At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve health, safety, and environmental management systems in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join MacTaggart Scott, a leader in naval defence engineering with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, comprehensive leave, career development, and health benefits.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a supportive work environment await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety culture and compliance in a vital industry.
- Qualifications: NEBOSH Diploma and strong communication skills required; experience in high-risk environments preferred.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € per year.
Location: On site - Loanhead, Edinburgh
Flexible Working Options: 4- or 5-day week
Contract Type: Permanent
We are seeking an experienced and proactive Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) Manager to lead and develop HSE performance across the business. This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring compliance with legislation and ISO standards, driving continuous improvement, and strengthening a positive safety culture across a complex operational environment. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated HSE professional who thrives in manufacturing and engineering settings and is confident influencing stakeholders at all levels. You will play a central role in embedding best practice, reducing operational risk, and supporting safe, compliant, and efficient operations.
About Us: MacTaggart Scott supports the Naval Defence industry, delivering complete engineering solutions from initial customer requirements through to design, manufacture, commissioning, and through-life support. Established in 1898, we combine heritage with continuous improvement and a commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and safety at every level of the organisation.
What is the job about? The HSE Manager is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and continual improvement of the organisation’s health, safety, and environmental management systems. You will ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 standards while promoting a proactive safety culture across all business areas. Working closely with Directors, Managers, Supervisors, and employees, you will provide competent HSE leadership, support risk reduction, oversee incident management, and ensure effective governance and compliance assurance across operational activities. You will also directly manage Health & Safety Officers, providing leadership, direction, and development to ensure consistent delivery of HSE support across the business. Success in this role comes from your ability to influence behaviour, improve systems, and ensure HSE is fully embedded into day-to-day operations.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, develop, and continually improve HSE management systems, ensuring compliance with legislation, ACOPs, and ISO 45001 / 14001 standards
- Act as competent HSE lead for the business, providing guidance and support to Directors, Managers, Supervisors, and employees
- Manage and develop Health & Safety Officers, ensuring effective delivery of operational HSE support
- Drive a positive safety culture through engagement, coaching, and workforce involvement initiatives
- Lead investigations into incidents, accidents, and near misses, ensuring root cause analysis and corrective actions are implemented
- Conduct audits, inspections, and compliance reviews, ensuring risks are identified and addressed
- Monitor, analyse, and report on HSE performance, identifying trends and improvement opportunities
- Develop and deliver HSE training, inductions, and toolbox talks across the organisation
- Ensure contractor compliance, including review of RAMS, documentation, and safe systems of work
- Oversee emergency preparedness, including fire safety arrangements, drills, and response planning
- Manage PPE provision, HSE documentation, reporting systems, and associated budgets and purchase orders
- Chair or support HSE Committee meetings and contribute to governance and compliance reporting
Essential:
- Strong communication and influencing skills across all organisational levels
- Proven ability to develop and embed a positive safety culture
- Strong knowledge of UK HSE legislation, ACOPs, and regulatory requirements
- Experience in manufacturing, engineering, defence, or other high-risk environments
- Experience with ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 management systems
- Experience in incident investigation, root cause analysis, and corrective actions
- Experience conducting audits, inspections, and compliance assessments
- Ability to work independently with strong prioritisation and judgement
- Strong stakeholder management skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and digital reporting systems
Desirable:
- Previous HSE leadership or managerial experience
- Experience driving behavioural safety and cultural change programmes
- Experience supporting organisational change or improvement initiatives
- Defence, naval, or heavy engineering sector experience
Qualifications:
Essential:
- Full UK Driving Licence
- NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent Level 6 qualification)
- Lead Auditor qualification (ISO 45001 / 14001)
Desirable:
- NEBOSH Certificate or related qualifications
- Chartered IOSH (CMIOSH) or working towards
- Formal investigation training (ICAM, TapRooT or similar)
Your Future at MacTaggart Scott – What We Offer:
- Flexible Working: Choose a 4- or 5-day week with flexible hours (07:00–19:00, core hours 09:30–15:30).
- Comprehensive Leave Policy including annual leave, paid parental leave, and military reservist leave.
- Career Development & Learning Support through our dedicated Learning and Development team.
- Wellbeing Programmes including an Employee Assistance Programme, online wellbeing resources, and onsite nurse.
- Health & Lifestyle Benefits such as life insurance, sick pay, free flu jabs, and a cycle-to-work scheme.
- Financial & Recognition Rewards including a company pension and a generous employee referral scheme.
- Convenience & Facilities: free onsite parking, canteen, and employee discounts.
Health, Safety & Environmental Manager employer: MacTaggart, Scott and Company
MacTaggart Scott is an exceptional employer located in Loanhead, Edinburgh, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises health, safety, and environmental excellence. With flexible working options, comprehensive leave policies, and robust career development opportunities, employees are supported in achieving both personal and professional growth. The company fosters a positive safety culture and provides unique benefits such as wellbeing programmes and health lifestyle perks, making it an attractive place for HSE professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Detail:
MacTaggart, Scott and Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Health, Safety & Environmental Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the health, safety, and environmental sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and showcase your expertise. Remember, it's all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their HSE policies and recent initiatives. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making a positive impact at MacTaggart Scott.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your influencing skills! Think of scenarios where you've successfully changed behaviours or improved safety culture. Be ready to share these examples during interviews to demonstrate your leadership capabilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team and contributing to our commitment to operational excellence and safety.
We think you need these skills to ace Health, Safety & Environmental Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Health, Safety & Environmental Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in HSE management, compliance with ISO standards, and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about health and safety and how you can contribute to our positive safety culture. Be sure to mention specific examples of your past achievements that relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As an HSE Manager, strong communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels. Use clear and concise language to show us you can effectively convey important safety messages.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. This way, your application will go straight to our hiring team, and you'll be one step closer to joining our fantastic team at MacTaggart Scott!
How to prepare for a job interview at MacTaggart, Scott and Company
✨Know Your HSE Legislation
Brush up on UK HSE legislation, ACOPs, and ISO standards like 45001 and 14001. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the requirements but also committed to compliance and best practices.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or initiatives in the past. Highlight your experience in developing a positive safety culture and how you’ve influenced stakeholders at various levels. This is key for a leadership role!
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about incident investigations and risk management. Think of specific situations where you’ve successfully implemented corrective actions or improved systems. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Engage with Their Values
Research MacTaggart Scott’s commitment to operational excellence and safety. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission in the naval defence industry. This shows genuine interest and cultural fit.
