H&S Manager

Windracers are looking to welcome a H&S Manager to support our ever-increasing growth. We are looking for someone to lead the delivery of health and safety compliance across manufacturing and test environments, ensuring alignment with UK legislation.

Key Responsibilities

• Health & Safety Leadership & Compliance: Own and continuously improve internal health and safety policies, standards, and procedures. Act as the subject matter expert, advising senior leaders on legislative requirements, risks, and best practice.
• Risk Management & Safe Systems of Work: Lead the development and implementation of risk assessments across manufacturing, assembly, and testing activities. Define, implement, and maintain robust safe systems of work across all operational areas. Oversee the identification and control of hazards relating to UAV production (e.g. batteries, electrical systems, mechanical assembly).
• Workplace Assurance & Monitoring: Establish and lead a programme of workplace inspections and audits to ensure ongoing compliance. Monitor performance, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement in health and safety standards. Ensure timely resolution of issues through effective tracking and follow-up of corrective actions.
• Incident Management & Investigation: Lead investigations into accidents, incidents, and near misses to identify root causes. Ensure effective corrective and preventative actions are implemented and embedded. Promote a culture of transparent reporting and continuous learning across the organisation.
• Training, Awareness & Capability Building: Define and oversee the delivery of health and safety training programmes, including inductions and toolbox talks. Ensure managers and employees are equipped with the knowledge and tools to work safely. Embed clear accountability for health and safety at all levels of the organisation.
• Safety Culture & Engagement: Lead initiatives to drive a proactive and positive safety culture across the business. Partner with operational leaders to reinforce safe behaviours and standards on the shop floor. Champion employee engagement in safety improvements and reporting.
• Operational & Strategic Support: Provide expert health and safety guidance to manufacturing, engineering, and leadership teams. Support the safe introduction of new equipment, processes, and facilities, ensuring risk is managed from the design stage. Oversee contractor health and safety management processes and standards.
• Governance & Assurance: Establish and maintain health and safety governance frameworks, including policies, standards, and reporting structures. Develop and report on key health and safety metrics, providing regular updates to senior leadership on performance, risks, and improvement plans. Lead internal audits and support external audits to ensure compliance and continuous improvement. Ensure appropriate documentation, records, and audit trails are maintained in line with regulatory and company requirements.
• External Interface & Regulatory Engagement: Act as the primary point of contact for regulators, auditors, and external bodies on health and safety matters. Manage relationships with external advisors and authorities, ensuring timely and accurate responses to enquiries or inspections. Represent the company in external forums, audits, and inspections where required. Ensure the organisation remains aligned with industry best practice and regulatory expectations.
• Emergency Preparedness & Business Resilience: Own emergency preparedness arrangements, including procedures, equipment, and drills. Ensure the organisation is prepared to respond effectively to incidents and emergencies.

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Essential: NEBOSH General Certificate (or equivalent Level 3 qualification), with progression towards NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent) desirable. Significant experience in a health and safety role within a manufacturing, engineering, or similar environment. Strong working knowledge of UK health and safety legislation and its practical application. Proven experience leading risk assessments, incident investigations, and safety improvement initiatives. Experience establishing governance frameworks, reporting metrics, and managing audits. Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage and challenge at all levels, including senior leadership. Demonstrated ability to drive behavioural and cultural change in a growing organisation.
• Desirable: Experience within aerospace, aviation, or drone/UAV environments. Experience in complex electrical or mechanical manufacturing settings. Knowledge of aviation or unmanned systems regulatory frameworks.