HSE Manager - #2123079

HSE Manager role in Greater Manchester. Working for a growing speciality chemicals business.

Client Details

Our client, a global manufacturing company specialising in chemicals and polymers, is looking for an HSE Manager to join their team in Greater Manchester

Description

The HSE Manager will act as the site's competent subject matter expert for Health, Safety and Environmental matters, ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements while driving best practice across the business.

This role provides independent oversight and support to departmental leaders, helping to improve site safety performance and embed a culture of continuous improvement. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining compliance with COMAH regulations, ISO standards (ISO 14001 & ISO 45001), and wider legislative requirements.

You will also represent the business with external stakeholders including the HSE, Environment Agency, and other regulatory bodies, ensuring all reporting obligations are met accurately and on time.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage site Health, Safety and Environmental systems, driving continuous improvement in line with HSG65 and PDCA principles
• Oversee accident and incident processes, including:
  • Leading investigations and root cause analysis (RCFA)
  • Chairing incident review meetings
  • Monitoring trends and implementing preventative strategies
  • Ensuring compliance with RIDDOR, EPA and COMAH reporting requirements
• Maintain and improve site compliance with ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, including audit management and external auditor liaison
• Support and advise site leadership onHSE matters including:
  • Risk assessments, COSHH, and HAZOPs
  • Permit to Work (PTW) systems
  • Contractor management and RAMS
  • Management of Change processes
• Lead environmental compliance activities including permitting, waste management (WM3), and climate-related reporting
• Act as the lead forCOMAH-related activities on site, including:
  • Emergency planning (on-site and off-site)
  • Liaison with emergency services and local authorities
  • Human factors programmes
• Facilitate HSE committee meetings, ensuring actions are tracked and closed
• Coordinate Occupational Health programmes and ensure compliance with surveillance requirements
• Deliver and support HSE training across the site
• Act as the point of contact for site services such as cleaning and security contractors
• Ensure all internal and external reporting requirements are completed accurately and on time

Profile

• Proven experience in an HSE role within an industrial or high-risk environment
• NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent qualification
• Degree in a relevant discipline (or equivalent experience)
• Strong knowledge of UK HSE legislation including COMAH, DSEAR, HASWA and CDM
• Experience with incident investigation, root cause analysis, and audit processes
• Working knowledge of ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards
• Experience managing risk assessments, COSHH, and Permit to Work systems
• Ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership and external regulators
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Experience leading HAZOP studies and Human Factors programmes
• Experience in an HSE related role in the Chemical Industry, or closely related industry, over a minimum of 3 - 5 years'
• Experience working on an Upper Tier COMAH site (Preferred)
• Knowledge of environmental permitting, IPPC, and waste regulations
• Experience managing contractor performance and site-wide safety culture initiatives
• Experience within the chemical, petrochemical, or similar high-hazard industry (Preferred)

Job Offer

• Excellent salary and benefits package
• Opportunity to join a business going through transformation
• Real opportunities for development and progression