Global Director of Health & Safety

Westfalia Fruit; Kings Hill; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading multinational supplier of fresh produce is seeking a Global Director of Health & Safety. This role involves defining and implementing global H&S policies, driving cultural change towards safety, and ensuring compliance across multiple regions. Candidates should have a relevant degree, significant leadership experience in health and safety, and a passion for fostering a proactive safety culture. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package

Opportunities in a global organisation

Commitment to sustainability and innovation

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master’s preferred.
• Recognised professional certification is essential.
• Extensive experience in health & safety leadership roles.

Responsibilities

• Lead Global H&S Strategy and ensure compliance.
• Develop and implement health & safety policies globally.
• Champion a proactive safety culture across the company.

Skills

Leadership in health & safety

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Data analytics proficiency

Cultural transformation

Intercultural communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health & Safety or related field

Master’s degree in related discipline (desirable)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

PowerBI

H&S reporting systems

Job description

Overview

Westfalia Fruit is a leading multinational supplier of fresh fruit and related value-added products to global markets. Through our vertically-integrated supply chain we grow, source, ripen, pack, process and market quality avocados & fresh produce. We operate globally with the largest avocado-growing footprint and serve retail and wholesale customers from offices in the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America & Southern Africa. We are seeking a Global Director of Health & Safety to join our team globally.

The Global Director of Health & Safety (H&S) will be accountable for defining and embedding Westfalia’s global health & safety policy. This role leads the implementation of the policy through the health and safety strategy and cultural development across all regions, including South America, North America, Africa, Europe, and Asia (future expansion). Reporting directly to the Chief R&D and Sustainability Officer, this position provides strategic leadership and direction for all aspects of occupational health and safety management, ensuring compliance with international and local regulations and fostering a proactive safety culture across the supply chain, from field to fork.

Responsibilities

• Lead Global H&S Strategy: Shape and execute a world-class health & safety framework aligned with ISO 45001, global regulations, and Westfalia Fruit's business vision
• Standardise & Elevate Practices: Harmonize policies and procedures across international markets, with clear KPIs to drive accountability and performance
• Inspire a Global Safety Culture: Champion a shift from compliance to a proactive, values-driven safety mindset embedded at every level
• Empower Safety Leadership: Coach and develop a high-performing global H&S network, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement
• Drive Engagement & Behavioural Change: Lead campaigns and initiatives that make safety personal and integral to the employee experience
• Master Risk & Compliance: Oversee risk management across diverse operations with rigorous compliance and effective hazard mitigation worldwide
• Lead with Data & Insight: Deliver executive-level reporting using data analytics and digital tools to identify trends and opportunities for improvement
• Ensure World-Class Standards: Implement robust audit systems, ISO 45001 certifications, and global incident learning processes
• Be a Trusted Strategic Partner: Advise the C-suite, influence decision-making, and integrate H&S into sustainability, operations, and supply chain strategies
• Represent & Advocate Externally: Engage regulators, industry bodies, and global partners to position Westfalia as a leader in health & safety
• Travel Requirements: This role will require international travel due to its global responsibilities

Requirements

Essential

• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or related discipline
• Recognised professional certification (e.g., NEBOSH Diploma, CSP, IOSH Chartered Member, or equivalent)
• Progressive experience in health & safety leadership roles within global manufacturing, farming/agriculture, food production, industrial or infrastructure environments
• Proven ability to design and implement global or multi-regional H&S strategies, policies, and systems
• Track record of driving cultural transformation from compliance to proactive, behaviour-led safety cultures
• Experience managing and coaching diverse, international teams in a matrix organisation
• Strong regulatory compliance knowledge across multiple jurisdictions and ability to interpret and align standards globally
• Expertise in occupational health & safety management systems, including ISO 45001 implementation
• Advanced knowledge of risk assessment, hazard identification, incident investigation, and root cause analysis
• Proficiency in data analytics and H&S reporting for executive-level insights
• Understanding of sustainability and ESG principles as they relate to health & safety
• High competency in Microsoft Office Suite, PowerBI and H&S reporting systems
• Strategic thinker with the ability to connect global priorities with local execution
• Influential leader capable of inspiring change and building credibility with executives, site managers, and frontline teams
• Excellent intercultural awareness and communication skills; able to work across geographies and cultures
• Hands-on and visible leadership style, with willingness to travel extensively and spend time at sites
• Resilience, pragmatism, and adaptability in high-growth, fast-changing environments
• Passionate advocate for people’s safety and wellbeing

Desirable

• Master’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or related discipline preferred
• ISO 45001 Lead Auditor qualification desirable

Benefits

What can Westfalia Fruit offer you?

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package that will vary by location. Full details will be shared as part of the interview process.

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
• Part of a global organisation recognised as a leader in fresh produce
• Join a purpose-driven company committed to sustainability and innovation
• Contribute to an industry leader at the forefront of fresh produce innovation

Please note that this position does not have a specific closing date. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the advert may be removed at any time.

We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, national origin, veteran status, neurodiversity or disability status.