Health & Safety Manager
Hybrid, 1 to 2 days from home
Region - Primarily, South West /Thames Valley/ West Midlands
to £50,000 per annum plus £6000 car allowance
42.5 hours
Our client is looking for a Health and Safety Manager that will be responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining the organisations Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) management system across all automotive sites.
The right candidate will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. They will have strong analytical and report writing abilities as well as proficient in Microsoft Office.
You will look add value by ensuring full compliance with UK H&S legislation, drive a strong safety culture, and minimise risk associated with all aspects of the auto trade, including workshops, showrooms, parts departments, and customer areas.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
Education: A recognised Health and Safety qualification, such as a NEBOSH National General Certificate.
Experience: Proven experience in a dedicated Health and Safety role, preferably within the automotive, engineering, manufacturing, or similar high-risk technical environment.
Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of UK Health, Safety, and Environmental legislation. Specific knowledge of safety relating to Work Place Transport Regulations, vehicle repair, lifting equipment (LOLER), and hazardous substances (COSHH) is essential.
Key Responsibilitie
Policy and System Management
* Develop, implement, and review comprehensive HSE policies, procedures, and safe systems of work (SSOW) tailored to the auto trade environment (e.g., working with vehicle lifts, handling hazardous substances, managing fire safety in workshops).
* Maintain and continuously improve the H&S Management System, ensuring it meets standards like ISO 45001 (where applicable)
* Compliance and Auditing:Ensure the business adheres to all relevant UK legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and associated regulations (e.g., LOLER, PUWER, COSHH, DSEAR).Conduct regular internal audits, inspections, and site safety checks across all locations.Manage and coordinate external H&S audits and regulatory visits (e.g., HSE inspectors).
* Risk Management:Undertake and review comprehensive risk assessments for all activities, equipment, and processes, particularly in high-risk areas like vehicle maintenance bays and paint spray booths.Implement effective control measures to mitigate identified risks.
* Incident Management:Lead where required the investigation of all accidents, incidents, and near-misses, ensuring thorough root cause analysis.Manage RIDDOR reporting where legally required.Develop and implement corrective and preventative actions to avoid recurrence.
* Training and Culture:Develop and deliver H&S training programs for all staff (including induction, manual handling, fire warden, and COSHH training).Champion a positive and proactive safety culture through engagement, communication, and visible safety leadership.
* Environmental:Manage environmental compliance, including the safe storage and disposal of waste oils, chemicals, and scrap materials in line with UK regulations (e.g., Environmental Protection Act 1990).
Research shows that some people are less likely to apply for a role unless they meet 100% of the criteria. As long as you are experienced for the role, and hold the relevant and required qualifications, we encourage you to apply
Benefits for you
An extra day off for your Birthday
Business close 24 December and 27 December in 2025, so you can enjoy your time off over the festive per
23 days of annual leave per year PLUS Bank Holidays
Four times death in service benefit.
Working for an official Great Place to Work™️ and UK Best Workplace.
Working for a Best UK Workplace for Wellbeing and Development.
Awarded Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award (RLS)
Working with our award-winning team – we are Motor Trader’s CV Employer of the Year and won silver at the internal communication and engagement awards for our new starter onboarding process.
Auto-enrolment pension.
Self-development journal
Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay policies.
Access to our wellness programme and Employee Assistance Programmes, including WeCare from Canada Life (EAP and 24HR Online GP access and second Medical Opinion).
Mental Health First Aiders.
Reward and recognition programmes, including our annual Group Awards and opportunities to attend the Wembley box as a celebration of your hard work and dedication.
Annual appraisals programme and progression opportunities.
Manufacturer training and access to our in-house training.
Long service recognition and annual leave increase after 5 years’ service.
Branded uniform
Charities of the Year programme, Army Sport sponsors and community engagement initiatives
Forward Assist Recruitment is operating as an employment agency. Forward Assist Recruitment is an Equal Opportunities employer; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds