Join to apply for the Head of Health & Safety role at apetito UK
apetito is the leading producer of delicious and nutritious food for nurseries, schools, care homes and hospitals. Our Wiltshire Farm Foods brand is enjoyed by many consumers and we are proud of the food we provide to some of the most vulnerable people in society.
Head of Health, Safety, Fire and Environment
With sales of £250 million per annum and consistently strong growth, we look for a Head of Health, Safety, Fire and Environment to join our senior team.
* The Trowbridge production kitchen produces over 2 million meals per week made by circa 400 people.
* Portbury Distribution Centre is the hub for our UK distribution activities, housing around 10,000 pallets of frozen food and employing over 300 staff.
* Wiltshire Farm Foods operation employs nearly 900 staff at 42 sites.
As the Head of Health, Safety, Fire, and Environment at apetito UK, you will play a critical role in ensuring the health, safety, and environmental sustainability of our team and operations.
* Reporting to the Director of Manufacturing and Supply Chain, you will lead a dedicated team with 3 direct reports and drive initiatives to create a safe and environmentally responsible workplace.
* Location: Based at Trowbridge, Wiltshire; must live within a viable commuting distance. Nationwide travel to other locations is required.
* Working hours: Primarily Monday‑Friday 8.30‑5.00 with flexibility as required. Very little scope for home‑working.
Responsibilities
* Work with the apetito team to achieve year‑on‑year reductions in Riddor‑reportable accidents.
* Manage major change/building projects safely.
* Liaise with enforcing authorities, external audit bodies and other key stakeholders.
* Manage 3 direct reports.
* Minimise fire risk to protect people and the business.
* Develop a “Work Safe, Home Safe” culture enabling colleagues to work safely and return home safely.
* Deliver strategic vision and tactical leadership.
* Build and maintain a committed team of Safety Champions throughout the business.
* Perform hazard analysis and risk assessment.
* Develop processes and systems to ensure legal compliance and best practice.
* Ensure managers and employees have sufficient training and information on HSF&E issues.
* Develop and communicate HSF&E performance indicators.
* Document and maintain H&S, fire and environment management systems.
* Own HSF&E management systems to drive continuous improvement and conformity to ISO 14001/45001.
* Work with the sustainability team to improve environmental performance.
Qualifications and Experience
You will have excellent communication and leadership skills, be KPI‑focused and work closely with senior colleagues to deliver excellent results.
* Proven experience in a senior health, safety, fire and environmental role, preferably within food manufacturing or a related industry.
* Degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering or related field; advanced degree or professional certification (NEBOSH Diploma, IOSH membership) preferred.
* Strong knowledge of health, safety, fire, environmental legislation, regulations and standards.
* Demonstrated ability to develop and implement effective programmes and initiatives.
* Expert knowledge of fire risk mitigation methods.
* Safe delivery of major capital projects.
* Good financial acumen with experience delivering within a budget – HSFE budget c. £500k.
Personal Qualities
* Team spirited with sense of urgency and agility.
* Creative, innovative and inclusive approach.
* Reputation for high standards of health and safety.
* Adheres to high standards of ethics and values – “does the right thing”.
* High standards of people management and leadership, motivating and empowering others.
* Adapts interpersonal style to suit different people or situations.
* Ability to identify, highlight/flag and take action when things go off track.
* Unimpeachable integrity.
Benefits
* Company car.
* 25 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays.
* Option to purchase up to 5 additional days of annual leave per year.
* Generous annual bonus scheme.
* Pension scheme – employer matched contributions up to 4%.
* Life assurance scheme worth at least 1 × annual salary.
* Subsidised canteen.
* Free parking.
* Free turkey or voucher at Christmas.
* apetito perks scheme including salary sacrifice options and retail discounts.
* Accredited Living Wage employer.
About apetito
apetito is a family‑owned business dedicated to creating outstanding meals for some of the UK’s most vulnerable people, supporting British food and farming, and striving to achieve Net Zero by 2040.
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