Environment, Health and Safety Manager in Howden

We are seeking an experienced and pragmatic HSE Manager to support and lead the Health, Safety, and Environmental function across the company's Food Waste Anaerobic Digestion (AD) operations on a part-time basis (3 days per week). The role will focus on providing strategic oversight, governance, coaching, and continuous improvement of the company's SHEQ management systems, whilst working closely with operational teams to ensure alignment with group policies, procedures, and compliance standards. This position will work collaboratively with the existing Senior SHEQ Lead and SHEQ Advisors, who will provide day-to-day operational support across the sites. The HSE Manager will therefore focus on leadership, compliance oversight, regulatory engagement, mentoring, and continuous improvement rather than daily site-based SHEQ activities. This will require a flexible working arrangement to support operational requirements across the sites, and travel between operational sites will be required.

Key Areas of Role Responsibility

• Health & Safety Management
  • Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the company's Health & Safety management systems in line with ISO 45001.
  • Support the development and review of risk assessments, HAZOPs, and safe systems of work across AD operations.
  • Review significant incidents and investigations, ensuring robust root cause analysis and appropriate corrective actions are implemented.
  • Support and guide the Senior SHEQ Lead and SHEQ Advisors in delivering training, toolbox talks, and operational SHEQ initiatives.
  • Monitor SHEQ performance against KPIs and provide reporting and recommendations to senior leadership.
  • Ensure emergency response procedures and business continuity plans remain current, tested, and effective.
  • Promote a positive and proactive SHEQ culture across all operational sites.
• Environmental Management
  • Provide oversight and assurance regarding compliance with environmental permits, licences, and regulatory requirements.
  • Support environmental monitoring programmes relating to emissions, digestate quality, odour, waste streams, and noise.
  • Review environmental incidents and ensure effective preventative and corrective actions are implemented.
  • Support initiatives focused on sustainability, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and environmental performance improvement.
  • Maintain effective working relationships with the Environment Agency and other regulatory bodies.
  • Support compliance with ISO 14001 standards and environmental governance processes.
• Compliance & Governance
  • Maintain awareness of legislative and industry developments relevant to AD, renewable energy, and process safety operations.
  • Provide guidance on risk assessments, method statements, permit compliance, and SHEQ documentation.
  • Support contractor management and ensure robust SHEQ standards are consistently applied.
  • Maintain governance systems, audit readiness, and compliance records across the business.
  • Support preparation for regulatory inspections, external audits, and management reviews.
• Leadership & Team Support
  • Provide leadership, mentoring, and professional support to the Senior SHEQ Lead and SHEQ Advisors.
  • Support the development of SHEQ competency, coaching, and training programmes across the business.
  • Assist with prioritisation of SHEQ activities across sites, ensuring consistency and alignment with business objectives.
  • Promote collaboration, knowledge sharing, and standardisation of SHEQ processes across all AD facilities.
  • Represent the SHEQ function within senior management discussions and contribute to operational decision-making.
• General Responsibilities
  • Work collaboratively with site operations teams to support safe, compliant, and efficient operations.
  • Follow all company procedures, standards, and policies.
  • Undertake any additional SHEQ-related duties reasonably required within the scope and competency of the role.

Individual Competency & Role Requirements

• Technical Expertise
  • NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent) in Health & Safety and/or Environmental Management qualification (IEMA, CEnv).
  • Significant experience in a Health, Safety, Environmental, or SHEQ leadership role within anaerobic digestion, biogas, renewable energy, utilities, or process industry environments.
  • In-depth knowledge of UK HSE and environmental legislation, including COMAH, Environmental Permitting Regulations, and the Health and Safety at Work Act.
  • Proven experience managing and developing SHEQ professionals or site-based advisors.
  • Experience implementing and maintaining ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 systems.
  • Competent in report writing, data interpretation, and performance tracking.
  • High level of computer literacy – proficient use of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint).
• Problem Solving and Analytical Thinking
  • Strong analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills.
  • Pragmatic and solution-focused, with the ability to balance compliance with operational realities.
  • Ability to identify and resolve complex issues independently.
  • Ability to carry out root cause analysis with corrective action planning.
  • Adopts a methodical approach to work.
• Communication
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence across all levels.
  • Confident leader with a coaching and mentoring approach.
  • Passionate about safety, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement.
• Project and Time Management
  • Self-motivated and resilient, with the ability to operate effectively across multiple sites.
  • Able to manage multiple assignments across different sites.
  • Ability to prioritise tasks under pressure.
  • Strong time-management skills and self-motivation.
• Adaptability
  • Flexibility to work in varying environments (weather, remote locations).
  • Willingness to work longer hours and travel to different sites regularly where business needs dictate.