At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HSE strategies and drive sustainability across multiple food manufacturing sites.
- Company: Join a market-leading food manufacturer committed to safety and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 33 days holiday, and excellent employee benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive, inclusive culture with great career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape culture and strategy while making a real impact on health and safety.
- Qualifications: Strong HSE leadership experience and relevant qualifications required.
Are you a passionate HSE leader ready to drive safety and sustainability across a high-performing food manufacturing group? Do you enjoy delivering change through people, process, and systems in complex, fast-paced production environments? Are you seeking a group-level role with the opportunity to shape culture, strategy, and environmental performance across multiple sites? If so, the Health, Safety and Environmental Improvement Lead role could be the next exciting step in your career.
This is a key position within a well-established, multi-site food manufacturer, part of a wider national group that is a market leader in its sector. You'll play a central role in shaping HSE strategy across a diverse manufacturing cluster while supporting wider initiatives at group level.
What can you expect in this role?
- Lead the implementation of group-wide Health, Safety, Environmental and Sustainability strategies across a designated cluster of UK food manufacturing sites.
- Work closely with local site leadership and the Group HSE function to support compliance, improve standards, and embed a positive safety culture.
- Support and drive site-level risk assessments, audits, and safety improvement plans, ensuring compliance with current UK legislation and group policies.
- Provide subject-matter expertise and coaching to help develop Safe Systems of Work and improve employee wellbeing and incident reduction.
- Champion and deliver key sustainability initiatives, supporting environmental performance across areas such as energy, waste, and water.
- Support and influence operational leaders to develop and execute HSE action plans aligned to group KPIs and ISO standards.
What does this role offer you?
- Salary of ~£55,000 DOE
- 33 days holiday including bank holidays, life assurance (2x salary), and an enhanced pension scheme.
- A supportive benefits package including enhanced maternity & paternity leave, free Employee Assistance Programme (for you and your family), and access to retail discounts via the Benefits Hub.
- Recognition and reward through our Refer a Friend Scheme (up to £300), Employee Recognition Awards, and a company culture that celebrates success.
- Ongoing learning and development, including sponsored professional memberships and access to our in-house development programmes.
What We're Looking For:
- Strong HSE leadership experience in a manufacturing, FMCG, or food production environment.
- NEBOSH Certificate (or equivalent qualification) and IOSH Membership (Chartered or working towards).
- IEMA Foundation Certificate or similar environmental qualification desirable.
- Knowledge of ISO standards (e.g. 14001, 50001) and experience delivering sustainability improvements.
- Excellent communication, project management and stakeholder engagement skills.
- A collaborative, solutions-focused approach with a passion for continuous improvement.
Join a forward-thinking organisation committed to safety, sustainability, and diversity. Grow your career in a supportive, inclusive culture where you can truly make a difference.
Health, Safety and Environmental Improvement Lead in Thornhill employer: Irwin & Colton
Irwin & Colton is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises quality and compliance within the major infrastructure sector. Based in Acton, London, employees benefit from a collaborative environment that fosters professional growth and development, alongside competitive remuneration and comprehensive benefits. Join us to make a meaningful impact on significant projects while advancing your career in a supportive and innovative setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Health, Safety and Environmental Improvement Lead in Thornhill
✨Dive into Environmental Networks
Get involved with sustainability-focused organisations and attend their events. Look for local meetups or conferences in environmental management where you can connect with professionals in the field. This can lead to insider info on job openings at companies like Irwin & Colton that might not be advertised widely.
✨Show Your Passion with Projects
Consider undertaking personal or community projects that highlight your dedication to sustainability. Whether it's a local clean-up or a carbon footprint assessment, document your findings and results. This not only boosts your portfolio but also shows potential employers like Irwin & Colton that you're proactive and serious about the field.
✨Seek Out Green Job Boards
Don’t just rely on general job boards. Explore specific platforms that focus on sustainability and environmental management roles. Websites like EnvironmentJobs and Sustainable Business can be goldmines for full-time positions at companies like Irwin & Colton. Keep an eye out for their aggregation of listings!
✨Let Your Online Presence Shine
Make sure your social media and professional profiles reflect your passion for sustainability. Share articles, engage in discussions, and connect with leaders in the field. Your active presence can make a lasting impression on hiring managers at companies like Irwin & Colton when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Health, Safety and Environmental Improvement Lead in Thornhill
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sustainability:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through. Share any relevant experiences, like projects, volunteer work, or events you've participated in that align with Irwin & Colton's values. This position isn't just about meeting qualifications; it's about genuinely caring for the environment and showing us why you're the right fit for Health, Safety and Environmental Improvement Lead.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Experience:Make sure to showcase any specific qualifications, such as degrees in environmental science or certifications in sustainability practices in your CV. We want to see how your academic background and practical experiences align with the job you're applying for, so don’t hold back on anything that demonstrates your expertise in environmental management.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:As we're looking for someone to jump into a full-time role, be specific about previous roles or projects that demonstrate your capabilities in sustainability. Use bullet points to make accomplishments clear, and don’t forget to quantify your achievements wherever possible – it’s all about showing us the impact of your work!
Research Irwin & Colton and Reflect It In Your Application:We love candidates who take the time to understand what we're about. Mention specific initiatives or projects that Irwin & Colton is known for in your cover letter. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about the chance to contribute to our mission in the role of Health, Safety and Environmental Improvement Lead.
How to prepare for a job interview at Irwin & Colton
✨Brush Up on Environmental Legislation
Given that we're diving into sustainability and environmental management, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of current environmental laws and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios, as you might face some technical questions about compliance and best practices during your chat with Irwin & Colton.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Sustainability Projects
When you're discussing your background, highlight specific sustainability initiatives you've been involved in. Whether it’s a project at university or work experience, sharing measurable outcomes and your role will demonstrate your hands-on skills, which is super important for this full-time role at Irwin & Colton.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Software
Make sure you're familiar with any relevant tools or software commonly used in environmental management, like GIS for mapping or data analysis tools. Bring this up in your interview as it shows you’re not only passionate but also prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
✨Connect Your Values with the Company's Mission
Full-time roles are all about team fit, so it’s important to align your personal values with those of Irwin & Colton. Be ready to discuss why you're passionate about sustainability and how you can contribute to their mission, as this will really resonate with the interviewers and show that you’re genuinely invested in their goals.
