Head of Health, Safety & Environment

Valeo Foods UK; Pontefract; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Valeo Foods UK is seeking a Head of Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) to lead their HSE initiatives across various sites. The role involves creating a cohesive HSE strategy, enhancing the safety culture, and ensuring compliance in a dynamic food production environment. Candidates should possess a NEBOSH Diploma and experience in FMCG or manufacturing, equipped to engage effectively at all organizational levels. A hands-on leader with strong communication skills will thrive in this key influence role.

Benefits

Matched pension scheme

Death in service

Cycle to work scheme

Canteen

Retailer discount platform

Staff discount

And plenty more!

Qualifications

• Strong HSE leader with a solid understanding of UK legislation.
• Experience managing HSE in manufacturing or FMCG environments.
• Natural communicator who can influence and educate across all levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creation and rollout of a consistent HSE strategy across operations.
• Champion a culture of behavioral safety and proactive reporting.
• Review and strengthen safety systems, policies, and training.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Hands-on leadership

Communication

Proactive change management

Education

NEBOSH Diploma

Job description

Company Description

At Valeo Foods UK, we're the creative force behind an array of beloved brands spanning indulgence, innovation, and tradition. From the iconic crunch of Kettle Crisps to the pure sweetness of Rowse Honey, and the rich heritage of Matthew Walker puddings, our portfolio reflects our commitment to quality and diversity.

Company Description

At Valeo Foods UK, we're the creative force behind an array of beloved brands spanning indulgence, innovation, and tradition. From the iconic crunch of Kettle Crisps to the pure sweetness of Rowse Honey, and the rich heritage of Matthew Walker puddings, our portfolio reflects our commitment to quality and diversity.

But that's not all – our family of brands extends further, encompassing an exciting array of products and experiences. Whether it's the Wild West flavours of New World Foods, the nostalgic joy of Barratt sweets, or the timeless appeal of Metcalfe Popcorn, each brand carries its own unique story, flavour, and charm. Join us on a journey where passion meets flavour, crafting experiences that bring people together and delight taste buds.

Job Description

We’re hiring: Head of Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)

Location: Open to Pontefract, Blackpool, York - with full UK Travel

Be part of shaping safety, wellbeing, and sustainability across a growing UK food group.

As we continue to grow, we’re looking for a Head of HSE to lead the way in creating a strong, consistent health, safety and environmental culture across our sites.

This is a central role with real influence — shaping how we work, how we grow, and how we keep our people safe.

What The Role Involves

You’ll provide clear leadership and direction across all things HSE — building one aligned way of working that’s embedded across all our UK sites. This includes reviewing and strengthening systems, policies and training, and supporting site teams to deliver on safety every day.

You’ll Lead On

• Creating and rolling out a consistent HSE strategy across our operations
• Championing a culture of behavioural safety and proactive reporting
• Investigating incidents and ensuring actions are followed through
• Managing relationships with insurers and handling employers’ liability claims
• Aligning risk assessments, audit processes and policy compliance
• Driving thematic HSE engagement across our teams (think: awareness months, learning campaigns)
• Working closely with HR and Training to support wellbeing and development
  
  

This is a highly collaborative role. You’ll work closely with operations, technical, HR, training and compliance teams to make sure safety is embedded in everything we do — not just from a legal perspective, but as a core part of our culture.

Qualifications

• Someone who’s strategic but hands-on — equally comfortable in a boardroom or on the factory floor
• A strong HSE leader with NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent) and a solid understanding of UK legislation
• Experience managing HSE in manufacturing or FMCG environments
• A natural communicator who can influence, educate and inspire across all levels
• Organised, proactive, curious — someone who spots opportunities and drives change
  
  

An environmental qualification and experience in a growing or acquisitive business would be a bonus.

Additional Information

This is more than a compliance role. It’s about building something lasting — a strong, positive HSE culture that protects our people, supports our growth, and reflects our values as a business.

If that sounds like a challenge you’re ready to lead, we’d love to hear from you.

What We Offer You In Return

• Matched pension scheme
• Death in service
• Cycle to work scheme
• Canteen
• Retailer discount platform
• Staff discount
• And plenty more!

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Food Production

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