Health & Safety Manager

West Dean College; North Boarhunt; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days’ annual leave

Pension scheme (employer matched)

Employee Assistance Programme

Mental Health First Aiders

Cycle to Work

Free entry to West Dean Gardens

Staff discounts

Free / discounted short courses

Campus facilities access

Subsidised bed & breakfast rates

Job summary

West Dean College seeks an experienced Health & Safety Manager to lead the development and implementation of health, safety and fire safety across its estate. You will provide expert guidance, oversee risk assessments and audits, and promote a strong safety culture. A NEBOSH Diploma and IOSH membership are essential, with experience across locations preferred.

Qualifications

• NEBOSH National Diploma or equivalent in Health & Safety is essential.
• Experience implementing health and safety across multiple locations.
• Strong communication and analytical skills for policy and training.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and enhance West Dean's Safety Management System, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure thorough completion and documentation of risk assessments.
• Advise managers on safe working practices and compliance.
• Coordinate health and safety training, including e-learning options.
• Conduct safety inspections and audits, producing actionable reports.
• Lead investigations of accidents and incidents, including RIDDOR reporting.
• Develop and review emergency response arrangements.

Skills

Health & safety compliance

Risk assessment

Audits

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Training delivery

Education

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety

Graduate IOSH membership

Tools

Safety Management System

RIDDOR reporting

Job description

At West Dean, we blend education, hospitality, and visitor experiences, making it a fantastic place to grow your career while contributing to something meaningful.

About the Role

Are you an experienced and proactive Health & Safety Manager ready to make a real impact? We're looking for someone like you to lead the development and implementation of health, safety, and fire safety across our estate.

In this pivotal role, you will:

• Provide expert advice and practical guidance to colleagues, ensuring compliance with health and safety legislation.
• Oversee risk assessments, safety audits, and incident investigations.
• Promote a positive safety culture and embed health and safety into everyday practices.
• Monitor emerging risks and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and enhance West Dean's Safety Management System, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure thorough completion and documentation of risk assessments.
• Advise managers on safe working practices and compliance.
• Coordinate health and safety training, including e-learning options.
• Conduct safety inspections and audits, producing actionable reports.
• Lead investigations of accidents and incidents, including RIDDOR reporting.
• Develop and review emergency response arrangements.
• Prepare monthly management dashboards and contribute to quarterly reports.
• Act as a key contact for external regulators and enforcement agencies.
• Keep senior colleagues informed of legislative changes and compliance requirements.

This is your chance to take ownership of a vital function and make a tangible difference to the safety and wellbeing of our staff, students, visitors, and the wider community.

About You

You are a seasoned health and safety professional with a solid grasp of UK health and safety legislation and risk management. Your confidence in conducting risk assessments and audits, along with your ability to develop effective policies, will set you apart.

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Experience implementing health and safety practices across multiple locations.
• Practical knowledge of risk management systems and compliance auditing.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent communication skills to engage and influence colleagues at all levels.
• A pragmatic, solutions-focused approach to balancing operational needs with risk management.
• The ability to work independently while fostering effective relationships.

A NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety and Graduate Membership of IOSH are essential. Experience in fire safety, first aid, and health and safety training delivery would be a plus!

About West Dean

Welcome to West Dean, a truly unique workplace where creativity meets heritage! Nestled in the stunning South Downs National Park, our 6,350-acre estate is home to an internationally recognized center for arts, design, craft, and conservation. Here, you'll find award-winning gardens, historic collections, and a vibrant community dedicated to preserving the UK's cultural heritage.

What We Offer

• 33 days' annual leave, including bank holidays.
• A contributory pension scheme with employer matching from 4% to 7.5%.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Access to Mental Health First Aiders.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Free entry to West Dean Gardens.
• Discounts in our Sussex campus shops.
• Free and discounted places on short courses at West Dean College.
• Free use of campus facilities, including the swimming pool, library, and tennis courts.
• Subsidised bed and breakfast rates at the Sussex campus.

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.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

At West Dean College, we celebrate the diversity of our staff and students. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from qualified candidates from a wide range of backgrounds.