At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Health, Safety, Environmental and Sustainability initiatives in a dynamic food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a reputable food manufacturing business with a strong focus on HSE culture.
- Benefits: Opportunity for career growth, hands-on experience, and influence over safety standards.
- Other info: Be part of a proactive team that values continuous improvement and employee engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health and safety while promoting sustainability in a fast-paced setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in HSE within manufacturing and NEBOSH certification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 49950 - 61050 £ per year.
Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) Manager Food Manufacturing | Site-Based | HSE, Environmental & Sustainability
Some HSE roles are focused purely on compliance. Others give you the opportunity to get out into the business, influence people, improve standards and genuinely shape the safety culture of a site. This is one of those opportunities. We’re supporting a highly reputable food manufacturing business to appoint an experienced HSE Advisor who can take ownership of day-to-day Health, Safety, Environmental and Sustainability activity across the site. This is a highly visible, hands-on position where you’ll work closely with operational teams, managers and employees at all levels — helping to embed a proactive approach to HSE and ensuring the highest standards are maintained across a busy manufacturing environment.
If you’re someone who enjoys being visible on the shop floor, building relationships and turning HSE standards into practical improvements, this could be an excellent next step.
The Opportunity
You’ll play a key role in driving the site’s HSE agenda, ensuring legal and company standards are consistently met while also identifying opportunities to improve how the business operates. You’ll be responsible for supporting the site HSE plan, leading investigations, managing audit actions, improving safe systems of work and helping develop a culture where Health & Safety is genuinely owned by everyone. Alongside Health & Safety, you’ll also have exposure to environmental compliance and sustainability, supporting initiatives around waste, energy, carbon reduction, resource efficiency and environmental performance. This is a role where your influence will extend well beyond policies and paperwork.
Key Responsibilities
- HSE Leadership & Culture
- Support the delivery of the site HSE&S plan and ensure actions are consistently achieved
- Build a strong, proactive Health & Safety culture across the site
- Be visible and engaged on the shop floor, working directly with operational teams
- Attend departmental meetings and use daily interactions to promote HSE awareness
- Build and lead an effective Health & Safety committee, including monthly meetings
- Develop strong relationships with employees, managers and external stakeholders
- Coach and mentor teams to improve ownership and understanding of HSE responsibilities
- Safety Management & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with UK Health & Safety legislation and company standards
- Lead and manage accident and incident investigations through to completion
- Conduct root cause analysis and ensure appropriate corrective and preventative actions are implemented
- Maintain the site Health & Safety audit action plan and ensure actions are closed effectively
- Support the development and implementation of improved Safe Systems of Work (SSOW)
- Lead the creation and review of key SOPs across operational disciplines
- Support and validate the delivery of site Health & Safety training plans
- Ensure contractor management processes are robust, with contractors appropriately assessed and competent before work commences
- Support risk assessment activity across the site, including relevant PUWER and fire risk assessments
- Environmental Compliance
- Ensure the site remains compliant with relevant environmental legislation and requirements
- Support the management of environmental permits and regulatory requirements
- Monitor areas including waste management, emissions, water usage, legionella and effluent
- Liaise with relevant regulatory bodies and external stakeholders where required
- Monitor and report environmental KPIs and performance
- Identify opportunities to reduce the site's environmental impact and improve resource efficiency
- Sustainability
- Support the development and implementation of the site's sustainability strategy
- Contribute to energy efficiency and carbon reduction initiatives
- Identify practical opportunities to improve environmental performance
- Engage employees in sustainability initiatives, awareness and training
- Work with operational teams to embed sustainability into day-to-day manufacturing activity
- Reporting & Continuous Improvement
- Prepare and maintain monthly HSE, Environmental and Sustainability KPI data
- Identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvement
- Work closely with Operations and other site functions on continuous improvement projects
- Support the business in moving beyond minimum compliance and towards best practice
- Ensure HSE considerations are embedded into operational and improvement projects
About You
We’re looking for an experienced HSE professional who understands the realities of a fast-paced manufacturing environment and can combine technical knowledge with a practical, people-focused approach. You’ll ideally have:
- Experience within food manufacturing, FMCG, beverage or a similar manufacturing environment
- NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety – essential
- NEBOSH Level 6 Diploma, or currently working towards it – desirable
- IEMA Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management, or equivalent – desirable
- Strong knowledge of UK Health & Safety legislation
- Experience with accident investigation and root cause analysis
- Experience managing HSE audits and corrective action plans
- Experience developing risk assessments and Safe Systems of Work
- Knowledge or experience of PUWER and fire risk assessments
- Legionella awareness and understanding of environmental compliance – desirable
- A genuine understanding of how to influence safety culture within a manufacturing environment
- Experience contributing to sustainability or environmental improvement initiatives
Your Approach
Technical knowledge is important, but so is the way you operate. We’re looking for someone who is:
- Hands-on and visible — comfortable spending time on the shop floor rather than sitting behind a desk
- A strong communicator — able to engage everyone from production operatives through to senior management
- Confident to challenge — willing to have difficult conversations when standards aren't being met
- Influential and collaborative — able to bring people with you rather than simply dictate requirements
- Proactive and solutions-focused — someone who looks for opportunities to improve rather than simply identify problems
- Organised and objective-driven — able to prioritise effectively in a fast-moving environment
- Passionate about continuous improvement and creating sustainable change
- Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to work effectively under pressure
Why Join?
This is an opportunity to join a food manufacturing business where you can have genuine influence over the site's HSE performance and culture. You’ll have the opportunity to work across Health & Safety, Environmental Compliance and Sustainability, giving you broad exposure and the platform to develop your career further. Most importantly, this isn't a role where HSE sits in the background. You’ll be encouraged to be visible, challenge standards, engage with people and drive meaningful improvements across the operation. If you’re an ambitious HSE professional looking for a role where you can make a tangible difference — we’d love to hear from you.
Health And Safety Manager in Portsmouth employer: Zest Food Jobs
Zest is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a Senior NPD Technologist, you'll enjoy a culture that values ownership and teamwork, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. The company prioritises employee well-being and fosters a supportive atmosphere, making it an ideal place for those passionate about food and product development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Health And Safety Manager in Portsmouth
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like Zest Food Jobs.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at Zest Food Jobs.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like Zest Food Jobs, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Health And Safety Manager in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Zest Food Jobs.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at Zest Food Jobs.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Zest Food Jobs. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at Zest Food Jobs. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zest Food Jobs
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Zest Food Jobs’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
