Health, Safety and Environmental Manager in Burton upon Trent

The Health, Safety and Environmental Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining robust health, safety, and environmental (HSE) systems across the site. The role ensures compliance with UK health and safety legislation, promotes a strong safety culture, and supports continuous improvement in workplace safety performance within a high-risk food manufacturing environment. The H&S Manager is responsible for ensuring that all food products are manufactured to the highest safety, legality, integrity, and quality standards.

Key Areas of Responsibility and Standards of Performance

• Lead the development and implementation of the site Health & Safety strategy aligned to company and legal requirements.
• Act as the site’s lead for health and safety as defined by the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations.
• Provide professional advice, support, and guidance to managers and employees on all H&S matters.
• Promote a proactive safety culture and drive behavioural change across all levels of the business.
• Ensure full compliance with UK H&S legislation (e.g. HASAWA 1974, RIDDOR, COSHH).
• Maintain and regularly review the site H&S management system and policies.
• Prepare and present reports on H&S performance, audit findings, and incident trends to the leadership team.
• Manage external audits, inspections, and liaison with the HSE, insurers, and customers.
• Conduct and maintain site risk assessments, method statements, and safe systems of work.
• Lead accident/incident investigations, ensuring root cause analysis and corrective actions are completed promptly.
• Implement control measures to reduce risks associated with machinery, manual handling, chemicals, allergens, and confined spaces.
• Deliver or coordinate mandatory H&S training (e.g. manual handling, fire safety, first aid, chemical safety).
• Coach line managers and supervisors to take ownership of safety in their areas.
• Ensure competency frameworks are in place and maintained for all safety-critical roles.
• Support environmental compliance and initiatives including waste management, energy reduction, and pollution control.
• Contribute to sustainability in line with business goals.
• Identify opportunities to improve safety performance and implement best practice initiatives.
• Participate in group-wide H&S forums and share learning across sites (if applicable).
• Promote employee engagement through safety committees, toolbox talks, and suggestion schemes.
• Management of the site’s food safety culture, to help prevent deviation in the process that impacts the safety, quality and legality of our products.
• Understand and adhere to Company policies and procedures which are relevant to both the site and the working environment.
• Any other duties as deemed reasonable by your line manager or senior management to assist with the operation of the business.

Person Specification

Criteria

• Essential
• NEBOSH National Diploma or equivalent (minimum NEBOSH General Certificate essential).
• Proven experience as a Health & Safety professional within a food manufacturing or FMCG environment.
• Desirable
• Membership of IOSH (GradIOSH or CMIOSH desirable).

Experience

• Strong understanding of H&S management systems (ISO 45001 preferred).
• Experience of conducting risk assessments, incident investigations, and audits.
• Knowledge of food manufacturing hazards (e.g. hygiene, allergens, machinery, cold environments).
• Experience working with enforcing authorities (HSE, Local Authority) desirable.

Behavioural Competencies

• Strong communication, influencing, and coaching skills.
• Pragmatic and solutions-focused approach.
• High attention to detail and excellent organisational ability.
• Confident working both strategically and operationally.
• Resilient, adaptable, and able to thrive in a fast-paced production environment.
• Passionate about driving a culture of continuous safety improvement.