At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead health, safety, and environmental excellence in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join Smurfit Westrock, a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diversity and supports personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety culture and employee well-being every day.
- Qualifications: Experienced HSE professional with NEBOSH certification and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join Our Team at Smurfit Westrock! Are you searching for a workplace that values you and your growth? At Smurfit Westrock, we’re committed to sustainability, employee well-being, and personal development.
About Us: We are a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging. Our focus is on the health and safety of our employees, the well-being of our communities, and delivering exceptional service to our customers. We support our team members to reach their full potential in an inclusive environment that values diversity.
Lead safety. Shape culture. Make a real impact. At Smurfit Westrock, safety isn’t just a policy — it’s a core value. We’re looking for a passionate, hands‑on Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) Manager to lead health, safety and environmental excellence at our West Auckland site and help drive a strong, positive safety culture across our operations. If you thrive in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment, enjoy influencing people at all levels, and want a role where you can genuinely make a difference every day, this could be the opportunity for you.
The Role: Reporting to the Operations Director, you’ll take ownership of the HSE agenda on site, working closely with managers, colleagues, contractors and external bodies to ensure a safe, compliant and continuously improving workplace. You’ll be a visible leader — promoting a “Safety First” culture, providing expert guidance, and having the confidence to challenge unsafe behaviours or stop work where required.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Leading and embedding a proactive safety culture across the site
- Developing and delivering the site Safety Deployment Plan
- Ensuring full compliance with UK H&S and environmental legislation
- Investigating accidents, incidents and near misses with robust root cause analysis
- Producing and analysing HSE performance data and trends
- Managing audits, inspections, risk assessments and Safe Systems of Work
- Coordinating and delivering engaging HSE training
- Acting as site liaison with enforcing authorities and external agencies
- Owning the HSE budget and driving value‑focused improvements
What We’re Looking For: You’ll be an experienced HSE professional with a strong manufacturing or industrial background, confident working independently while influencing others.
Essential:
- NEBOSH National General Certificate (or equivalent)
- Solid knowledge of UK H&S & environmental legislation
- Proven experience in an HSE management role
- Strong investigation, reporting and communication skills
- IOSH membership (minimum TechIOSH)
Desirable:
- NEBOSH Diploma / Level 6 qualification
- ISO 45001 and/or ISO 14001 experience
- Background in corrugating, packaging or similar production environments
- Experience delivering behavioural safety or culture change initiative
Why Join Us?
- A key leadership role with real authority and influence
- The opportunity to shape safety culture, not just maintain compliance
- A business with strong values: Safety, Integrity, Trust and Loyalty
- Support for continuous professional development
- A role where your expertise truly matters
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary & benefits, including annual leave, pension, and a Cycle to Work scheme
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- 24/7 confidential support for you and your family
- Flexible working options and family-friendly policies
- Guaranteed interview for candidates meeting essential criteria (Disability Confident Employer)
Ready to make an impact? Apply today and help us build a sustainable future together.
Smurfit Westrock reserve the right to only shortlist candidates who meet both the Essential and Desirable Criteria. We are an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their sex; religious or similar philosophical belief; political opinion; race; age; sexual orientation; or, whether they are married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled; or whether they have undergone, are undergoing or intend to undergo gender reassignment. We practice equality of opportunity in employment and select the best person for the job.
HSE Manager – North East, Durham, DL14 9PE employer: Recruit4Mum
At Smurfit Westrock, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Located in the vibrant North East, our inclusive work culture fosters a strong safety-first mentality, empowering you to lead impactful health, safety, and environmental initiatives. With competitive benefits, ongoing training opportunities, and a commitment to sustainability, joining our team means making a meaningful difference every day while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HSE Manager – North East, Durham, DL14 9PE
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend local 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 culture. Understand their values, especially around safety and sustainability, so you can show how you align with their mission. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, especially when discussing your HSE experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace HSE Manager – North East, Durham, DL14 9PE
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the HSE Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in health and safety within manufacturing. We want to see how your skills align with our values and the specific requirements of the job.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for health and safety and how you can contribute to our positive safety culture. Be sure to mention any specific achievements that demonstrate your expertise.
Showcase Your Qualifications:Don’t forget to highlight your NEBOSH certification and any other relevant qualifications. We’re looking for someone with solid knowledge of UK H&S legislation, so make sure this stands out in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company!
How to prepare for a job interview at Recruit4Mum
✨Know Your HSE Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK health and safety legislation, especially anything specific to manufacturing. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in past roles, as it shows you're not just familiar with the theory but can also put it into practice.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As an HSE Manager, you'll need to lead by example. Prepare examples of how you've successfully influenced safety culture in previous positions. Think about times when you’ve had to challenge unsafe behaviours or implement new safety initiatives — these stories will demonstrate your hands-on approach.
✨Be Data Savvy
Get comfortable with discussing HSE performance data and trends. Be prepared to explain how you've used data analysis to drive improvements in safety practices. This will show that you can not only manage compliance but also proactively enhance safety measures.
✨Engage with Training Experience
Training is a big part of the role, so think about your experience in delivering engaging HSE training sessions. Be ready to share how you’ve made training impactful and memorable for employees, as this will highlight your ability to communicate effectively and foster a safety-first mindset.
