Overview
HSE Recruitment is working with a household British manufacturing brand to appoint a Head of HSE to set the direction across the UK. You will lead Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) across seven UK manufacturing sites, operating confidently at senior leadership level while staying close to site reality. The role aims to elevate HSE from a compliance function to a strategic business enabler. You will become a trusted adviser to the Exec team, provide a steady presence during incidents, and work with sites to strengthen culture, capability and performance.
This is a home-based role with travel expected 3–4 days a week. The sites are in the Midlands, extending into Yorkshire and the North East. You will have 8 direct reports and report into the Manufacturing Director.
Responsibilities
* Provide strategic leadership for HSE across seven UK manufacturing sites, aligning with business goals and site realities.
* Act as a trusted adviser to the Executive team and a steady presence during incidents, promoting a positive safety culture.
* Lead the elevation of HSE from a compliance function to a strategic business enabler.
* Direct and develop a high-performing HSE team (8 direct reports) and foster cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Supply Chain and HR.
* Travel to sites as required to oversee operations, influence senior leaders and ensure consistency of standards while recognising local differences.
Qualifications and experience
* Proven track record leading HSE strategy across multiple locations, building high-performing teams, and maintaining consistent standards with local operational differences.
* Ability to turn HSE data into insight and influence Site Directors and operational leaders.
* Experience in FMCG manufacturing preferred; FMCG logistics or transferable manufacturing experience will be considered.
* Commercially minded with the ability to balance risk, cost and operational pressures while driving culture and behaviour change, not just rolling out policies.
* Capability to prioritise risk across a complex environment and deliver improved safety outcomes without compromising productivity.
* Calm authority during incidents, the ability to challenge unsafe behaviours respectfully, and the capacity to build trust rather than fear.
* Systemic thinking with practical, real-world application in a FMCG operation.
* Resilience and emotional intelligence to navigate competing priorities, regulatory pressure and unexpected challenges while staying composed and making ethical decisions. Visible leadership, on-site presence, and a leadership style that blends gravitas with warmth.
Benefits and package
Salary up to GBP 93,000 plus 20% bonus based on business and personal performance, GBP 10,000 car allowance and matched 7% pension.
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