Job Title: SHEQ Manager
Division/Department: Operations/Manufacturing
Job Holder Responsible To: Site Director/Operations Director
Job Holder Responsible For: Management and continual improvement of the Integrated Management System (IMS), Process Safety, Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Compliance, Fire Safety, Security and Quality Systems across the chemical manufacturing site.
Job Purpose
To lead, develop and continuously improve the site SHEQ strategy and Integrated Management System in line with statutory requirements, COMAH regulations, ISO standards, industry best practice and company standards.
The SHEQ Manager will provide strategic and operational leadership to proactively manage risk, ensure legal compliance, drive continual improvement and embed a strong positive SHEQ culture across the chemical manufacturing plant.
The role is responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable and environmentally responsible operation of the site through effective governance, engagement, auditing, assurance and leadership.
Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and monitor SHEQ policies and procedures in accordance with legal requirements and industry best practices.
- Conduct regular risk assessments and site inspections to identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Lead investigations into incidents or accidents, performing root cause analysis to prevent recurrence.
- Prepare comprehensive reports on safety performance, audit findings, and incident investigations to inform management decisions.
- Coordinate emergency response plans, including first aid procedures and staff training programmes.
- Promote a culture of safety awareness through training sessions, workshops, and communication initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and oversee waste management programmes.
- Collaborate with various departments to integrate SHEQ principles into daily operations.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, industry standards, and technological advancements related to SHEQ management.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic & Operational SHEQ Leadership
- Lead and maintain the Integrated Management System (IMS) in line with statutory requirements, COMAH regulations, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards, company policies and industry best practice.
- Ensure company operations adhere to UK Health and Safety legislation (e.g., Health and Safety at Work Act 1974) and international standards (ISO 9001 for Quality, ISO 14001 for Environmental, and ISO 45001 for Occupational Health)
- Develop and implement the site SHEQ strategy aligned with business objectives and continuous improvement principles.
- Provide leadership and direction on all SHEQ matters across the chemical manufacturing plant.
- Drive a proactive SHEQ culture through engagement, visible leadership and behavioural safety initiatives.
- Support senior leadership in the strategic and operational management of business risk.
- Ensure SHEQ risks associated with chemical processing operations are identified, assessed and effectively controlled.
- Monitor and report SHEQ performance against agreed KPIs, objectives and legal requirements.
Process Safety & Risk Management
- Lead process safety management activities across the site, including hazard identification, risk assessment and control of major accident hazards.
- Ensure compliance with COMAH and associated chemical industry regulations.
- Oversee HAZOP, LOPA, Management of Change (MOC), permit to work and process hazard review systems.
- Ensure robust emergency preparedness and response arrangements are maintained and tested.
- Lead development, implementation and testing of Business Continuity and Emergency Response Plans.
- Ensure effective investigation of incidents, near misses and process safety events, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
- Monitor emerging SHEQ risks and ensure suitable mitigation measures are implemented.
- Ensure occupational health risks including COSHH compliance are effectively managed.
Compliance, Governance & Assurance
- Maintain compliance with all relevant SHEQ legislation, Approved Codes of Practice and industry guidance.
- Act as the site lead for regulatory inspections and external audits.
- Maintain ISO accreditation and coordinate certification audits.
- Develop and implement SHEQ policies, procedures and standards.
- Ensure statutory inspections, monitoring and compliance activities are completed within required timescales.
- Ensure accurate SHEQ records, reports and legal documentation are maintained.
- Ensure prompt reporting and management of RIDDOR incidents and environmental events.
- Lead internal audit programmes and monitor completion of corrective actions.
- Provide regular SHEQ reports and performance analysis to senior management.
Contractor & Stakeholder Management
- Ensure robust contractor management and control systems are implemented and maintained.
- Work collaboratively with operational, engineering and maintenance teams to ensure SHEQ requirements are integrated into site activities.
- Liaise with regulatory authorities, insurers, external auditors and customers as required.
- Influence and challenge stakeholders at all levels to achieve high SHEQ standards and continuous improvement.
- Chair or participate in SHEQ committees and management review meetings.
Training & Competence
- Develop and maintain SHEQ training matrices and competence frameworks.
- Ensure adequate SHEQ training and awareness programmes are delivered across the site.
- Deliver SHEQ training, coaching and mentoring where required.
- Promote workforce engagement and behavioural safety initiatives. Develop and deliver safety inductions, toolbox talks, and training programs to embed a "safety-first" culture among employees, contractors, and visitors.
- Support managers and supervisors in fulfilling their SHEQ responsibilities.
Continuous Improvement
- Identify trends, opportunities and areas for improvement through data analysis, audits and incident investigations.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce risk and improve SHEQ performance.
- Benchmark SHEQ systems and performance against industry best practice.
- Promote innovation and operational excellence in SHEQ management.
Essential
NEBOSH Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety (or equivalent)
Significant SHEQ management experience within a chemical manufacturing or COMAH environment
Minimum 3 to 5+ years of experience in a dedicated health, safety, and environmental role, ideally within a high-risk industry like chemical manufacturing, or engineering
Strong knowledge of COMAH regulations and process safety management
Strong knowledge of COSHH and hazardous chemical management
Experience managing Integrated Management Systems
Experience leading audits, inspections and regulatory interactions
Strong knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001
Ability to interpret and apply SHEQ legislation and industry standards
Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills
Excellent communication and influencing skills at all levels
Incident investigation and root cause analysis experience
Strong organisational and analytical skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
Strong IT and reporting skills
Maintenance of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Desirable
Chartered Membership of IOSH (CMIOSH)
Degree in Health & Safety, Environmental or Engineering discipline
Lead Auditor qualification for ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and/or ISO 45001
Environmental qualification (IEMA or equivalent)
Experience with HAZOP/LOPA facilitation
Fire Safety qualification
Experience in behavioural safety programmes
Recognised Train the Trainer qualification
Pay: £38,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Canteen
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
