UK & Ireland EHS Manager in York

Join to apply for the UK & Ireland EHS Manager role at VetPartners Limited. Established in 2015, VetPartners is made up of some of the most well-respected and trusted small animal, equine, mixed, and farm practices across the UK and parts of Europe. VetPartners aims to be a great place to work, focusing on the development and wellbeing of its people. We are dedicated to nurturing a caring and supportive culture, making it easier for our team members to excel in their roles.

This is a full-time, hybrid role for a UK & I EHS Manager at VetPartners Limited, primarily based in Yorkshire, with some work-from-home flexibility. The UK & I EHS Manager will be responsible for monitoring and improving health and safety standards, overseeing environmental health and safety (EHS) protocols, managing EHS related projects, and providing leadership to the EHS team when supporting accident investigations. Additionally, the role involves developing and delivering comprehensive training programs related to EHS and providing competent leadership to a great team of EHS Regional Advisors. This role will report to, and work closely with, the Group Head of EHS, to lead, manage and continuously improve Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) performance across VetPartners' UK and Ireland operations.

The role will drive legal compliance, promote best practice, enhance safety culture, and embed environmental sustainability into the day-to-day operations of veterinary practices, hospitals and support functions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance with all relevant UK and Ireland-specific health, safety and environmental legislation, codes of practice and industry standards.
• Lead EHS governance across the region, ensuring appropriate frameworks, controls, and reporting mechanisms are in place.
• Embed a proactive health and safety culture that focuses on behaviour, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and implement EHS policies, systems, procedures and audit programmes tailored to the veterinary sector.
• Identify and assess risk across a diverse portfolio of practices and implement proportionate risk control measures.
• Support and coach practice leadership teams to manage local EHS responsibilities effectively.
• Manage accident and incident reporting and investigation processes, ensuring root cause analysis and lessons learned are captured and acted upon.
• Lead on the development of environmental sustainability plans including waste management, emissions reduction, and responsible resource use.
• Act as a subject matter expert on environmental legislation and practices, including ISO 14001 and Net Zero transition.
• Develop and deliver EHS training and awareness programmes to build capability across clinical and non-clinical teams.
• Maintain and report on EHS performance metrics, dashboards and KPIs to senior stakeholders.
• Represent EHS at internal leadership and governance meetings, contributing to strategic planning and decision-making.
• Build strong relationships with Group Support functions (e.g. Clinical, Estates, People Team, Learning & Development) to embed EHS into broader business processes.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders such as enforcing authorities, auditors, suppliers and industry bodies.
• Line manage and mentor Regional EHS Advisors / Regional Senior Fire Safety Advisor to support colleagues across the UK&I region, supporting their development and performance.
• Develop and lead risk reduction initiatives and campaigns focused on key topics such as manual handling, zoonoses, fire safety, and lone working.
• Monitor changes in legislation and best practice, providing timely advice and guidance to the business.
• Support EHS due diligence and integration for new acquisitions and site openings.
• Foster a culture of openness, learning and accountability across practices to reduce harm and improve wellbeing.
• Contribute to the Group-wide HSE strategy and share innovation and insights across international operations.

Person Specification:

• NEBOSH General Certificate or equivalent (minimum).
• Demonstrable experience in a multi-site health and safety management role.
• Working knowledge of UK health & safety legislation and its practical application.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage time effectively and prioritise tasks.
• Valid UK driving licence and willingness to travel frequently within region.

Qualifications / Experience:

• Minimum Tech IOSH - working towards Cert / CMIOSH status.
• Experience in the veterinary, healthcare, agricultural, or commercial sectors (Desirable).
• Experience with incident investigation and root cause analysis methodologies (e.g. 5 Whys, Fishbone).
• Excellent interpersonal skills and adaptability to different situations and styles, ability to build credible relationships at all levels.
• Commercially aware, able to manage ambiguity and achieve results.
• Embracing the VetPartners culture, leading by example in all activities.

If this sounds like the role for you, please apply today!