Health and Safety Manager Health and Safety · Havant

The Trust Horizon Leisure Centres is a leisure trust operating since 1997, with centres in Waterlooville, Havant and Guildford. We are passionate about health and wellbeing and are committed to making an outstanding positive impact on our customers and within our local community. Our mission is to support and inspire our local communities to live healthier and happier lives by providing affordable access to sport and leisure facilities to all.

As Horizon's Health and Safety Manager, you'll be at the forefront of driving a proactive, safety‑first culture across all our leisure facilities. You will shape Horizon’s Health & Safety management system, ensuring policies and procedures are followed and lived by every team member. Visibility and leadership are at the heart of this role. You’ll lead by example, bring energy, accountability and a results‑driven approach to health and safety. Your proactive mindset will help you identify opportunities for improvement and drive continuous development.

What does the role involve? A hands‑on role that requires you to:

• Develop and Maintain H&S Systems: Lead the development and continuous improvement of Horizon’s Health & Safety management system, ensuring all policies, procedures and regulations are adhered to across all leisure facilities. Communicate updates clearly and ensure compliance at all levels.
• Compliance & Auditing: Oversee regular compliance checks and audits to ensure building safety and regulatory adherence. Work with the operational team to prepare for Quest Assessments and external Health & Safety audits. Conduct in‑house audits, ensuring any issues are identified and resolved proactively.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Utilise the STITCH software system to gather and analyse key health and safety data. Present monthly reports, identifying trends and areas for improvement to senior management.
• Legionella Compliance: Act as the Competent Person for legionella, ensuring full compliance and effective management of risks.
• Risk Assessments & Documentation: Ensure that comprehensive and up‑to‑date risk assessments, including fire risk assessments, are conducted across all facilities. Review and refine as necessary to maintain high standards of safety.
• Accident Investigations: Document and investigate accidents thoroughly, making recommendations for improvements and ensuring lessons learned are implemented. Maintain robust records for future reference and compliance purposes.
• Safety Systems Management: Maintain and ensure compliance of all safety systems (e.g., fire alarms, CCTV), in line with relevant regulations and standards.
• Quest Audit & Preparation: Collaborate with the operational team to prepare for and support both internal Quest Assessments and external Health & Safety audits. Ensure that all facilities meet or exceed Quest’s health and safety standards.
• Collaboration for Compliance: Work with the Facilities Manager and property maintenance teams to ensure ongoing compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Staff Training & Development: Ensure that staff receive relevant health and safety training and maintain up‑to‑date records of qualifications. Collaborate with the L&D Manager to deliver engaging and effective training.
• Health & Safety Guidance: Communicate changes in health and safety guidance to ensure the business remains compliant with up‑to‑date legislation and industry best practice.
• Operational Procedures: Review, update, and create operational procedures to ensure alignment with the H&S management system and improve overall safety standards.
• Health & Safety Culture: Lead by example and promote a culture of health and safety across the business, encouraging proactive engagement with safety responsibilities.
• Chair Health & Safety Committee: Chair the quarterly Health and Safety Committee meetings, driving forward the agenda, ensuring discussions are productive and actions are effectively implemented.
• Leisure Facility Management (HSG 179): Effectively manage health and safety within all leisure facilities, in line with HSG 179 "Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools". Ensure adherence to industry best practices for swimming pool operations, risk assessments and emergency procedures.
• Fire Protection & Prevention: Ensure effective fire protection strategies are in place, including regular fire drills, staff training and prevention measures. Promote a proactive fire safety culture across the business.
• Support and Develop H&S Representatives: Support and develop Health and Safety Representatives at each centre, encouraging effective communication and the promotion of good health and safety practice at every level of the organisation.
• Crisis Management: Develop and implement an effective crisis management plan, ensuring that it is communicated clearly and practiced across the business. Take a lead role in the delivery of crisis management procedures to prepare the business for any eventuality.
• KPIs & Performance Reporting: Identify and track health and safety KPIs, ensuring all facilities meet established performance standards and work towards continuous improvement.
• Strategic Development: Take a proactive approach to the strategic development of Horizon’s Health & Safety management system, ensuring it evolves in line with industry standards and company growth.
• Technology Utilisation: Explore the use of technological systems to effectively manage, simplify and store periodic safety checklists, streamlining processes and improving accessibility across the business.

Your Experience:

• Minimum 2‑years’ experience in a H&S Management position – experience with leisure sector or similar sector is desirable.
• Proven people management and supervisory skills.
• Experience of training delivery with excellent presentation skills.
• Ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders.

Your Qualifications:

• NEBOSH or H&S equivalent (essential).
• CIMSPA or equivalent (desirable).

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to engage and motivate others.
• Resourceful with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and prioritise under pressure.
• Competent IT user.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
• Innovative and adaptable to change.
• Commercial awareness.

What you can expect from us:

• A comprehensive induction and training programme; you don’t need to have worked in the leisure industry before. We will teach you all you need to know.
• Support from the wider team who have a great deal of combined knowledge and experience and who are eager to help you succeed.
• Variety; no two days is the same.
• An environment that encourages innovation and free thinking, surrounded by dynamic, empowered individuals.

Benefits:

• Free access to our award‑winning gym’s and exercise classes for you and a +1.
• Employee discounts and wellbeing platform.
• Healthcare Cash plan.
• Free 24/7 access to GPs using our SmartHealth plan.
• Employee Assistance Programme – support for when you need it most.
• 23 days annual leave + 8 days bank holiday.
• Holiday purchase scheme.
• Internal recognition schemes.
• Opportunities for training, development and progression.
• Free onsite parking – subject to availability.
• Hybrid and family friendly policies.
• Generous company sick pay scheme.
• Employee referral scheme.
• Company pension scheme.
• Death in service benefit.
• And much more.

This role will be based at Havant but will be expected to travel to other company sites as the need requires.

The recruiting manager will review your CV and, if shortlisted, invite you to a formal interview and assessment to evaluate suitability for the role.