HSE Manager in Preston

HSE Manager role based in Preston. Working for a well-established, growing scrap metal processing and recycling business.

Our client is an industrial leading scrap metal processing and recycling company based in Preston. They are a well-established scrap metal recycling company, processing and trading a wide range of non-ferrous metals. Operating across multiple sites, they provide essential recycling services across the UK to a wide range of manufacturing, industrial and engineering sectors.

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Health, Safety & Environmental / HSE Manager to join our growing scrap metal recycling business. This is a critical leadership role responsible for driving a positive safety culture, ensuring environmental compliance, and maintaining the highest standards of health, safety, and operational risk management across our recycling operations.

Reporting directly to the Operations Director, you will work closely with operational teams, site managers, and senior leadership to develop, implement, and continuously improve HSE standards across multiple sites. As HSE Manager, you will take ownership of all health, safety, and environmental activities across the business. You will be responsible for ensuring compliance with legislation, reducing risk, improving performance, and embedding a strong culture of safety and environmental stewardship throughout the organisation.

This role requires a visible leader who can influence behaviours at all levels, from site operatives to senior management.

• Manage health and safety across 3 local sites including managing work instructions, risk assessments, accidents and near misses.
• Must be proactive and hands-on and work with operatives (and not manage from behind a desk).
• Manage and maintain ISO systems (9001, 14001, 50001), record keeping, internal and external audits.
• Lead and promote a proactive and positive health and safety culture across all sites.
• Develop, implement, and maintain HSE policies, procedures, and management systems.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health and safety legislation and industry best practices.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to managers and employees on HSE matters.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance workplace safety.
• Ensure compliance with environmental permits, licences, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor environmental performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Support the company's sustainability and environmental objectives.
• Manage waste, emissions, pollution prevention, and environmental risk controls.
• Liaise with regulatory bodies and external stakeholders as required.
• Conduct regular HSE inspections, audits, and workplace assessments.
• Maintain compliance documentation, records, and reporting requirements.
• Lead internal audits and support external inspections by regulatory authorities.
• Ensure corrective actions are effectively implemented and monitored.
• Lead investigations into accidents, incidents, near misses, and environmental events.
• Identify root causes and implement preventative measures.
• Develop and maintain risk assessments, method statements, and safe systems of work.
• Monitor key HSE performance metrics and provide regular reports to senior management.
• Develop and deliver HSE training programmes across the business.
• Promote employee awareness and engagement in health, safety, and environmental initiatives.
• Support site managers in developing safe working practices.
• Ensure all employees and contractors receive appropriate HSE inductions and training.
• Manage contractor compliance and site safety requirements.
• Support operational teams with project planning and risk assessments.
• Conduct site visits and inspections to ensure compliance and best practice standards are maintained.

Proven experience in a Health, Safety and Environmental management role within heavy industry, recycling, waste management, manufacturing, engineering, logistics, construction, or a similar environment. Strong working knowledge of UK health, safety, and environmental legislation. Experience conducting incident investigations, risk assessments, and compliance audits. Ability to influence and engage employees at all levels of the organisation. Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Experience developing and implementing HSE management systems. Excellent organisational and reporting skills. Full UK driving licence with willingness to travel between sites. NEBOSH Diploma, NEBOSH National General Certificate, or equivalent. IOSH Membership (GradIOSH or Chartered IOSH preferred). IEMA qualification or environmental management certification - desirable not essential. Lead Auditor qualification. Experience with ISO 45001 and ISO 14001, ISO 50001, ISO 18001 and ISO 9001 management systems. Experience working within scrap metal processing, recycling operations, manufacturing, construction, waste management, heavy industrial operations or FMCG sectors. WAMITAB qualification - desirable not essential.

Industry competitive salary, plus benefits as well as excellent career development and progression opportunities.