At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cultural shifts in health, safety, and environmental excellence at Mars.
- Company: Join Mars, a purpose-driven company committed to safety and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, and best-in-class learning support.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety culture and protect our people every day.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership skills and technical expertise in HSE management.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 74000 € per year.
Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Manager
Location: Plymouth, UK, with full-time on-site
Salary: £63,000 - £74,000 (depending on knowledge & experience), annual bonus, benefits, car allowance
Lead the Cultural Shift. Protect Our People. Shape the Future.
At Mars, safety is not a priority — it is a value. And we firmly believe that every accident is preventable.
We are looking for an inspiring Health, Safety & Environment Manager to join our Plymouth leadership team and lead a step-change in how safety and environmental excellence are embedded into our culture. This is not just a technical HSE role - it is a people leadership role focused on influencing mindsets, driving ownership, and ensuring safety is lived every day by every Associate.
As a key member of the Site Leadership Team, you will shape and deliver the site’s HSE strategy, champion Mars Supply Excellence (MSE) Safety Pillar deployment, and build a culture where speaking up, accountability, and proactive risk management are the norm.
Key Responsibilities:
- Cultural Leadership & Engagement: Lead a visible cultural shift aligned with the belief that every accident is preventable. Coach and challenge leaders at all levels to role model the right safety behaviours. Create an engaging HSE culture that energises Associates and strengthens accountability. Partner with operations, engineering and technical teams to embed safety into daily routines.
- Strategy & Governance: Develop and deploy the site HSE strategy and roadmap aligned with corporate and regulatory standards. Own and continuously improve the site’s Integrated Occupational Health, Safety & Environment Management System. Maintain compliance with ISO45001 and ISO14001:2015. Lead the Mars Supply Excellence Safety Pillar at the site level.
- Risk Management & Assurance: Define, coordinate and maintain HSE risk assessments and emergency procedures. Ensure robust serious incident investigations and sustainable corrective actions. Lead site audit programmes and ensure timely closure of actions. Act as primary contact for external advisory bodies, regulators, and insurers.
- Capability Building & Sustainability: Deliver training and coaching that strengthens HSE knowledge and ownership across the site. Analyse and communicate HSE data and trends to drive proactive improvement. Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety and environmental performance. Lead site security policy and asset conservation improvements.
What are we looking for?
- A People-First Leader: Proven ability to inspire, coach and influence in a manufacturing environment. Strong communication skills with the confidence to challenge constructively. Collaborative approach - able to work through others and build strong relationships at all levels. Demonstrated ability to drive behavioural change, not just process compliance.
- Technical Expertise: Degree, HND or HNC in Science, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent). NEBOSH Certificate/Diploma (essential); IEMA or MSc/PGC in Occupational Health & Safety desirable. Strong knowledge of UK and European HSE legislation. Experience maintaining or leading safety/environmental management systems in manufacturing.
- Results-Driven & Strategic: Logical, independent thinker who can prioritise effectively. Track record of delivering results through teams. Comfortable balancing strategic direction with operational execution.
What can you expect from Mars?
- Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
- Join a purpose-driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
- Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
- An industry-competitive salary and benefits package, including a company bonus.
Mars is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable adjustments for individuals with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or who are neurodiverse during the application and recruitment process. To request reasonable adjustments, complete our Reasonable Adjustment Request Form here.
Health, Safety in Plymouth employer: Mars
At Mars, we prioritise a people-first culture that empowers our Associates to lead the charge in health, safety, and environmental excellence. Located in Plymouth, our team enjoys a competitive salary, annual bonuses, and comprehensive benefits, alongside unparalleled opportunities for professional growth through our in-house Mars University. Join us in shaping a safer future where every voice matters and every accident is preventable.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Health, Safety in Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. For a role like HSE Manager at Mars, understanding their commitment to safety as a core value will help you align your answers and show you're the right fit.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've influenced safety culture or led teams in previous roles. This will demonstrate your leadership abilities and make you stand out.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining the team at Mars.
We think you need these skills to ace Health, Safety in Plymouth
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. We want to see how your skills align with our values and the specific requirements of the role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role is all about people leadership, don’t forget to share examples of how you've inspired and influenced teams in the past. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate a strong ability to drive cultural change.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your achievements and experiences, as we appreciate direct communication that gets to the heart of the matter.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mars
✨Know Your HSE Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK and European HSE legislation. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this in previous roles, especially in a manufacturing environment. This shows you're not just familiar with the theory but can also implement it effectively.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Since this role is all about cultural leadership and engagement, prepare examples of how you've inspired and influenced teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you’ve coached others or driven behavioural change — this will highlight your people-first approach.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Strategy
Understand the importance of aligning HSE strategies with corporate goals. Be prepared to talk about how you would develop and deploy an HSE strategy at Mars, and share any relevant experiences where you’ve successfully implemented similar strategies before.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
Mars values proactive improvement, so come equipped with ideas on how to enhance safety and environmental performance. Share examples of continuous improvement initiatives you've led, and be ready to discuss how you analyse data to drive these improvements.