Health & Safety Manager
Kent
Food Manufacturing
At 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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