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 since 1898.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, comprehensive leave, and career development support.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and innovative workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety culture and compliance in a high-stakes industry.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in HSE management required.
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.
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
Requirements:
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)
Benefits:
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 in Loanhead employer: MacTaggart Scott
MacTaggart Scott is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Loanhead, Edinburgh, where you can thrive as a Health, Safety & Environmental Manager. With flexible working options, a comprehensive leave policy, and robust career development support, we prioritise employee wellbeing and professional growth. Our commitment to operational excellence and a positive safety culture ensures that you will play a vital role in shaping the future of HSE practices within the naval defence industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Health, Safety & Environmental Manager in Loanhead
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research MacTaggart Scott's values, projects, and recent news. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common HSE scenarios. Think about how you would handle incidents or improve safety culture. Being ready to discuss real-life examples will make you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest in the role can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the position!
We think you need these skills to ace Health, Safety & Environmental Manager in Loanhead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in health, safety, and environmental management. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've improved HSE performance or influenced a positive safety culture in your previous roles. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you're a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at MacTaggart Scott!
How to prepare for a job interview at MacTaggart Scott
✨Know Your HSE Legislation
Make sure you 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 rules but can also apply them effectively in a manufacturing or engineering context.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or influenced safety culture in previous roles. Think about specific situations where your leadership made a difference, especially in high-risk environments. This will demonstrate your capability to manage Health & Safety Officers and engage with stakeholders at all levels.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle incidents, conduct audits, or improve safety systems. Practise articulating your thought process and the steps you would take in these scenarios. This will highlight your problem-solving skills and proactive approach to HSE management.
✨Engage with Their Values
Research MacTaggart Scott's commitment to operational excellence and safety. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their positive safety culture. Showing that you understand and resonate with their mission can set you apart from other candidates.
