Health & Safety Manager

About the Role

Pickles Recruitment is recruiting an experienced and proactive Health & Safety Manager for an established industrial business based in Oldham.

This is a hands-on position for someone who is comfortable being visible and active on the shop floor , working directly with employees, supervisors and senior management.

This is not a role for someone who simply wants to maintain existing paperwork. Our client is looking for someone who can build, improve and implement processes, procedures and systems , identify areas requiring improvement and embed a strong, practical health and safety culture throughout the operation.

Initially, the successful candidate will work closely with an external Health & Safety consultant to review current arrangements, establish priorities and achieve the required standards. Over time, they will take greater ownership of the internal H&S function and continuous improvement programme.

Key Responsibilities Health & Safety Management

• Take day-to-day responsibility for health and safety across the operation
• Develop, implement and continually improve H&S policies, procedures and systems
• Carry out regular workplace and shop-floor inspections and audits
• Identify hazards, assess risks and implement appropriate controls
• Ensure risk assessments and method statements are completed, reviewed and maintained
• Investigate accidents, incidents, near misses and unsafe working practices
• Complete root-cause investigations and implement corrective actions
• Monitor agreed actions through to completion
• Maintain accurate H&S documentation and records
• Provide regular H&S reports and updates to senior management

Shop-Floor Engagement

• Maintain a visible and approachable presence within the operational environment
• Work directly with employees and supervisors to identify and resolve H&S issues
• Provide practical advice and solutions rather than focusing solely on paperwork
• Challenge unsafe behaviours appropriately and constructively
• Encourage employees to report hazards, near misses and improvement opportunities
• Deliver or coordinate toolbox talks, safety briefings and training
• Build strong relationships across all levels of the business

Processes & Continuous Improvement

• Review existing H&S arrangements and identify gaps
• Develop practical procedures and safe systems of work
• Introduce consistent H&S standards across the operation
• Establish inspection, audit and monitoring programmes
• Develop and monitor H&S KPIs
• Ensure lessons from incidents and audits are communicated and implemented
• Support the development of a positive and proactive safety culture

Compliance & External Support

• Work closely with external H&S specialists, particularly during the initial period
• Coordinate external audits and inspections
• Take ownership of recommendations and corrective actions
• Maintain knowledge of relevant UK H&S legislation and industry guidance
• Ensure legal and regulatory responsibilities are met
• Liaise with external bodies, contractors and other stakeholders where required

Training & Development

• Identify H&S training requirements
• Coordinate training and refresher programmes
• Support managers and supervisors in understanding their H&S responsibilities
• Encourage managers to take ownership of safety within their departments

About You

We are looking for an experienced Health & Safety professional with a strong background in an industrial, operational or manufacturing environment . Shop-floor experience is particularly important. This role will suit someone who enjoys being out in the operation, speaking to employees, identifying problems and implementing practical solutions , rather than spending the majority of their time behind a desk.

Experience & Qualifications

• Previous experience within a Health & Safety management or senior H&S position
• Strong practical knowledge of workplace health and safety
• Experience developing and implementing H&S policies, procedures and systems
• Experience completing risk assessments, audits and workplace inspections
• Accident, incident and near-miss investigation experience
• Strong knowledge of UK Health & Safety legislation
• Experience within a manufacturing, industrial or operational environment
• NEBOSH qualification desirable , ideally NEBOSH General Certificate or above
• IOSH membership or additional H&S qualifications advantageous
• Experience working alongside external H&S specialists beneficial
• Strong communication and influencing skills
• Ability to challenge unsafe practices while maintaining positive working relationships
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills

The Person

• Hands-on and visible – comfortable spending significant time on the shop floor.
• Proactive – identifies issues and acts before they become incidents.
• Process-focused – capable of developing structure, procedures and standards.
• Approachable – able to engage effectively with employees at every level.
• Confident – comfortable challenging unsafe working practices.
• Practical – able to translate legislation into workable solutions.
• Commercially aware – understands the pressures of a busy operational environment.
• Accountable – follows actions through to completion.

What's on Offer

This is an excellent opportunity to take real ownership of Health & Safety within an established business. You'll have the opportunity to strengthen the H&S framework, improve shop-floor standards, develop processes and procedures, increase employee engagement and help establish a long-term safety culture. Salary: GBP50,000 - GBP60,000 per annum, dependent on experience and qualifications.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Full job description from WhatJobs. Apply for this role →