At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safety initiatives and improve standards across our operations in a hands-on role.
- Company: Join Panda, a leader in sustainable waste management and recycling.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to influence safety practices across multiple sites.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety culture while working with passionate teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in health and safety, especially in industrial or operational settings.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
At Panda, we value waste. That means finding smarter, safer and more sustainable ways to recover value from materials, reduce environmental impact and keep essential operations running efficiently. We are looking for an experienced H&S Lead to support our Collections, Operations and Processing teams across key specialist safety areas, including machinery safety, fire safety, electrical safety and work at height. This is a visible, hands‑on role where you will act as a technical safety lead for the business, working closely with operational teams to improve standards, reduce risk and strengthen our safety culture. The H&S Lead will combine practical site engagement with data‑led insight, helping Panda stay ahead of regulatory, operational and industry expectations. You will need to be willing and able to regularly attend sites and locations across the Midlands and North of England, including but not limited to Leeds, Manchester, Lincolnshire and Birmingham.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Act as Panda’s technical lead for machinery safety, electrical safety, fire safety and work at height
- Develop, maintain and improve safety standards, procedures and guidance across specialist risk areas
- Provide expert advice and practical support to operational, engineering and project teams
- Lead specialist risk reviews, audits and assurance activity across sites
- Stay up to date with emerging risks, legislation, technology and best practice within the waste, recycling and industrial sectors
- Use safety data to identify trends, themes, risks and improvement opportunities
- Produce clear reports, dashboards and insight papers for senior leadership
- Lead or support investigations into incidents, near misses and high‑potential events
- Share learning across the business and help embed stronger controls and standards
- Carry out regular site visits to support operational teams and build local safety capability
- Coach and guide managers and frontline teams in specialist risk areas
- Work closely with H&S Business Partners, SHEQ teams and operational leaders to drive consistent safety standards
About You
You will be a confident and credible health and safety professional with strong technical knowledge and the ability to turn complex safety requirements into practical operational solutions. You will bring:
- Significant experience in a Health and Safety role within industrial, recycling, manufacturing, engineering, logistics or operational environments
- Strong knowledge of specialist risk areas such as machinery safety, electrical safety, work at height and fire safety
- Experience leading or supporting incident investigations and identifying root causes
- The ability to analyse safety data and turn it into clear actions and recommendations
- Confidence presenting information to senior stakeholders and operational teams
- NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent, or working towards it
- IOSH membership or equivalent professional membership
- A practical, visible and collaborative approach to safety leadership
It would also be beneficial if you have:
- Specialist training or qualifications in machinery safety, electrical safety, work at height or fire safety
- Experience developing safety standards, technical guidance or assurance frameworks
- Experience presenting to senior leadership or board‑level audiences
- Chartered IOSH status, or working towards it
What We’re Looking For
- Visible and approachable across sites
- Confident challenging standards in a constructive way
- Practical and solutions‑focused
- Comfortable working with both frontline teams and senior leaders
- Data‑led, but able to keep recommendations clear and operationally relevant
- Proactive in identifying risks before they become issues
- Passionate about helping teams work safely and consistently
This is a great opportunity for an experienced H&S Lead to make a real impact across a growing operational business, helping shape safer ways of working across Panda’s Collections, Operations and Processing teams. Panda is committed to attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate and the people we serve.
Environment Health Safety Lead in Birmingham employer: Panda Recycling UK
Panda is an exceptional employer that prioritises safety and sustainability, offering a dynamic work culture where your expertise as an Environment Health Safety Lead will directly influence operational excellence across the Midlands and North of England. With a commitment to employee growth, you will have opportunities to develop your skills through hands-on engagement and collaboration with diverse teams, all while contributing to meaningful environmental initiatives. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values your contributions and fosters a supportive environment for professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Environment Health Safety Lead in Birmingham
✨Dive into Environmental Networks
Get involved with sustainability-focused organisations and attend their events. Look for local meetups or conferences in environmental management where you can connect with professionals in the field. This can lead to insider info on job openings at companies like Panda Recycling UK that might not be advertised widely.
✨Show Your Passion with Projects
Consider undertaking personal or community projects that highlight your dedication to sustainability. Whether it's a local clean-up or a carbon footprint assessment, document your findings and results. This not only boosts your portfolio but also shows potential employers like Panda Recycling UK that you're proactive and serious about the field.
✨Seek Out Green Job Boards
Don’t just rely on general job boards. Explore specific platforms that focus on sustainability and environmental management roles. Websites like EnvironmentJobs and Sustainable Business can be goldmines for full-time positions at companies like Panda Recycling UK. Keep an eye out for their aggregation of listings!
✨Let Your Online Presence Shine
Make sure your social media and professional profiles reflect your passion for sustainability. Share articles, engage in discussions, and connect with leaders in the field. Your active presence can make a lasting impression on hiring managers at companies like Panda Recycling UK when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Environment Health Safety Lead in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sustainability:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through. Share any relevant experiences, like projects, volunteer work, or events you've participated in that align with Panda Recycling UK's values. This position isn't just about meeting qualifications; it's about genuinely caring for the environment and showing us why you're the right fit for Environment Health Safety Lead.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Experience:Make sure to showcase any specific qualifications, such as degrees in environmental science or certifications in sustainability practices in your CV. We want to see how your academic background and practical experiences align with the job you're applying for, so don’t hold back on anything that demonstrates your expertise in environmental management.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:As we're looking for someone to jump into a full-time role, be specific about previous roles or projects that demonstrate your capabilities in sustainability. Use bullet points to make accomplishments clear, and don’t forget to quantify your achievements wherever possible – it’s all about showing us the impact of your work!
Research Panda Recycling UK and Reflect It In Your Application:We love candidates who take the time to understand what we're about. Mention specific initiatives or projects that Panda Recycling UK is known for in your cover letter. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about the chance to contribute to our mission in the role of Environment Health Safety Lead.
How to prepare for a job interview at Panda Recycling UK
✨Brush Up on Environmental Legislation
Given that we're diving into sustainability and environmental management, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of current environmental laws and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios, as you might face some technical questions about compliance and best practices during your chat with Panda Recycling UK.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Sustainability Projects
When you're discussing your background, highlight specific sustainability initiatives you've been involved in. Whether it’s a project at university or work experience, sharing measurable outcomes and your role will demonstrate your hands-on skills, which is super important for this full-time role at Panda Recycling UK.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Software
Make sure you're familiar with any relevant tools or software commonly used in environmental management, like GIS for mapping or data analysis tools. Bring this up in your interview as it shows you’re not only passionate but also prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
✨Connect Your Values with the Company's Mission
Full-time roles are all about team fit, so it’s important to align your personal values with those of Panda Recycling UK. Be ready to discuss why you're passionate about sustainability and how you can contribute to their mission, as this will really resonate with the interviewers and show that you’re genuinely invested in their goals.
