At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Health, Safety and Environmental strategy across multiple UK manufacturing sites.
- Company: Join a renowned British food manufacturing brand with a strong commitment to safety.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, car allowance, and pension matching.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to shape a proactive safety culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on workplace safety and culture in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive HSE leadership experience, NEBOSH Diploma, and strong knowledge of UK legislation.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
Company: Food Manufacturing Company
Role: Head of Health, Safety and Environment
Location: UK Wide, this is a home-based role but with travel expected 3/4 days a week typically. The sites are in the Midlands, into Yorkshire and the North East.
Salary: Base circa £93,000 (depending on experience) + 20% bonus based on business and personal performance, £10,000 car allowance and matched 7% pension.
You will have 8 direct reports and report into the Manufacturing Director. HSE Recruitment are working with a household British manufacturing brand seeking a Head of HSE to set the direction across the UK. You will lead Health, Safety and Environmental across 7 UK manufacturing sites, operating confidently at senior leadership level while staying close to site reality. This person will continue the elevation of HSE from a compliance function to a strategic business enabler.
You will become a trusted adviser to the Executive Team, a steady presence during incidents, and someone sites proactively seek out strengthening culture, capability and performance.
- Leading the business-wide HSE strategy
- Creating, deploying and continuously strengthening our HSE Strategy, policy frameworks and management systems (ISO 45001, ISO 14001 and ISO 50001), ensuring robust compliance and a proactive, behaviour‑based safety culture
- Influencing and guiding senior leaders
- Providing expert insight on emerging risks and regulatory changes, ensuring HSE is embedded in everyday decisions across Manufacturing, Operations and the wider business
- Building capability and leading your team
- Coaching and developing a high performing HSE function, supporting Site HSE Pillar Leads and working with Learning & Development to strengthen capability and succession
- Driving assurance, risk management and compliance
- Owning the HSE Operational Risk Register, overseeing audits, contractor management, CDM governance, crisis response, insurance requirements and business continuity planning
- Shaping culture and encouraging accountability
- Leading programmes that build trust, confidence and engagement, creating a safety culture that is open, honest and continuous‑improvement focused
Requirement: The ideal candidate has led HSE strategy across multiple locations, built high‑performing teams, and knows how to apply consistent standards while recognising local operational differences. They must be able to turn HSE data into insight, influence Site Directors and operational leaders, and work effectively across Functions such as Engineering, Supply Chain and HR. Ideally experience within FMCG manufacturing although FMCG logistics or transferable manufacturing will be considered.
Extensive senior HSE leadership experience in a fast-paced, multi-site environment (FMCG experience strongly preferred). NEBOSH Diploma, strong knowledge of UK H&S and environmental legislation; Chartered IOSH and environmental diploma desirable. We need someone commercially minded, able to balance risk, cost and operational pressures, with a proven track record in driving culture and behaviour change, not just rolling out policies. They should know how to prioritise risk across a complex environment and deliver improved safety outcomes without compromising productivity.
Candidates must bring calm authority during incidents, challenge unsafe behaviours respectfully, and build trust rather than fear. You must think systemically while keeping solutions grounded in what works in a real FMCG operation. Resilience and emotional intelligence are critical. With multiple sites to support, you must navigate competing priorities, unexpected challenges and regulatory pressure while staying composed and making clear, ethical decisions. A visible leadership approach is essential and someone who spends time on site, leads by example and responds with curiosity and not judgement when things go wrong. This role demands a leadership style that blends gravitas with warmth.
Interested? For more information, please reach out to Sophia directly at HSE Recruitment Network.
Head of Environment, Health, and Safety employer: HSE Recruitment Network
At HSE Recruitment Network, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values safety and employee well-being. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and growth, providing ample opportunities for professional development in the vibrant regions of Wiltshire and Somerset. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive environment that prioritises your career advancement and personal fulfilment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Environment, Health, and Safety
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like HSE Recruitment Network.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from HSE Recruitment Network!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like HSE Recruitment Network, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at HSE Recruitment Network, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Environment, Health, and Safety
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at HSE Recruitment Network, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at HSE Recruitment Network.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to HSE Recruitment Network. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at HSE Recruitment Network. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at HSE Recruitment Network
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to HSE Recruitment Network’s mission.
