HSE Advisor

Baltic Recruitment Limited; North East; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Advisor for a client in Newton Aycliffe. The role involves supporting the HSE Manager in maintaining a robust safety culture and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Candidates should possess a NEBOSH Certificate and demonstrate strong communication skills in a high-pressure environment. The position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for professional development in a high-hazard site context.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Professional development support

Structured career pathway

Qualifications

• Must have NEBOSH Certificate, ambition to progress to NEBOSH Diploma.
• Experience in high-hazard industries (chemical, COMAH, or equivalent) is essential.
• Familiar with asset integrity issues and hazardous substances.

Responsibilities

• Assist in implementing and monitoring HSE policies.
• Conduct risk assessments and monitor safe working practices.
• Participate in audits and ensure compliance with applicable legislation.

Skills

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Resilience under pressure

Proactive problem-solving

IT literacy (Microsoft Office)

Education

NEBOSH Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety

Job description

Baltic Recruitment are currently recruiting for a Permanent Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Advisor, for a client located in Newton Aycliffe. Our client are a European market leader, operating as an Upper Tier COMAH (Control of Major Accident Hazards) site. Their facility produces a broad portfolio of products to meet market needs.

This is a mature site with a long operating history, which brings unique challenges around asset integrity, reliability, and compliance. Their team is lean, meaning each role is critical and requires resilience, adaptability, and a strong ability to work collaboratively under pressure. At the same time, they remain fully committed to keeping people and the environment free from harm and to maintaining strict compliance with our Environmental Permit and COMAH regulations.

As the HSE Advisor, you will report to the Site HSE Manager and play a vital role in supporting and sustaining a robust safety culture on site. You will provide practical, hands-on guidance across health, safety, and environmental issues while supporting continuous improvement.

This is a role for someone who can balance regulatory expectations with real-world site challenges, thrive in a small and high-pressure team, and demonstrate resilience in an environment that can sometimes be demanding and confrontational. You will gain exposure to the complexities of working at an Upper Tier COMAH site, with opportunities for collaboration across our wider European network.

Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Advisor Main Duties & Responsibilities:

Support the HSE Manager

• Assist in implementing and monitoring site-specific HSE policies and procedures.
• Contribute to the ongoing review and improvement of the COMAH Safety Report.
• Support in audits, inspections, and regulatory engagements.
• Play a role in the development and execution of emergency response plans and drills.

Health & Safety

• Conduct and review risk assessments, ensuring actions are followed up and closed.
• Monitor safe working practices, including permit-to-work and contractor management.
• Support incident investigations, focusing on root cause analysis and practical corrective actions.
• Chair the monthly Health and Safety Committee.
• Deliver toolbox talks or awareness sessions to strengthen workforce understanding of HSE responsibilities.
• Provide a steadying influence in sometimes challenging discussions or confrontational situations, helping to build alignment and progress.
• Support compliance with environmental permits and reporting obligations.
• Maintain and periodically review the Environmental Aspects Register.
• Assist with monitoring waste management, emissions, and pollution controls.
• Contribute to continuous improvement projects aimed at minimising environmental impact.

Regulatory Compliance & Auditing

• Ensure compliance with COMAH, DSEAR, the Health and Safety at Work Act, and other applicable legislation.
• Maintain accurate HSE records and documentation.
• Actively participate in both internal and external audits, recognising that compliance on an aging site requires vigilance and creativity.

Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Advisor Applicants:

• NEBOSH Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety, with ambition to progress to NEBOSH Diploma (supported).
• Practical, proactive, and resilient – able to stay effective under pressure and navigate a lean, demanding environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the confidence to challenge and influence at all levels.
• A hands-on approach, comfortable engaging directly with production, maintenance, and contractors.
• Good IT literacy (Microsoft Office, HSE management systems).
• Experience in high-hazard industries (chemical, COMAH, or equivalent).
• Familiarity with asset integrity issues in older plants.
• Understanding of process safety principles (training provided if not yet developed).
• Knowledge of hazardous substances and relevant regulations such as DSEAR.

Company Benefits:

• A competitive salary and benefits package.
• Professional development, including support towards NEBOSH Diploma and further qualifications.
• A structured career pathway with opportunities for growth.
• The chance to gain real hands-on experience in a high-hazard COMAH site environment.
• A role with high impact and visibility within a small but committed team.