Health & Safety Manager

We are looking for an experienced and proactive Health & Safety Manager to lead the development and implementation of health, safety and fire safety across West Dean.

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Estates and Campus Services, you will provide expert advice and practical guidance to colleagues across the organisation, ensuring that our working, teaching and public spaces meet relevant legislation and best practice.

You will oversee risk assessments, safety audits and inspections, staff training, incident investigations, RIDDOR reporting, emergency planning, fire safety and first aid provision. You will also monitor emerging risks, support continuous improvement and provide clear reporting to senior management and relevant committees.

Working collaboratively with colleagues at all levels, you will play a key role in promoting a positive, proactive safety culture and ensuring that health and safety is embedded in everyday working practices.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of an important organisational function, influence improvements and make a tangible difference to the safety and wellbeing of our staff, students, visitors and wider community.

You will be an experienced health and safety professional with a strong understanding of UK health and safety legislation, risk management and compliance. You will be confident carrying out risk assessments, audits and investigations, developing effective policies and procedures, and advising colleagues on practical solutions.

You will also bring:

• Experience implementing health and safety practices across multiple buildings, locations or campuses.
• Practical experience of risk management systems, safety inspections and compliance auditing.
• Experience developing codes of practice and safe operating procedures.
• Strong analytical, organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to influence and engage colleagues at all levels.
• A pragmatic, solutions-focused approach, balancing operational needs with appropriate risk management.
• The ability to work independently while building effective relationships across a diverse organisation.

A NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety and Graduate Membership of IOSH are specified in the person specification. Experience of fire safety, first aid, incident management and delivering health and safety training would also be valuable.

• Maintain and improve West Dean's Safety Management System, policies and procedures.
• Ensure risk assessments are completed, reviewed and appropriately recorded.
• Advise and support managers and departments on safe working practices and compliance.
• Identify and coordinate appropriate health and safety training, including through our e-learning system.
• Carry out safety inspections and audits, produce reports and monitor corrective actions.
• Lead the reporting and investigation of accidents, near misses and other incidents, including RIDDOR reporting where required.
• Develop and review fire safety, first aid, emergency evacuation and incident response arrangements.
• Coordinate first aiders, mental health first aiders and fire safety representatives.
• Prepare monthly management dashboards and contribute to quarterly reporting.
• Attend Health & Safety Committee meetings and act as a key contact for external regulators and enforcement agencies.
• Keep senior colleagues informed of relevant legislative changes and compliance requirements.

Closing date: 10 November 2026
Interviews: Mid-November 2026

Please note that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK for the duration of their employment.

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