Health & Safety / Facilities Manager in York

Major Recruitment is working with a leading national fireworks manufacturer and supplier, and we are currently recruiting for a Health & Safety / Facilities Manager to join their operations team in York. The Health & Safety / Facilities Manager will be responsible for the operational management of health and safety and facilities functions across the warehouse. The role focuses on maintaining a safe, secure, and efficient working environment while ensuring full compliance with statutory requirements. A working understanding of COMAH regulations will be developed in this position. Please note, this role does not involve any responsibility for the manufacturing of products.

Key Responsibilities:

• Health & Safety Management
  • Develop, implement, and continuously improve robust health and safety policies, systems, and procedures in line with UK statutory requirements, with a focus on explosives and storage regulations.
  • Manage compliance with COMAH regulations, including preparation and maintenance of the existing safety report, major accident prevention policies, and emergency response plans.
  • Conduct risk assessments and hazard analyses, with particular emphasis on firework storage and handling.
  • Lead regular health and safety audits and inspections across the warehouse and associated areas, identifying improvement opportunities and ensuring corrective actions are implemented.
  • Oversee incident investigation processes, including root cause analysis, reporting to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and tracking preventative measures.
  • Coordinate and deliver health and safety training for all employees and temporary staff, including inductions and training on explosives and firework manual handling safety.
  • Monitor workplace environmental conditions such as lighting, fire safety systems, and emergency equipment to ensure compliance with regulations and best practice.
• COMAH and Regulatory Liaison
  • Act as the main point of contact with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), local authorities, emergency services, and other regulatory bodies on health and safety and COMAH‑related matters.
  • Prepare and submit all mandatory notifications and documentation required under COMAH and other relevant legislation.
  • Support external audits and inspections, ensuring timely responses to any findings or compliance requirements.
• Facilities Management
  • Manage the day‑to‑day operations and maintenance of the warehouse and associated facilities, ensuring equipment, structures, and infrastructure are safe, functional, and compliant.
  • Oversee preventative and reactive maintenance scheduling, working closely with contractors and service providers.
  • Manage security systems and protocols, including access control and CCTV, to protect people, assets, and inventory.
  • Ensure environmental compliance requirements are met, including waste management and chemical storage.
• Leadership & Continuous Improvement
  • Promote a strong culture of safety and compliance across all levels of the organisation, encouraging staff engagement and ownership of health and safety responsibilities.
  • Analyse health and safety performance data to identify trends and areas for improvement, reporting regularly to senior management.
  • Stay up to date with changes in health and safety, COMAH, and facilities legislation and best practice, recommending updates to policies and procedures as needed.

Essential Experience & Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a Health & Safety role within a warehousing or industrial environment, preferably involving explosives, chemicals, or similar controlled substances.
• Confidence and ability to understand COMAH regulations, particularly in relation to major accident hazards in the storage and handling of explosive materials.
• Proven track record of managing liaison and compliance with the HSE and other regulatory agencies, including preparing safety reports and emergency plans.
• NEBOSH National Certificate or Diploma (or equivalent health and safety professional qualification) is essential.
• Practical experience conducting risk assessments, safety audits, accident investigations, and emergency preparedness.
• Demonstrable facilities management experience, including maintenance planning, contractor management, security systems, and environmental compliance in an industrial setting.
• Strong understanding of fire safety regulations, hazardous substance control, and workplace environmental standards.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and leadership skills, with the ability to influence staff at all levels and foster a positive health and safety culture.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

What You'll Get:

• A hands‑on, site‑based role with real responsibility and impact.
• The opportunity to work within a highly regulated, safety‑critical environment and contribute directly to compliance and operational excellence.
• A supportive team and clear career progression within a growing business.

If you are a hands‑on Health & Safety / Facilities professional with experience in warehousing or industrial operations and a strong understanding of COMAH and explosives‑related safety, we would love to hear from you. Please apply with your CV and a brief covering note outlining your relevant experience.