At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape health and safety strategy across UK and Ireland manufacturing operations.
- Company: Established manufacturing organisation with a strong safety-first culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, car, and excellent benefits.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for professional development and growth.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on safety and influence a high-performance culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in health and safety management and strong leadership skills required.
Are you passionate about driving a safety-first culture across complex manufacturing operations? Do you thrive in a senior leadership role where you can influence, challenge, and embed the highest standards of health and safety performance?
We are seeking a Head of Health and Safety to lead and shape safety strategy across the UK and Ireland operations of a highly established and respected manufacturing organisation. This is a high-profile leadership position, offering the opportunity to make a significant impact across a substantial operational footprint and play a key role in shaping the organisation's long-term safety culture.
Working closely with senior management, operational leaders, cross-functional teams, and external stakeholders, the successful candidate will provide strategic direction and leadership to ensure the highest standards of compliance, operational excellence, and proactive safety performance.
The successful candidate will:
- Lead the development and implementation of the company's Health and Safety strategy across all sites, driving a high-performance safety culture and continually raising standards.
- Oversee regulatory compliance and conduct audits, inspections, and risk assessments to identify and mitigate hazards across a complex manufacturing environment.
- Collaborate with internal teams and external agencies to ensure adherence to legislation, industry standards, and best practices.
- Develop, implement, and continually improve H&S policies, procedures, and training frameworks, ensuring consistency and excellence across the organisation.
- Provide strategic leadership to H&S teams, ensuring ongoing professional development, competence, and strong engagement across the function.
- Partner with senior leadership and operational teams to embed health and safety into business strategy, decision-making, and day-to-day operations.
You will need:
- Proven experience managing health and safety within large manufacturing, engineering, or industrial environments.
- Strong knowledge of UK Health and Safety legislation and compliance management.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and influencing skills at all levels of an organisation.
- Relevant professional certifications such as NEBOSH or equivalent, with additional qualifications like ISO45001 Lead Auditor preferred.
- The ability to operate strategically while remaining closely connected to operational delivery and continuous improvement.
Ready to make a significant impact on safety within a leading manufacturing organisation? This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established business with a strong operational presence across the UK and Ireland and play a pivotal role in shaping its health and safety strategy for the future.
We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. If there's anything we can do to make the recruitment process more accessible, please let us know.
Head of Health and Safety in Birmingham employer: Irwin & Colton
Irwin & Colton is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Oxford where the SHEQ Advisor can make a significant impact on health, safety, and environmental practices within a leading civil engineering firm. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive compensation, and a culture that prioritises safety and innovation, this role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to high-profile projects while enjoying a generous car allowance and the chance to shape strategic initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Health and Safety in Birmingham
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like Irwin & Colton.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at Irwin & Colton.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like Irwin & Colton, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Health and Safety in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Irwin & Colton.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at Irwin & Colton.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Irwin & Colton. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at Irwin & Colton. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Irwin & Colton
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Irwin & Colton’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
