About the Company
Abatec Recruitment is partnering with a well-established, forward-thinking UK manufacturer operating within a fast-paced industrial environment. With revenues exceeding £60m and a clear five-year plan to significantly increase profit, assets and headcount, the business is entering an ambitious phase of sustained growth.
Health, Safety and Environmental standards are central to their operational strategy. As the site continues to expand in scale, complexity and output, they are seeking a senior HSE professional to provide visible, strategic leadership while maintaining strong shop-floor engagement.
This is a key Senior Leadership Team appointment.
The Role
As HSE Manager, you will take full ownership of Health, Safety and Environmental strategy across a large, growing manufacturing site in Bridgwater, with occasional oversight of a smaller satellite operation in the North West (typically once per month).
You will lead cultural improvement, oversee risk management and machinery compliance, support capital projects and asset growth, and ensure HSE governance keeps pace with increasing headcount and operational complexity. This role requires a confident influencer who can engage effectively at Board level while remaining highly visible within the factory environment.
The site has experienced substantial asset growth in recent years and has an ambitious five-year expansion plan. Experience supporting exponential operational growth from an HSE perspective is essential.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic HSE Leadership
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Act as the senior HSE lead across site operations
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Influence SLT and Board-level decision making
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Champion a proactive, safety-first culture
Operational Risk & Compliance
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Oversee RAMS, safe systems of work and permit controls
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Ensure strong contractor management and machinery compliance (PUWER)
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Maintain robust accident prevention frameworks
Incident Investigation & Improvement
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Lead root-cause investigations
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Drive corrective actions and behavioural change
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Use data analytics to reduce recurring risk trends
Capital Projects & Growth Governance
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Provide H&S oversight for new asset installation and infrastructure changes
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Manage change control processes during expansion
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Ensure compliance prior to operational handover
Environmental Management
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Ensure environmental compliance and reporting
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Support waste, energy and sustainability improvements
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Maintain emergency preparedness plans
About You
We are looking for a confident, influential and highly credible HSE leader who thrives in a visible operational environment.
You will demonstrate:
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Minimum 5 years’ experience leading HSE at a senior level within manufacturing or industrial settings
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Experience managing multi-site responsibility (desirable)
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Proven track record supporting rapid operational growth (asset, headcount and revenue expansion)
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Strong presence on the shop floor with the ability to challenge constructively
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Ability to operate strategically while remaining hands-on
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Strong working knowledge of machinery safety, contractor control and risk-based systems
NEBOSH Diploma (Level 6/7 or equivalent)
IOSH Chartered or working towards
Environmental qualifications (e.g. IEMA) are advantageous but not essential.
What’s on Offer
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Salary up to £70,000 per annum
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25 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays
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Guaranteed Christmas & New Year shutdown
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Employer pension contribution (4%)
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Free on-site parking
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On-site canteen
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Comprehensive wellbeing platform (including GP access, retail discounts and family support services)
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Bike to Work scheme
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Company uniform
This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-growth organisation where HSE has genuine Board visibility and strategic importance.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced HSE professional seeking a senior leadership opportunity within a growing industrial environment, we would welcome a confidential discussion.
Contact Abatec Recruitment today to speak with Marek to discuss this opportunity or submit your CV for immediate consideration.
Abatec Recruitment is acting as an employment agency on behalf of our client