Role Overview
The Health & Safety Manager is responsible for leading and embedding a best-in-class safety and compliance culture across all Graylaw Group operations. Covering depots based in Skelmersdale, Warrington, Heysham & Isle of Man —this role ensures full compliance across health & safety and transport legislation, including operator licence obligations.
This is a senior, hands-on role requiring strong leadership, regular site presence, and the ability to influence operational teams, drivers, and senior management. The successful candidate will play a critical role in protecting the business, its people, and its operator licences while driving continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Health & Safety Leadership
- Develop and implement a Group-wide Health & Safety strategy
- Create and standardise policies, procedures, and safe systems of work across all depots
- Drive a proactive, behavioural safety culture across transport, warehousing, and engineering operations
Transport Compliance & Operator Licence Management
- Ensure full compliance with operator licence undertakings and transport legislation
- Act as the central compliance lead in line with Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) requirements
- Oversee tachograph compliance, driver hours, and Working Time Directive adherence
- Monitor vehicle maintenance systems, ensuring compliance with inspection schedules and record keeping
- Support and challenge Transport Managers to ensure legal and operational standards are consistently met
- Prepare for and manage audits, including DVSA investigations and Public Inquiries
Compliance & Governance
- Ensure adherence to all relevant legislation including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
- Act as the main point of contact for regulatory authorities including the Health and Safety Executive
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of UK and Isle of Man regulatory frameworks
Audits, Risk & Incident Management
- Conduct regular compliance and safety audits across all sites
- Lead accident, incident, and near-miss investigations, ensuring root cause analysis
- Develop and maintain risk assessments (RAMS) and safe systems of work
- Implement corrective and preventative actions across the Group
Training & Culture
- Deliver and oversee H&S and transport compliance training programmes
- Ensure driver CPC awareness, toolbox talks, and ongoing compliance training
- Build a strong safety-first culture across all levels of the business
Operational & Commercial Support
- Work closely with depot managers, transport teams, and senior leadership
- Provide practical, commercially aware compliance solutions
- Support operational efficiency while maintaining legal compliance
Reporting & Performance Management
- Develop and track KPIs across safety and transport compliance
- Produce monthly board reports on compliance, risk, and performance
- Drive continuous improvement through data analysis and trend monitoring
Key Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in a senior Health & Safety and/or Transport Compliance role within logistics, transport, or engineering
- Strong working knowledge of operator licence compliance and DVSA expectations
- Experience managing multi-site operations
- Strong understanding of fleet compliance systems, tachographs, and maintenance planning
- Excellent leadership and influencing skills
- Ability to challenge constructively and drive behavioural change
Qualifications
- NEBOSH General Certificate (essential)
- NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent (preferred)
- CPC in Road Haulage Transport Management (highly desirable)
- Membership of Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) (GradIOSH/CMIOSH desirable)
- Full UK driving licence (essential)
Key Attributes
- Strong leadership presence with a hands-on approach
- Detail-oriented with a high level of accountability
- Resilient and confident in enforcing compliance standards
- Commercially aware and solutions-focused
- Passionate about safety, compliance, and continuous improvement
Reporting Line
Reports directly to the Group Operations Director / Board
Success Measures
- Maintenance of fully compliant operator licences across all depots
- Reduction in accidents, incidents, and compliance breaches
- Successful external audits and zero critical findings
- Improved safety culture and engagement across the business
- Consistent, high standards across all sites
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: Up to £55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Canteen
- Company events
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
