is a senior leadership role, sitting as part of the site management team, with full responsibility for process safety, environmental compliance, occupational health, and the development of a strong, accountable safety culture.
The role: You will take ownership of the site’s overall SHE strategy, ensuring compliance, continuous improvement, and the safe operation of a high-risk manufacturing environment. A key focus will be maintaining the integrity of process safety systems and preventing major accident hazards.
- Leading and maintaining the site’s Process Safety Management system, including ownership of COMAH documentation and safety reports
- Acting as the primary point of contact for regulatory bodies including the HSE, Environment Agency, and local authorities
- Partnering closely with engineering and operational teams on projects, providing technical SHE guidance across design, hazard studies, and risk reduction
- Ensuring full compliance with UK SHE legislation and alignment with industry best practice
- Driving a strong safety culture across site, embedding accountability at all levels and promoting a proactive approach to risk management
- Leading continuous improvement initiatives across safety, environmental performance, occupational health, and emergency response
- Monitoring and benchmarking SHE performance through audits, KPIs, and reporting, identifying opportunities for improvement
- Overseeing and maintaining integrated management systems, including ISO 14001, 45001 and related standards
- Providing expert SHE advice and coaching to stakeholders across the business
- Developing and mentoring a small SHE team, supporting their professional growth
- Representing SHE at site leadership level, ensuring it remains a core operational priority
What we’re looking for: This role will suit an experienced SHE leader with a strong technical foundation in process safety and a proven track record within high-hazard environments.
- Demonstrable experience within an Upper Tier COMAH site or similar high-risk industry
- Strong expertise in process safety, including hazard analysis, fire/explosion risk, and major hazard control
- In-depth knowledge of UK health & safety and environmental legislation and its practical application
- Experience leading audits, management systems, and regulatory inspections
- Strong leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels
- A proactive, solutions-focused approach with a passion for driving cultural change and continuous improvement
The opportunity: This is a high-impact role offering the chance to shape SHE strategy within a technically complex and well-invested site. You’ll play a key role in influencing operational performance, supporting business-critical projects, and driving a positive safety culture.
Locations
SHE Manager in Cheshire, Chester employer: Hays
Join a leading high-hazard manufacturing organisation in Chester, where you will have the opportunity to lead and shape the Safety, Health and Environment strategy within a complex COMAH-regulated site. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our supportive work culture, which encourages continuous improvement and accountability at all levels, while offering competitive benefits and a focus on maintaining a proactive safety culture. As part of our senior leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in influencing operational performance and driving meaningful change in a well-invested environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SHE Manager in Cheshire, Chester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that SHE Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its SHE practices. Familiarise yourself with their compliance history and any recent initiatives. We want you to walk in confidently, ready to discuss how you can enhance their safety culture and process safety management.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along examples of past projects where you’ve successfully implemented SHE strategies or improved safety performance. We believe that demonstrating your hands-on experience can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who can contribute to our mission of promoting safety and health in high-risk environments.
We think you need these skills to ace SHE Manager in Cheshire, Chester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the SHE Manager role. Highlight your experience in high-hazard environments and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about safety, health, and environment management. Share specific examples of how you've driven cultural change and compliance in previous roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a SHE Manager, you'll be leading teams and influencing stakeholders. Make sure to highlight your leadership experiences and how you've successfully engaged others in safety initiatives. We love seeing proactive leaders!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your SHE Fundamentals
Brush up on your knowledge of process safety, environmental compliance, and UK health & safety legislation. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, especially in high-hazard environments.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership and influencing skills. Think about times when you successfully engaged stakeholders or drove cultural change within a team or organisation.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
Be ready to talk about specific initiatives you've led that improved safety or environmental performance. Highlight your proactive approach and how you measure success through audits and KPIs.
✨Engage with Technical Scenarios
Expect technical questions related to hazard analysis and risk management. Prepare to discuss how you would approach real-life scenarios, showcasing your problem-solving skills and technical expertise.