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- Tasks: Lead health, safety, and environmental initiatives in a dynamic food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a leading food manufacturer in East Anglia focused on modernisation and cultural change.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive daily rate and the opportunity to shape safety culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a transformative role with strong leadership support.
- Qualifications: NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent, with experience in manufacturing and stakeholder engagement.
- Other info: Immediate start for a 3-6 month contract; perfect for those ready to lead change.
We are working with a leading food manufacturing business in East Anglia that is going through a period of change and modernisation. They are seeking an Interim Head of Health, Safety and Environment to lead cultural and behavioural improvements across their primary processing site and wider operations.
This is an operational, delivery-focused role, backed by senior leadership and with the scope to genuinely shape the safety culture - not just provide cover.
Responsibilities of the Interim Head of HSE will include:
- Leading the health, safety, and environmental agenda across the main site and multiple associated locations
- Driving a proactive, values-led culture with a focus on continuous improvement
- Managing and supporting a small on-site team (including Safety and Environmental Officers)
- Engaging key internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership and regulators
- Ensuring compliance with UK HSE legislation and aligning practices with wider group standards
The successful Interim Head of HSE will have:
- Strong experience in manufacturing, ideally food or FMCG
- NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent) and relevant professional memberships (e.g. IOSH)
- Proven success delivering turnaround and cultural change in fast-paced environments
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and leadership skills
This is an exciting opportunity to join a business undergoing transformation, with the chance to make a real and lasting impact.
Interim Head of HSE (Replacement) employer: Irwin & Colton
Contact Detail:
Irwin & Colton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Head of HSE (Replacement)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the health, safety, and environment sector, especially those with experience in food manufacturing. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and stakeholders who can provide insights into the company culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest UK HSE legislation and best practices in health and safety management. Being well-versed in current regulations will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and safety excellence during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led cultural change in previous roles. Highlight your leadership style and how it aligns with driving a proactive, values-led culture, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s recent changes and modernisation efforts. Understanding their current challenges and goals will allow you to tailor your conversations and show how your experience can directly contribute to their transformation.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Head of HSE (Replacement)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in health, safety, and environmental management, particularly in manufacturing or food sectors. Emphasise any leadership roles and specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive cultural change.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that addresses the key responsibilities of the role. Discuss your approach to leading health and safety initiatives and how you have successfully engaged stakeholders in previous positions.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent qualifications in your application. Mention any professional memberships, such as IOSH, to showcase your commitment to the field.
Showcase Stakeholder Engagement Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've effectively engaged with senior leadership and regulators in past roles. This will demonstrate your capability to manage relationships and drive compliance.
How to prepare for a job interview at Irwin & Colton
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous roles in health, safety, and environment, particularly in manufacturing or food sectors. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led cultural change or improved safety standards.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research the company’s current health and safety culture and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to its transformation. Demonstrating knowledge about their operations will show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to talk about your experience in engaging with various stakeholders, including senior leadership and regulators. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated and collaborated with different teams to achieve safety goals.
✨Demonstrate Compliance Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with UK HSE legislation and the company's compliance practices. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure adherence to these regulations while aligning with wider group standards.
