SHE Manager

£70,000.0 to £80,000.0 per year, Circa. £75k Contract Type: Permanent Hours: Full time Disability Confident: No Closing Date: 02/07/2026 About this job Hays Health & Safety are excited to be supporting a leading, high-hazard manufacturing organisation based in the Chester area looking to appoint an experienced SHE Manager to lead all aspects of Safety, Health and Environment across a complex COMAH-regulated site. This is a senior leadership role, sitting as part of the site management team, with full responsibility for process safety, environmental compliance, occupational health, and the development of a strong, accountable safety culture. The role: You will take ownership of the site's overall SHE strategy, ensuring compliance, continuous improvement, and the safe operation of a high-risk manufacturing environment.

A key focus will be maintaining the integrity of process safety systems and preventing major accident hazards. Key areas of responsibility Lead and maintain the site's Process Safety Management system, including ownership of COMAH documentation and safety reports. Act as the primary point of contact for regulatory bodies including the HSE, Environment Agency, and local authorities.

Partner closely with engineering and operational teams on projects, providing technical SHE guidance across design, hazard studies, and risk reduction. Ensure full compliance with UK SHE legislation and alignment with industry best practice. Drive a strong safety culture across site, embedding accountability at all levels and promoting a proactive approach to risk management.

Lead continuous improvement initiatives across safety, environmental performance, occupational health, and emergency response. Monitor and benchmark SHE performance through audits, KPIs, and reporting, identifying opportunities for improvement. Oversee and maintain integrated management systems, including ISO 14001, 45001 and related standards.

Provide expert SHE advice and coaching to stakeholders across the business. Develop and mentor a small SHE team, supporting their professional growth. Represent SHE at site leadership level, ensuring it remains a core operational priority.

Key requirements Demonstrable experience within an Upper Tier COMAH site or similar high‑risk industry. Strong expertise in process safety, including hazard analysis, fire/explosion risk, and major hazard control. In‑depth knowledge of UK health & safety and environmental legislation and its practical application.

Experience leading audits, management systems, and regulatory inspections. Strong leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels. A proactive, solutions‑focused approach with a passion for driving cultural change and continuous improvement.

What we're looking for This role will suit an experienced SHE leader with a strong technical foundation in process safety and a proven track record within high‑hazard environments. The opportunity: This is a high‑impact role offering the chance to shape SHE strategy within a technically complex and well‑invested site. You'll play a key role in influencing operational performance, supporting business‑critical projects, and driving a positive safety culture. #J-18808-Ljbffr