Health & Safety Manager
? Kent? Food ManufacturingAt The Collective Network, we don’t just fill roles , we build partnerships with people who take ownership, challenge the status quo, and raise the bar.We’re working with a fast–paced food manufacturing business that’s serious about standards. They need a Health & Safety Manager who doesn’t sit behind policy, they lead from the floor, set the tone, and make safety part of how the business thinks, not just what it does.This is a role for someone who sees risk before it happens, drives accountability at every level, and ensures the site is always audit–ready, not just when someone’s watching.
What you’ll own
- Lead and evolve the H&S strategy in line with operational demands
- Ensure full compliance with legal, regulatory, and audit standards (BRC, ISO, COP)
- Create and embed a proactive, engaged safety culture across the workforce
- Identify gaps through audits and observations – and fix them with clear, workable solutions
- Own and manage the H&S budget effectively
- Keep the site audit–ready at all times
You’ll also take ownership of the crisis management framework – making sure plans are current, relevant, and actually workable when it matters.
What it looks like day to day
This isn’t a desk job. You’ll be visible, vocal, and hands–on.
- Lead from the front – driving engagement and accountability across all teams
- Challenge existing processes constructively and push for better
- Deliver training and guidance that people actually understand and apply
- Ensure all risk assessments (RA) and PUWER requirements are robust and up to date
- Act as the key contact for external agencies and enforcement bodies
- Lead H&S performance reviews, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Partner with operational teams to tackle accident trends and risk hotspots
- Support projects with clear, commercially sound H&S input
Site safety, security & response
- Own site–wide safety protocols, including new equipment sign–off
- Ensure emergency preparedness – fire drills, trained teams, and clear procedures
- Maintain strong contractor management and emergency cover
- Be a reliable escalation point, including out–of–hours when needed
The kind of person this suits
You’re credible on the ground and confident in the boardroom.
- Strong understanding of UK H&S legislation and regulatory frameworks
- Able to influence at all levels – from shop floor to senior leadership
- Proactive mindset – you spot risk early and act decisively
- Analytical – you can turn data into insight and action
- Calm, pragmatic, and solutions–focused under pressure
What you’ll bring
- NEBOSH qualification (or equivalent)
- Experience with ISO 45001 and audit standards (BRC/ISO Lead Auditor ideal)
- Proven track record of building a positive H&S culture in manufacturing (food experience highly advantageous)
- Strong stakeholder management and team leadership experience
- Working knowledge of BRC, ISO45001, SMETA/SEDEX, and COP standards
What success looks like
- Zero major non–conformities in audits
- Strong audit performance across customer and ethical standards
- Fully compliant, up–to–date risk assessments and equipment standards
- Measurable reduction in accident frequency rates
- A workforce that owns safety – not just follows it
Why this role?
Because this isn’t about ticking boxes.It’s about building a culture where safety is second nature – where standards are high, people are engaged, and the operation runs smarter because of it.If you’re looking for a role where you can genuinely make an impact, drive change, and be recognised for it – we should talk.
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