Health & Safety Officer
About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Health & Safety Officer to join a large-scale manufacturing site in Co. Kilkenny. This site is one of the largest and most advanced food production facilities in Europe, operating across multiple manufacturing areas within a highly regulated environment.
Reporting to the Health & Safety Manager, you will play a key role in implementing, maintaining, and continuously improving site health and safety systems. The successful candidate will work closely with operational teams, contractors, and management to drive a positive safety culture while ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation and company standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the ongoing development and improvement of the site's Health & Safety Management System.
- Conduct and review risk assessments, job safety analyses, and safe systems of work.
- Ensure appropriate control measures are implemented and communicated effectively.
- Coordinate site inductions, contractor management activities, and permit-to-work systems.
- Carry out regular workplace inspections, audits, and compliance checks across manufacturing departments.
- Support accident, incident, and near-miss investigations, identifying root causes and ensuring corrective actions are completed.
- Assist in the delivery of health and safety training programmes for employees and contractors.
- Participate in process safety reviews including HAZOPs, ATEX assessments, and other risk management activities.
- Maintain health and safety documentation, records, reports, and compliance systems.
- Support emergency preparedness activities, drills, and response planning.
- Promote employee engagement and continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen site safety culture.
- Liaise with external contractors, auditors, and regulatory bodies when required.
- Provide health and safety input into maintenance and capital projects to ensure safe design and execution.
Requirements
- Third-level qualification in Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related discipline.
- 3-5 years' experience in a Health & Safety role within manufacturing, food, dairy, pharmaceutical, or other regulated industrial environments.
- Strong understanding of Irish health and safety legislation and compliance requirements.
- Experience conducting risk assessments, incident investigations, and workplace audits.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to influence and engage teams across all levels of the organisation.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- NEBOSH, IOSH or equivalent Health & Safety qualification.
- Experience with ATEX, COMAH, process safety, or radiation safety would be advantageous.
What's on Offer
- Opportunity to join a leading manufacturing organisation with significant investment and long-term growth plans.
- Exposure to a complex, high-volume production environment.
- Career development and progression opportunities.
- Collaborative team culture focused on continuous improvement, operational excellence, and employee wellbeing.
