Health & Safety Manager

Bryan & Armstrong; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 58,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Maidstone is seeking a Health & Safety Manager. You will lead the Health & Safety function, manage a small team, and ensure compliance with legislation. The ideal candidate will have a Diploma-level qualification in Health & Safety and substantial experience in a similar role. Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence senior leaders are essential. This position offers a competitive salary and benefits including a pension scheme.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme

27 days holiday plus bank holidays

Additional benefits

Qualifications

• Significant experience managing Health & Safety at a strategic level.
• Ability to influence and engage with senior leaders effectively.
• Experience in developing proactive initiatives and leading cultural change.

Responsibilities

• Provide direction and support on all aspects of Health & Safety.
• Report to the Head of Health and contribute to strategic meetings.
• Lead the design and implementation of inspection and audit programmes.
• Conduct and oversee accident investigations.

Skills

Health & Safety management

Excellent communication

Training and awareness promotion

Education

Formal Health & Safety qualification to Diploma level

Chartered Member of IOSH or working towards

NEBOSH Fire Safety Certificate

Job description

Health & Safety Manager | Maidstone

£58,137 - £65,400 + Local Government Pension Scheme + 27 days holiday + bank holidays + benefits

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Health & Safety Manager to lead the organisation's Health & Safety function. You will develop, implement and coordinate proactive initiatives across the organisation, providing expert advice, guidance, and training to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all staff, contractors, and visitors.

In this leadership role, you will manage a small team of Health & Safety Officers, work closely with colleagues across departments, and collaborate with partner organisations to share best practice and continuously raise safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direction, support, and professional advice on all aspects of Health & Safety, promoting compliance and best practice across the organisation.
• Report to the Head of Health, contributing to strategic meetings and presenting updates on Health & Safety performance and recommendations for improvement.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure a coordinated approach to Health & Safety management.
• Lead the design, implementation, and review of inspection and audit programmes to ensure ongoing compliance with legislation and policy.
• Conduct and oversee accident investigations, liaising with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and ensuring all issues are appropriately addressed.
• Act as Head of Profession for Health & Safety, promoting training and awareness to embed a strong safety culture across the organisation.
• Review and update Health & Safety policies, procedures, and documentation to ensure accuracy, consistency, and legal compliance.
• Ensure compliance with new legislation and guidance, maintaining strong working relationships with the HSE and other relevant external bodies.
• Manage all aspects of fire safety, including policy development, alarm testing, evacuation procedures, and liaison with responsible officers.
• Work collaboratively with Health & Safety leads in partner organisations to ensure consistent and aligned processes and policies.

About You

You will hold a formal Health & Safety qualification to Diploma level and be a Chartered Member of IOSH (CMIOSH) or actively working towards this status. A NEBOSH Fire Safety Certificate would be advantageous.

You’ll bring significant experience managing Health & Safety at a strategic level within a large, complex organisation. You’ll demonstrate success in developing and implementing proactive initiatives, promoting training and awareness, and leading cultural change to improve Health & Safety performance.

Your excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills will enable you to influence and engage effectively with senior leaders and stakeholders. You’ll also have the ability to manage a diverse portfolio, operate under pressure, and deliver results to tight deadlines with professionalism and integrity.