Health and Safety Manager - DC

About the Role

We're looking for a proactive and knowledgeable Health & Safety Officer to support our Distribution Centres and help us maintain a safe, compliant and people-first working environment.
You'll provide expert advice, guidance and hands-on support to colleagues and managers across our sites, ensuring everyone follows current legislation and company policies.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone passionate about safety, continuous improvement and driving a positive safety culture.

Key Responsibilities - What You'll Be Doing

• Provide expert health & safety advice to management and colleagues across Distribution.
• Promote a proactive safety culture through collaboration, coaching and training.
• Be the first point of contact for all health & safety queries in your allocated area.
• Support the business in adhering to all relevant UK H&S legislation.
• Maintain a database of regulatory authority visits and ensure relevant actions are completed.
• Communicate effectively with external bodies such as Environmental Health Officers and Fire Officers.
• Deliver emergency preparedness training to new and existing site management.
• Undertake annual First Aid needs assessments and manage first aid provisions.
• Ensure adequate provision of all required health and safety training.
• Lead site inspection regimes and act on findings.
• Review, update and manage the Health & Safety Management System.
• Track and analyse accident and incident data, identifying trends and implementing safety improvements.
• Prepare regular performance reports for the senior leadership team.
• Ensure thorough investigation of all incidents and support in insurance claims and documentation.
• Ensure risk assessments and safe systems of work are written, reviewed and implemented.
• Ensure compliance with LOLER, PUWER and relevant British safety standards.
• Support SEMA racking inspection processes and fire safety standards.
• Work closely with distribution, facilities and other departments to embed safe working practices.
• Lead and advise safety committees across Distribution Centres.
• Support the planned review of H&S documentation, policies and procedures.
• Assist with specific H&S projects as directed by the Group Head of Health & Safety.
• To be able to communicate effectively with external bodies (e.g., Local Environmental Health Officers, Fire Officers)
• As requested, undertake specific Health and Safety Projects.
• Ensure the Group Health and Safety Manager and Senior Distribution Managers are kept up to date with health and safety performance
• To assist the Group Health and Safety Manager in ensuring the Company are complying with all relevant H&S legislation.
• Ensure there is adequate provision of health and safety training
• Organise own daily routine with minimal reference and supervision.
• Advise the business on Health and Safety improvements that are required or desirabl
• Confirm workload with the Group Head of Health and Safety
• Consult with the Head of Health and Safety before making any recommendations that have a major impact on working practices
• Represent the Health and Safety Department at internal meetings as directed by the Group Head of Health and Safety
• Recommend appropriate actions to reduce recurrence and lessen the possibility of legal action, following an accident
• Recommend amendments or updates to policies and procedures to effect legislative requirements within the business
• Assist the Group Head of Health and Safety and react appropriately to ad-hoc situations whilst managing own workload
• Encourage and promote a strong Health and Safety Culture throughout the Group, ensuring compliance with legislative and Company requirements.

About You

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 6 or 7 in Health & Safety, or
• NEBOSH General Certificate / NEBOSH Diploma (or working towards)

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in a health & safety role within warehouse or distribution environments.
• Strong knowledge of relevant H&S legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Familiarity with SEMA racking standards and British Standards for fire safety (qualifications desirable).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Ability to manage, prioritise and organise your own workload.
• Confident in building relationships at all levels.
• Strong IT skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

We take our inspiration from pets in embracing people from all walks of life, and we value, respect and celebrate difference. We encourage our people to be their best selves so that we can create a better world for Pets, our Planet, and People. Our ambition is to reflect the diversity of the communities we operate in, and we are intentional in addressing and removing barriers to create opportunities for the exceptional talent and potential in our communities. Even if your skills and experience don't perfectly align, if you think you can make a unique contribution through your values and behaviours, we want to hear from you.