Health & Safety Manager

About the Role
Pickles Recruitment is recruiting an experienced and proactive Health & Safety Manager for an established industrial business based in Oldham.
This is a hands-on position for someone who is comfortable being visible and active on the shop floor, working directly with employees, supervisors and senior management.
This is not a role for someone who simply wants to maintain existing paperwork. Our client is looking for someone who can build, improve and implement processes, procedures and systems, identify areas requiring improvement and embed a strong, practical health and safety culture throughout the operation.
Initially, the successful candidate will work closely with an external Health & Safety consultant to review current arrangements, establish priorities and achieve the required standards. Over time, they will take greater ownership of the internal H&S function and continuous improvement programme.
Key Responsibilities Health & Safety Management

• Take day-to-day responsibility for health and safety across the operation
• Develop, implement and continually improve H&S policies, procedures and systems
• Carry out regular workplace and shop-floor inspections and audits
• Identify hazards, assess risks and implement appropriate controls
• Ensure risk assessments and method statements are completed, reviewed and maintained
• Investigate accidents, incidents, near misses and unsafe working practices
• Complete root-cause investigations and implement corrective actions
• Monitor agreed actions through to completion
• Maintain accurate H&S documentation and records
• Provide regular H&S reports and updates to senior management

Shop-Floor Engagement

• Maintain a visible and approachable presence within the operational environment
• Work directly with employees and supervisors to identify and resolve H&S issues
• Provide practical advice and solutions rather than focusing solely on paperwork
• Challenge unsafe behaviours appropriately and constructively
• Encourage employees to report hazards, near misses and improvement opportunities
• Deliver or coordinate toolbox talks, safety briefings and training
• Build strong relationships across all levels of the business

Processes & Continuous Improvement

• Review existing H&S arrangements and identify gaps
• Develop practical procedures and safe systems of work
• Introduce consistent H&S standards across the operation
• Establish inspection, audit and monitoring programmes
• Develop and monitor H&S KPIs
• Ensure lessons from incidents and audits are communicated and implemented
• Support the development of a positive and proactive safety culture

Compliance & External Support

• Work closely with external H&S specialists, particularly during the initial period
• Coordinate external audits and inspections
• Take ownership of recommendations and corrective actions
• Maintain knowledge of relevant UK H&S legislation and industry guidance
• Ensure legal and regulatory responsibilities are met
• Liaise with external bodies, contractors and other stakeholders where required

Training & Development

• Identify H&S training requirements
• Coordinate training and refresher programmes
• Support managers and supervisors in understanding their H&S responsibilities
• Encourage managers to take ownership of safety within their departments

About You
We are looking for an experienced Health & Safety professional with a strong background in an industrial, operational or manufacturing environment.
Shop-floor experience is particularly important.
This role will suit someone who enjoys being out in the operation, speaking to employees, identifying problems and implementing practical solutions, rather than spending the majority of their time behind a desk.
Experience & Qualifications

• Previous experience within a Health & Safety management or senior H&S position
• Strong practical knowledge of workplace health and safety
• Experience developing and implementing H&S policies, procedures and systems
• Experience completing risk assessments, audits and workplace inspections
• Accident, incident and near-miss investigation experience
• Strong knowledge of UK Health & Safety legislation
• Experience within a manufacturing, industrial or operational environment
• NEBOSH qualification desirable, ideally NEBOSH General Certificate or above
• IOSH membership or additional H&S qualifications advantageous
• Experience working alongside external H&S specialists beneficial
• Strong communication and influencing skills
• Ability to challenge unsafe practices while maintaining positive working relationships
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills

The Person
We are looking for somebody who is:
Hands-on and visible - comfortable spending significant time on the shop floor.
Proactive - identifies issues and acts before they become incidents.
Process-focused - capable of developing structure, procedures and standards.
Approachable - able to engage effectively with employees at every level.
Confident - comfortable challenging unsafe working practices.
Practical - able to translate legislation into workable solutions.
Commercially aware - understands the pressures of a busy operational environment.
Accountable - follows actions through to completion.
What''s on Offer
This is an excellent opportunity to take real ownership of Health & Safety within an established business.
You''ll have the opportunity to strengthen the H&S framework, improve shop-floor standards, develop processes and procedures, increase employee engagement and help establish a long-term safety culture.
Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 per annum, dependent on experience and qualifications.

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