At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the HSE strategy and ensure compliance across all health, safety, and environmental matters.
- Company: Major UK food manufacturing organisation with a focus on innovation and safety.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, health package, and product discounts.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead HSE for a new state-of-the-art facility.
- Why this job: Shape the future of HSE in a rapidly growing business and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: NEBOSH Diploma required; senior HSE leadership experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
A major UK food manufacturing organisation is seeking an exceptional Head of Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) to lead its HSE strategy and support its transition into a new state‑of‑the‑art facility. This is a senior leadership role with significant influence, strategic scope and the opportunity to shape the future HSE landscape of a rapidly growing business, however, it is very much a hands-on role until the business reaches its ambitious goals.
The Opportunity
The Head of HSE will provide strategic leadership, governance oversight and expert guidance across all health, safety and environmental matters. You will lead the development and implementation of the HSE strategy, ensure full compliance with UK legislation and industry standards, and embed a proactive, prevention‑led safety culture across all sites. A major focus of this role will be leading the HSE programme for the new facility, ensuring safe design, commissioning, environmental compliance and operational readiness.
Key Accountabilities
- Lead the enterprise-wide HSE strategy, policy framework and management systems (HACCP, BRCGS, ISO 45001, ISO 14001).
- Ensure full compliance with UK legislation, regulatory requirements, insurance standards and customer audits.
- Oversee risk management, strategic risk registers, audit programmes and major incident prevention.
- Serve as the primary HSE representative with regulators, auditors, insurers, fire authorities and environmental bodies.
- Drive a high‑performing safety culture across leadership and operational teams.
- Provide authoritative HSE advice to the Executive Team and Senior Leadership.
- Lead all HSE aspects of the new facility.
- Own the HSE budget, resource planning and strategic investment in HSE capability.
- Drive environmental sustainability initiatives across energy, carbon, waste, emissions and ESG commitments.
- Provide leadership in crisis management, emergency response and business continuity planning.
Essential Skills & Experience
- NEBOSH Diploma (mandatory). IEMA Diploma or equivalent environmental qualification would be great, but don't worry if not.
- Chartered IOSH (CMIOSH) or ability to achieve within 12 months.
- Senior HSE leadership experience within large‑scale food manufacturing or a similar high‑risk environment, with ability to deliver organisation‑wide HSE strategy.
- Strong stakeholder influence and ability to challenge at senior levels.
- Experience leading HSE aspects of major projects (e.g., new builds, capital expansions).
- Strong knowledge of BRCGS, HACCP, ISO 45001 and ISO 14001.
If this sounds like the opportunity for you, please email to arrange an initial confidential chat.
Head of Health, Safety & Environment in Colchester employer: Morepeople 01780
Join a leading UK food manufacturing organisation that prioritises health, safety, and environmental excellence. As the Head of HSE, you will not only shape the strategic direction of HSE initiatives but also enjoy a supportive work culture that values employee growth and offers competitive benefits, including a bonus and health package. With the opportunity to lead in a state-of-the-art facility, you will be at the forefront of driving a proactive safety culture and environmental sustainability within a rapidly growing business.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Health, Safety & Environment in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can get you in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s HSE initiatives. Show us you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their goals. Tailor your answers to reflect their values and challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or mentors. We want you to feel confident discussing your experience and how it aligns with the role of Head of HSE.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Health, Safety & Environment in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of HSE role. Highlight your experience in leading HSE strategies and compliance with UK legislation. 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 the perfect fit for this hands-on leadership role. Share specific examples of how you've driven safety culture and managed HSE programmes in the past.
Showcase Your Qualifications:Don’t forget to mention your NEBOSH Diploma and any other relevant qualifications. If you’re working towards Chartered IOSH status, let us know! We love seeing candidates who are committed to their professional development.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Morepeople 01780
✨Know Your HSE Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of health, safety, and environmental regulations, especially those relevant to the food manufacturing industry. Familiarise yourself with standards like HACCP, BRCGS, ISO 45001, and ISO 14001, as these will likely come up in conversation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role is all about strategic leadership, so be ready to discuss your previous experiences leading HSE initiatives. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to influence stakeholders and drive a proactive safety culture within teams.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your crisis management and emergency response skills. Think of specific situations where you successfully navigated challenges in HSE, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Your Vision
Articulate your vision for the HSE strategy at the new facility. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach embedding a prevention-led safety culture and driving environmental sustainability initiatives, as this will show your forward-thinking mindset.
