At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HSE strategy and ensure safety across innovative electric aviation operations.
- Company: Join Vertical Aerospace, a pioneer in electric aviation with a mission to redefine aerospace standards.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days holiday, flexible benefits, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Dynamic growth environment with opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of aviation while making a real impact on safety and culture.
- Qualifications: Proven HSE leadership experience and strong knowledge of UK health and safety legislation.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our Mission At Vertical Aerospace, we are pioneering the way for electric aviation. The Valo, our eVTOL (electric, vertical, take-off and landing), 'zero emissions' aircraft will set a new safety standard for how we will navigate the sky. We won't realise our mission following the same legacy processes and traditions our predecessors followed; instead, we want to 'redefine' aerospace best practices. We are growing quickly from a prototype business to a scaling SME, and the next few years will be critical to our success and delivering on our ambitious goals. Valo is targeting airliner-level safety certification in 2029 ahead of entering service with our airline and operator customers.
Reporting to the VP Operations and Manufacturing, this is an exciting leadership opportunity to set the direction for Health, Safety and Environment across Vertical's operations. Your role is to build the clarity, capability and accountability that enable leaders and teams to own safety. You'll lead our HSE team, strengthen our management system and assurance approach, and foster an open culture where people speak up, learn and continuously improve. This is an opportunity to shape HSE at a defining stage in Vertical's journey, building the leadership, culture and systems needed to support our next phase of growth.
What You'll Do
- Lead Vertical's HSE strategy, annual plan and risk-based assurance programme.
- Advise executive and operational leaders on key HSE risks, trends and priorities, encouraging ownership and accountability for HSE.
- Embed HSE into business planning, operational decision-making and organisational change.
- Ensure risks across engineering, laboratories, test, prototype, facilities and operations are effectively managed.
- Lead significant incident investigations, ensuring learning drives lasting improvement.
- Maintain and continuously improve our ISO 45001-aligned HSE management system.
- Lead assurance activities, including audits, inspections and regulatory engagement.
- Use data and insight to improve HSE performance and focus on the highest risks.
- Lead environmental compliance and continuous improvement across operational activities.
- Define HSE training and competency requirements.
- Champion Vertical's Golden Safety Rules, Visible Felt Leadership and Zero Harm ambition.
- Lead, develop and prioritise the HSE team.
What You'll Bring
- Proven HSE leadership in a complex, safety-critical or high-hazard environment.
- Experience influencing senior leaders and improving accountability for risk management.
- A track record of improving HSE performance, culture and governance.
- NEBOSH Diploma, NVQ Level 6 in Occupational Health and Safety, or equivalent.
- Strong knowledge of UK health and safety legislation within engineering or operational environments.
- Experience developing and managing an ISO 45001-aligned management system.
- Experience leading investigations, audits, assurance and regulatory engagement.
- Practical environmental compliance and risk management experience.
- Credibility to partner with executive leaders and influence business decisions.
- Experience leading and developing HSE teams through growth or change.
Nice to Have
- Chartered IOSH membership, or working towards it.
- ISO 45001 Lead Auditor qualification or equivalent.
- ISO 14001 or IEMA qualification.
- Experience in high-voltage systems, batteries, flight test, prototype development or manufacturing.
- Experience supporting rapid organisational growth or operational transformation.
What can you expect from us?
We're on a mission. Where others see limits, we see opportunity, and we work at pace. Working at Vertical isn't your average role but for those seeking a challenge, a flexible, supportive organisation and an incredible team; working here is an opportunity to do the best work of your career. Our approach promotes ingenuity and courage, while our environment builds success through diligence in safety and being open in the way we work. The only way we're going to assure the next chapter of aviation history is by working as a team, relentlessly, towards our goal.
Our benefits
- 26 days holiday, plus bank holiday
- 5 extra days per year to buy (or sell)
- 5 extra days holiday when you get married or enter a civil partnership
- Additional 4% of your salary to spend on extra benefits
- Award-winning digital health and wellbeing service (Help@Hand)
- Company performance based bonus - rewarding company and individual performance
- Company Share Scheme - open to every Vertical employee
- Company Pension Scheme - 5% and we match it
- Breakfast on us, every day
We may just be the hardest job you've ever had, but we're confident it will be the most rewarding. Join the team today and help us shape the future of Advanced Air Mobility.
Disclaimer Statement
We encourage you to apply even if you may not have all the experience listed in the advert. We recognise that talent comes in various forms and we are committed to providing opportunities that create an environment of growth, diversity, and inclusion for everyone. As part of our desire to review and make our processes fair, we may ask you questions related to these aspects during the application process. For more information on how we will use your data, see our Legal section.
Senior Health, Safety & Environment Manager in Bristol employer: Vertical Aerospace
At Vertical Aerospace, we are not just redefining aerospace; we are creating a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Remote Senior Structural Test Engineer, you will enjoy the flexibility of home working while being part of a dynamic team dedicated to pioneering electric aviation. With a strong focus on employee growth, mentorship opportunities, and a commitment to safety and excellence, we offer an environment where you can truly thrive and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in aviation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Health, Safety & Environment Manager in Bristol
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
When you find companies you want to work for, head straight to their careers page to apply for full-time roles, like the one with Vertical Aerospace for a Senior Health, Safety & Environment Manager. This often puts your application in front of the right people faster than just waiting for job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Health, Safety & Environment Manager in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at Vertical Aerospace, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At Vertical Aerospace, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vertical Aerospace
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with Vertical Aerospace.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with Vertical Aerospace. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like Vertical Aerospace love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
