Environment Health Safety Lead

Barrow in Furness Source: WhatJobs

£45,000–£65,000

We are seeking to appoint a proactive and hands‑on EHS Lead to help strengthen and embed a robust Health, Safety & Environmental culture across our operations. This is a replacement role at a critical time for the business, offering the opportunity to take ownership of EHS systems, drive meaningful improvements, and influence behavioural change from the shop floor up.

If you thrive in operational environments, enjoy solving problems in real time, and can confidently lead people through change, this role will allow you to make a significant, lasting impact.

The Role

As EHS Lead, you will be responsible for managing and sustaining our environmental, health, and safety programmes, ensuring compliance with regulations, maintaining management systems, and promoting best practice across all sites. You will work closely with the General Manager, operational teams, and the HSE Lead at Bendel’s, with mentoring support available and strong backing from leadership.

The first 3–6 months will involve conducting a gap analysis, reviewing and updating procedures, improving reporting frameworks, reactivating the H&S committee, and establishing strong foundations for a more accountable safety culture.

This is a role for someone who is confident on the shop floor, able to engage staff at all levels—even where resistance to change exists—and who can drive continuous improvement in a practical, collaborative way.

Key Responsibilities

Manage, maintain, and improve ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 management systems.
Provide expert EHS advice, guidance, and hands‑on support to site teams.
Support and maintain existing EHS policies, programmes, and compliance processes.
Conduct risk assessments, audits, inspections, and occupational health activities.
Maintain incident records in line with regulatory and site requirements.
Deliver, co‑ordinate, and track EHS training and certification for all site personnel.
Lead continuous improvement projects to enhance EHS behaviours and performance.
Interpret legislative changes and update policies and procedures accordingly.Act as primary contact for regulators, external auditors, and client interfaces.
Develop emergency response plans and lead drills and preparedness activities.
Champion a positive safety culture through communication, initiatives, and engagement.
Support sustainability projects, including waste reduction and energy management.
Undertake any additional tasks within your skill set as required by the business.

Scope & Development

Support identification of hazardous conditions and recommend improvements.
Assist in ensuring full compliance across sites under supervision, where required.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and cultural development programmes.
Training and professional development supported—including NEBOSH funding if needed.

The organisation is open to candidates with varying levels of experience—whether you are established in EHS or earlier in your career with strong potential.

What We’re Looking For

Previous experience in a Health & Safety or EHS-focused role.
Strong organisational and document management skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to prioritise, manage multiple tasks, and work under time pressure.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Full UK driving licence.
NEBOSH Certificate or Diploma (funding available if not held).
Experience with ISO 45001 / ISO 14001 systems.Additional training in risk assessment, incident investigation, or hazardous materials.

We welcome applications from those with operational, shop‑floor experience who are ready to take the lead.