Explosives Safety Officer

Portal Londrinatur; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading safety solutions provider in Glasgow is seeking an Explosives Safety Officer to manage onsite explosive processing. The role involves ensuring compliance with safety regulations, overseeing explosive stock, and providing technical advice to the manufacturing team. Candidates should have extensive knowledge of explosives safety, ideally with relevant certifications. This position is full-time, with a focus on maintaining safety standards in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience and knowledge of handling explosives.
• Ability to manage explosive stock and safety compliance.
• Experience in conducting COSHH and risk assessments.

Responsibilities

• Manage all onsite explosive processing and safety at Glasgow.
• Oversee explosive stock accounts and compliance.
• Conduct safety audits and lead explosive safety initiatives.

Skills

Explosives safety knowledge

HSE Guidelines awareness

Safety audit skills

Risk assessment capability

Technical advice on explosives

Education

Recognised explosives safety certification

IPC (J-STD) qualification

Tools

ERP systems

Technical drawings interpretation

Job description

Job Title: Explosives Safety Officer

Location: Glasgow

Role: Full Time – 4 day week Monday‑Thursday / 37 hours per week

Role Overview

As the Explosives Safety Officer you will manage all onsite explosive processing and safety at Thales OME Glasgow. You will be responsible for the explosive stock account, ensuring compliance with local and external policy, and for providing explosive safety and technical advice to the Glasgow manufacturing department.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure all explosive facilities in Glasgow remain fit for purpose and meet required safety standards.
• Oversee on‑site explosive processing in compliance with HSE Guidelines and Explosives Regulations 2014.
• Manage explosive stock accounts, ensuring licence limits and quantities remain within HSE allocations.
• Apply safe systems of work for explosives, with strong knowledge of handling and processing methods.
• Interpret and follow Work Instruction Sheets (W.I.S.) accurately.
• Conduct explosives in line with safety procedures (e.g., HAPTM checks, environmental considerations).
• Perform complex mechanical assembly in explosive environments and build electronic assemblies.
• Read and interpret technical drawings and wiring diagrams.
• Carry out manufacturing operations to defined quality standards and company processes.
• Undertake product self‑assessment, approval, and configuration management.
• Use company tools (ERP, Palma, etc.) for product assembly and documentation.
• Detect faults or non‑compliance, raise alerts, and contribute to diagnostics/root cause analysis.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within explosives processing areas.
• Undertake Free From Explosives (FFE) certification activities.
• Contribute to the generation, review, and evaluation of standard operating procedures.
• Act as responsible person for receipt and dispatch of explosives from Glasgow.
• Conduct stock‑taking, reconciling physical counts against logbooks and MRP systems.
• Lead explosive safety audits and implement corrective actions.
• Provide technical and safety advice to the manufacturing department.
• Carry out COSHH and risk assessments for explosive activities.
• Oversee explosive disposal processes on site.
• Document future health & safety requirements and ensure compliance.
• Deliver training and safety certification for explosive workers/handlers.
• Represent explosive safety as Subject Matter Expert (SME) on the Glasgow Health & Safety Committee.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience working within an explosives environment, with knowledge of safety, hazards, effects, and compatibility.
• Recognised explosives safety certification (highly desirable).
• Strong understanding of HSE Guidelines (Explosives Regulations 2014, L150 Safety Provisions, L151 Security Provisions).
• Experience managing explosive safety, including writing safety policies.
• Ability to conduct COSHH and risk assessments effectively.
• Skilled in conducting safety audits and proposing remedial actions to ensure compliance.
• Capable of providing technical and safety advice on explosives, and managing incidents with appropriate follow‑up actions.
• IPC (J‑STD) qualification desirable but not essential.
• Reasonable IT literacy with ability to use ERP systems.
• Eligible to obtain full SC clearance.
• Dangerous Goods ADR trained (highly desirable).

Security & Vetting

In line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates must provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance, which may require further evidence. For further details, refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) Agency.

Workplace and Inclusion

Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment process. Reasonable adjustments and support will be provided for neuro‑diverse applicants or those with a disability or long‑term condition. If you need the job advert in an alternative format or have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Resourcing Ops for mid to senior roles, or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles.

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