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- Tasks: Lead health and safety across dynamic manufacturing sites, engaging teams and driving a positive culture.
- Company: Rapidly growing business with a focus on people development and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company vehicles for site travel, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a hands-on role within a supportive and fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: 5-8 years in Health and Safety, NEBOSH certified, and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Join a close-knit team where your contributions are valued and decisions are made swiftly.
Are you ready to take ownership of health and safety in a hands-on, operational role, supporting a diverse range of factory environments? Can you bring the confidence to engage with everyone from the shop floor to senior management, helping to build on a strong safety culture that’s still growing and developing? Would you thrive in a close-knit, fast-paced business, where good practice and people development are at the heart of everything they do? If these questions resonate, this Health and Safety Manager role could be a great fit.
The business functions in four dynamic sites across Essex, from packaging and distribution to food processing and manufacturing. This role directly reports into the Quality, Safety and Environment Manager, sitting as an important part of their team.
Responsibilities of the Health and Safety Manager will include:
- Owning health and safety across four nearby manufacturing and packing sites, with a strong on-site presence and close partnership with production, engineering and quality teams.
- Acting as the visible lead for health and safety, coaching managers and supervisors to improve behaviours, engagement and day-to-day standards.
- Providing hands-on technical leadership across key risk areas such as PUWER, workplace transport and manual handling, using external support where needed.
- Driving a positive safety culture in a rapidly growing business, strengthening consultation, engagement and systems in line with ISO 45001 and ISO 14001.
The successful Health and Safety Manager will have:
- Between 5 and 8 years within Health and Safety, ideally within food manufacturing or a similar fast-paced operational environment.
- Strong presence and credibility, with the confidence to lead discussions, run meetings and present to mixed groups across the business.
- A hands-on, people-focused approach, able to engage a workforce with low historic participation and drive real behavioural changes.
- NEBOSH General (or equivalent) as a minimum, with solid technical knowledge across areas such as PUWER and workplace transport; experience working with ISO systems would be beneficial.
What does the Health and Safety Manager offer you?
- A salary of around £60,000, with flexibility up to £65,000 for the right person, plus access to company vehicles for site travel.
- A key role in a rapidly growing business that has more than doubled in size in recent years and continues to invest in people, sites and systems – including an ongoing, state-of-the-art site development.
- The opportunity to shape and lead health and safety in a business with low bureaucracy, where decisions can be made quickly with the right justification.
- A highly visible position where you can make a genuine impact day to day, working with proactive teams who are open to change and improvement.
This is a pivotal role for a confident, hands-on professional who can work collaboratively, lead by example, and establish structure and accountability from day one. A valid UK driver’s licence is essential.
Health and Safety Manager in Chelmsford employer: Irwin & Colton
Contact Detail:
Irwin & Colton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Health and Safety Manager in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the health and safety field. Attend industry events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Since this role is all about building a strong safety culture, think about how you can demonstrate your hands-on approach and people-focused mindset during the interview. Show them you’re not just a fit on paper but also in practice!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in fast-paced environments like food manufacturing. Highlight your NEBOSH qualifications and any specific achievements that showcase your ability to drive safety improvements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining a company that values growth and development in health and safety.
We think you need these skills to ace Health and Safety Manager in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Health and Safety Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in health and safety, especially in fast-paced environments like food manufacturing. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven safety culture and engaged teams in previous positions. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Qualifications: Don’t forget to mention your NEBOSH General certification or any equivalent qualifications. We’re looking for someone with solid technical knowledge, so make sure we can see that clearly in your application.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Irwin & Colton
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your health and safety knowledge, especially around PUWER and workplace transport. Familiarise yourself with ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 standards, as these will likely come up in conversation.
✨Show Your People Skills
This role is all about engaging with people at all levels. Prepare examples of how you've successfully coached managers or improved safety behaviours in the past. Be ready to demonstrate your hands-on approach and how you can connect with a diverse workforce.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Real Scenarios
Think of specific situations where you've made a positive impact on health and safety. Whether it’s a challenge you faced or a successful initiative you led, having these stories ready will show your practical experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s current safety culture and future goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their ongoing development.
