Head of Health & Safety in London

Head of Health & Safety in London

London Full-Time 59576 - 68231 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead Health & Safety strategy and drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
  • Company: Join a leading UK manufacturer with a strong commitment to safety and operational excellence.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and the chance to influence company culture.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with high levels of stakeholder engagement and strategic responsibility.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of Health & Safety and make a real impact on people and performance.
  • Qualifications: NEBOSH Diploma and significant leadership experience in Health & Safety within manufacturing.

The predicted salary is between 59576 - 68231 £ per year.

Location: South West England

Employment Type: Permanent | Full Time | On-site

About the Opportunity

Our client is a leading UK manufacturer with a large, fast-paced production operation. They are seeking an experienced Head of Health, Safety & Security to lead the site's safety strategy, drive continuous improvement, and further embed a positive safety culture across the business. This is a senior leadership position with responsibility for developing and delivering the site's Health & Safety strategy, influencing senior stakeholders, and ensuring the highest standards of compliance, operational excellence, and colleague engagement.

The Role

Reporting to the Site Director, the Head of Health, Safety & Security will lead the Health & Safety function, providing strategic direction and technical expertise while ensuring legal compliance and continuous improvement across the site. The successful candidate will work closely with the senior leadership team, engineering, operations, HR and external stakeholders to embed best practice and develop a proactive safety culture.

Key Responsibilities

  • Health & Safety Leadership
    • Act as the site's lead competent person for Health & Safety.
    • Develop and implement the site's Health & Safety strategy and continuous improvement plans.
    • Set, monitor and review Health & Safety objectives and KPIs.
    • Provide expert advice and guidance to senior leadership on legislative compliance and best practice.
    • Influence senior stakeholders to drive a positive and proactive safety culture.
    • Develop and maintain Health & Safety policies, procedures and management systems.
  • Compliance & Risk Management
    • Ensure compliance with all relevant Health & Safety legislation and company standards.
    • Conduct audits of high-risk activities including permit-to-work systems, isolation procedures, contractor management and engineering controls.
    • Lead accident and incident investigations, ensuring effective root cause analysis and corrective actions.
    • Manage statutory reporting requirements, including RIDDOR where applicable.
    • Monitor legislative updates and implement changes across the site.
    • Support capital projects and new equipment installations to ensure legal compliance from design through implementation.
  • Leadership & Engagement
    • Lead and develop the Health & Safety team.
    • Chair and support Health & Safety committees and working groups.
    • Deliver presentations, briefings and awareness sessions to colleagues and senior management.
    • Coach managers and operational teams to improve Health & Safety performance and accountability.
    • Develop competency frameworks and identify training needs across the business.
    • Promote behavioural safety initiatives and recognise positive safety behaviours.
  • Operational Support
    • Work closely with Engineering, Operations and HR to manage workplace risks and occupational health programmes.
    • Support claims management and liaise with insurers and external advisors where required.
    • Produce regular Health & Safety performance reports and KPI updates for senior leadership.
    • Manage departmental budgets and ensure effective use of resources.
  • Security
    • Oversee site security arrangements and contractor performance.
    • Work with the senior leadership team to maintain and improve site security standards.
    • Support site risk management and business protection initiatives.

Skills & Experience

  • Essential
    • NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent Level 6 Health & Safety qualification).
    • Significant Health & Safety leadership experience within a manufacturing environment.
    • Strong knowledge of UK Health & Safety legislation and compliance.
    • Experience developing and implementing Health & Safety strategies.
    • Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive cultural change.
    • Experience leading investigations, audits and continuous improvement initiatives.
    • Strong project management and organisational skills.
  • Desirable
    • Experience within high-volume manufacturing or FMCG.
    • Experience managing security operations alongside Health & Safety.
    • Experience delivering training, workshops and leadership presentations.

Key Competencies

  • Strategic leadership.
  • Excellent communication and influencing skills.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
  • High attention to detail.
  • Project management capability.
  • Collaborative leadership style.
  • Commercial awareness.
  • Resilient, proactive and results-driven approach.

Why Apply?

This is an outstanding opportunity to join a well-established manufacturing business in a senior leadership role where you'll have the autonomy to shape Health & Safety strategy, influence business-wide decision making, and drive continuous improvement across a large operational site. The role offers genuine strategic responsibility, high levels of stakeholder engagement, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on both people and business performance.

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Contact Details:

OH Sourcing Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Health & Safety in London

Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives

Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like OH Sourcing Ltd.

Tap into Professional Associations

Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.

Stay Updated with Industry Trends

Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at OH Sourcing Ltd.

Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility

When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like OH Sourcing Ltd, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Health & Safety in London

NEBOSH Diploma
Health & Safety Leadership
UK Health & Safety Legislation Knowledge
Health & Safety Strategy Development
Stakeholder Influence
Accident and Incident Investigation
Auditing Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at OH Sourcing Ltd.

Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at OH Sourcing Ltd.

Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to OH Sourcing Ltd. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!

Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at OH Sourcing Ltd. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.

How to prepare for a job interview at OH Sourcing Ltd

Showcase Your Administrative Skills

In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.

Know Your Regulations

Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.

Align Your Goals with the Organisation

As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research OH Sourcing Ltd’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!