About the Role
We are seeking a strategic, forward-thinking person to lead and evolve our Environmental Health & Safety function into a centre of excellence. This is a high-impact leadership role that requires a pragmatic and solutions-oriented professional who can take ownership of the full EH&S agenda - from thought inception to seamless implementation.
You will be responsible for designing and delivering a long-term EHS strategy that not only ensures legal compliance and operational safety but also aligns with the organisation's growth, innovation, and sustainability objectives. The ideal candidate will challenge the status quo, anticipate emerging risks, and embed a culture of proactive safety and environmental responsibility at all levels.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Future-Proofing
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Design and execute a long-term EHS strategy that supports business goals and adapts to future regulatory, technological, and environmental trends.
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Act as a key advisor to the Executive Team, providing insight and foresight on risk management, regulatory evolution, and sustainability impacts.
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Identify and implement scalable systems and digital tools that future-proof EHS operations.
Operational Excellence
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Drive consistent, high standards in health, safety, and environmental performance across all sites.
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Lead critical incident investigations and ensure systemic root cause analysis and continuous improvement.
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Translate complex regulatory requirements into practical policies, procedures, and controls.
Culture & Change Leadership
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Embed a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement through engagement, training, and visible leadership.
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Inspire and align cross-functional teams to adopt a proactive approach to EHS.
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Serve as a pragmatic leader who balances compliance with operational needs to enable innovation and productivity.
Project & Programme Delivery
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Lead key EHS initiatives from concept through to implementation, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and with measurable impact.
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Collaborate with Engineering, Production, HR, and Sustainability teams to integrate EHS priorities into site design, new technologies, and major capital projects.
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Deliver EHS transformation programmes, including digital reporting platforms, behavioural safety, and ESG-aligned performance measures.
Governance & Compliance
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Own the EHS governance framework including ISO accreditations (e.g., ISO 14001, ISO 45001), internal audits, and regulatory inspections.
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Maintain oversight of environmental permits, emissions, and waste management obligations across sites.
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Ensure readiness for external scrutiny and provide assurance to stakeholders on risk control effectiveness.
Candidate Profile
Experience & Qualifications
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10+ years' EHS experience within manufacturing, food, pharma, or similar high-compliance environments.
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Proven track record in leading cross-site or multi-national EHS strategies with measurable outcomes.
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Degree-qualified in Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related discipline. Chartered membership of IOSH or equivalent is highly desirable.
