Purpose of the role
We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Health & Safety (H&S) Manager to lead our organisation’s safety initiatives and foster a culture of well-being across all operations.
In this vital role, you will develop, implement, and oversee comprehensive health and safety policies that ensure compliance with legal standards and promote a safe working environment for all employees. Your expertise will drive continuous improvement in safety practices, reduce risks, and support the organization’s commitment to employee health and safety excellence.
Working Pattern: 09.00 – 17.00, Monday – Friday
Required skills and qualifications
- Proven Health & Safety management experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience working in food manufacturing, FMCG or related sectors.
- Strong understanding of UK Health & Safety legislation.
- Experience of BRCGS Food Safety audits.
- Experience supporting or leading Sedex/SMETA audits.
- Experience managing customer audits, including Marks & Spencer requirements.
- Demonstrable experience reducing workplace incidents and driving safety improvements.
- Strong incident investigation and root cause analysis capability.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience influencing and coaching managers at all levels.
- Strong analytical and reporting skills.
- Working knowledge of production machinery safety and able to review SOPs
- NEBOSH General Certificate (minimum).
- Membership of IOSH.
Preferred skills and qualifications
- Experience within confectionery, food processing or chocolate manufacturing.
- Experience working in a fast-growing manufacturing environment.
- Knowledge of environmental management systems.
- Experience implementing behavioural safety programmes.
- Experience with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards
- NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent Level 6 qualification.
- Chartered Member of IOSH (CMIOSH) or working towards.
- Internal Auditor qualification.
- Fire Safety qualification.
Key Responsibilities / Core Activities
Health & Safety Leadership
- Develop, implement and maintain the site's Health & Safety strategy in line with business objectives.
- Promote a positive and proactive safety culture throughout the site.
- Act as the site's competent person for Health & Safety matters.
- Provide expert guidance and support to managers, supervisors and employees.
- Lead and champion behavioural safety initiatives and employee engagement programmes.
- Ensure Health & Safety remains a core business priority during periods of growth and change.
Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with all relevant UK Health & Safety legislation.
- Develop and maintain site risk assessments, safe systems of work and safety procedures.
- Manage accident, incident and near-miss investigations, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
- Monitor legislative changes and ensure site compliance at all times.
- Maintain Health & Safety documentation and records (in SmartLog, Sharepoint)
Food Manufacturing & Audit Compliance
Support and maintain compliance with:
- BRCGS Food Safety Standard
- Sedex/SMETA requirements
- Marks & Spencer compliance standards
- Customer-specific Health & Safety requirement
Lead the Health & Safety aspects of internal and external audits:
- Prepare the site for customer, regulatory and certification audits.
- Drive closure of audit non-conformances and corrective action plans.
- Work closely with Quality, Technical and Operations teams to ensure Health & Safety standards complement food safety requirements.
Operational Safety
- Conduct regular site inspections, audits and behavioural observations.
- Lead risk reduction initiatives across manufacturing, warehousing, engineering and contractor activities.
- Oversee contractor management and permit-to-work systems.
- Ensure effective management of machinery safety, guarding, workplace transport and manual handling risks.
- Lead emergency preparedness programmes including fire safety and evacuation procedures.
Training & Development
- Identify Health & Safety training requirements across all functions.
- Deliver or coordinate Health & Safety training programmes.
- Support managers in developing their safety leadership capability.
- Ensure robust induction programmes for employees, agency workers and contractors.
Reporting & Continuous Improvement
- Develop and report key Health & Safety KPIs.
- Analyse trends and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Lead continuous improvement projects that reduce workplace risk and enhance employee wellbeing.
- Provide regular reports and updates to the Site Leadership Team.
- Support sustainability and wellbeing initiatives where appropriate.
Key Competencies / Behaviours for success
- Able to effectively influence and communicate at all levels
- Able to demonstrate the ability to think strategically and multitask
- A strong analytical thinker with planning and decision-making skills
- A skilled problem solver, and able to escalate when appropriate, communicating actions and mitigation implementation plans clearly
Pay: £45,000.00-£50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Private dental insurance
- Private medical insurance
- Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Glemsford CO10 7QS: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
