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- Tasks: Lead and manage the Council’s Health and Safety framework, ensuring compliance and promoting a safe culture.
- Company: Portsmouth City Council, dedicated to making a positive difference in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive workplace, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team committed to respect, integrity, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health and safety while supporting the wellbeing of the community.
- Qualifications: Chartered Member of IOSH or working towards it, with strong leadership and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 52000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and proactive Health and Safety Manager to provide strategic leadership on the Council’s corporate Health and Safety agenda. In this pivotal role, you will support the Chief Executive and Corporate Management Team, acting as the Council’s nominated Competent Health and Safety Advisor. You will lead the in-house Health and Safety team, ensuring robust compliance with legislation while embedding a positive health and safety culture across all Council services and premises.
About the Role
Working collaboratively with elected members, senior leaders, managers, employees, and external stakeholders, you will drive continuous improvement in health and safety performance and ensure the wellbeing of employees, residents, and service users.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Council’s corporate Health and Safety framework.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant Health and Safety legislation and best practice.
- Provide strategic, risk-based professional advice to senior decision-makers.
- Develop, implement, and review Health and Safety policies, systems, and procedures.
- Promote a strong culture of safe working practices across the organisation.
- Lead, manage, and motivate the Health and Safety team to achieve high performance.
- Investigate incidents and implement preventative and corrective measures.
- Support transformational change and continuous improvement initiatives.
The Ideal Candidate
You will be a confident and influential health and safety professional with strong leadership experience and the ability to operate effectively at a strategic level within a complex organisation.
Essential Qualifications, Skills & Abilities
- Chartered Member of IOSH (or working towards Chartered status).
- Degree-level qualification in a relevant discipline or equivalent professional experience e.g. NEBOSH Diploma.
- In-depth knowledge of current Health & Safety legislation, best practice, and employment law.
- Strong experience applying a risk-based approach within financial constraints.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Proven leadership and people management capability with strong planning, organisational, and performance management skills.
- High-level interpersonal skills, including mediation and problem-solving.
- Customer-focused, collaborative, and committed to continuous improvement.
- Significant experience in a managerial-level Health and Safety role.
- Proven experience working at a strategic organisational level.
- Track record of improving Health and Safety performance.
- Experience developing and implementing Health & Safety policies, systems, and databases.
- Experience conducting investigations and advising on preventative measures.
Desirable Qualifications, Skills & Abilities
- Fire Safety qualification (e.g. National Certificate in Fire Safety).
- Experience overseeing Fire Safety management.
- Project management experience.
- Experience delivering or commissioning training programmes.
- Knowledge of local government legislation and policy.
Please ensure that you download and read the full job profile attached for the details and expectations of this role, paying particular attention to the section 'Who is the person' as you will need to refer to this when completing your Personal statement.
If you have any questions, or would like an informal discussion about the role, please email: Jeremy Underdown.
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act. We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed.
Our Recruitment process anonymises applications during application & shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. As part of your application, we ask that you complete a personal statement, this statement is crucial and is where you must demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the job against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills.
You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
Health and Safety Manager - Portsmouth employer: Portsmouth City Council
Contact Detail:
Portsmouth City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Health and Safety Manager - Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the health and safety field, attend industry events, and join relevant online groups. 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 and its health and safety policies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs and how you can contribute to their culture of safety. Show them you're not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the role and keep you top of mind.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that job! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to the hiring team. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining us at Portsmouth City Council!
We think you need these skills to ace Health and Safety Manager - Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Profile Carefully: Before you start your application, make sure to download and read the full job profile. It’s packed with details about what we’re looking for, especially in the 'Who is the Person' section. This will help you tailor your personal statement effectively.
Craft a Strong Personal Statement: Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Use it to demonstrate how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities and skills outlined in the job description. Be specific and use examples from your past roles to show us what you can bring to the table.
Show Off Your Qualifications: Don’t forget to highlight your qualifications, especially if you’re a Chartered Member of IOSH or have a NEBOSH Diploma. These are essential for this role, so make sure they stand out in your application!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s straightforward and ensures that your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on current Health and Safety legislation before the interview. Being able to discuss specific laws and how they apply to the role will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also proactive about compliance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, especially in health and safety contexts. Highlight your ability to motivate and manage a team effectively, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare Your Personal Statement
Your personal statement is key! Tailor it to reflect how your experience aligns with the 'Who is the Person' section of the job profile. Use specific examples to demonstrate your qualifications and skills.
✨Engage with the Council's Values
Familiarise yourself with Portsmouth City Council's core values. Be ready to discuss how you embody these values in your work, particularly respect, integrity, and collaboration, as they are central to the organisation's culture.