Interim Head of Regulatory Services (HSE) - 6 month FTC

DFL; Manchester; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A premier football club in Manchester is seeking an experienced interim professional to lead strategic and operational functions across health and safety, food safety, and environmental sustainability. The role emphasizes compliance, effective leadership during transitions, and management of the Regulatory Services team. Ideal candidates should possess a relevant degree, adept knowledge of safety legislation, and a capability to maintain high operational standards.

Benefits

Annual incentive scheme

Wellness Support

Exclusive Discounts

Gym Facilities

Enhanced family Leave Benefits

Enhanced Career Development

Supportive Work Environment

Qualifications

• Industry-recognized qualification in Environmental Health.
• Track record of building best-in-class culture across multiple sites.
• Competence in health & safety, fire safety, and food & environment legislation.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational compliance across all relevant regulatory domains.
• Manage and support the Regulatory Services team.
• Develop and lead integrated management systems.

Skills

Expert knowledge of health & safety legislation

Strong communication skills

Attention to detail

IT competency for audits

Education

Bsc (Hons) in Environmental Health or equivalent

Job description

At Manchester United, we believe that excellence on the pitch starts with excellence off the pitch. Our team thrives in a high-performance environment, united by a shared passion for success. We aim to elevate the standard of performance through collaboration and continuous growth, creating a space where everyone can contribute their best to our common goals.

We work together at our iconic Manchester United offices, enabling connection and innovation as we look ahead to what we can achieve as a global football club. We are excited to bring in passionate people who share our vision and drive for success.

The Purpose:

We are seeking an experienced and pragmatic interim professional to provide strategic and operational leadership across Food Safety, Health & Safety, Fire Safety, and Environmental/Sustainability functions during a critical transitional period. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring continuity, compliance, and performance across all non-match day activities.

In this interim capacity, your primary focus will be on maintaining and reinforcing robust systems, policies, and procedures that support legal compliance and best practice. You will offer expert guidance to management and staff, ensure business continuity, and oversee risk management processes aligned with current legislation.

A key aspect of this role will be to manage and support the existing Regulatory Services team—including consultants, technical specialists, and administrative staff—ensuring stability, engagement, and consistent delivery during the handover and beyond.

Your remit will include:

• Leading and overseeing operational compliance across all relevant regulatory domains.
• Providing steady, confident leadership and decision-making during the transition.
• Maintaining and optimising management systems, audits, and reporting mechanisms.
• Supporting awareness and training initiatives to embed a culture of safety and responsibility.
• Acting as the primary point of contact for all internal and external regulatory stakeholders.

The Role:

• Develop and lead the operation and promotion of an integrated management system, encompassing a pro-active health and safety, fire, food safety and environmental culture
• Facilitate the maintenance and management of environmental health, safety and well-being through policies, systems, audit/ inspection, affirmations, corporate and departmental risk registers, and the establishment of exacting standards
• Continuously maintain and develop our business strategy in order to meet the requirements of ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 management systems.
• Update core company strategic and operational directories ensuring content, application and visibility is available to all relevant persons
• Give guidance and advice on matters relating to strategic and operational requirements including the obligations and responsibilities of managers and employees
• Assist in the delivery of comprehensive operational technical training to promote, develop, and sustain a positive awareness culture throughout business operations
• Continuous development integration and review of a positive management of change culture as required
• Promote legislative compliance, ensuring that all aspects of the business are conducted in accordance with all relevant statutory requirements and Codes of Practice
• Investigate/ support company non-compliant issues
• To liaise with external enforcement officials/ auditors as required
• To report on the performance of audits, management review meetings, and use this as a forum for any improvements
• To manage and further develop the company occupational health program
• Link in with club colleagues to further promote and enhance the club’s green credentials in reference to environmental, sustainable, waste and energy initiatives.
• To provide technical assistance and support in conjunction with the club’s medical facilities.

The Person:

• An industry recognised qualification such as a Bsc (Hons) in Environmental Health or equivalent and/or NVQ Diploma in quality safety and environmental management
• A track record of achieving and building a best-in-class culture in a complex organisation across multiple sites
• Expert technical and compliant knowledge of health & safety, fire safety, food & environment legislation, it’s requirements and implementation across multiple sites
• Competent with IT systems to complete audits, develop systems and generate reports, strong ability to adapt communication style between colleagues at all levels
• Self-motivated and highly organised with high levels of attention to detail

This interim appointment is ideal for a seasoned professional who can bring immediate impact, maintain momentum, and prepare the ground for a permanent appointment.

What We Offer:

At Manchester United, we recognise that our people are at the heart of our success. That’s why we offer a range of rewards designed to support your professional and personal well-being:

• Annual incentive scheme
• Wellness Support with access to mental health resources, digital health checks, and & nutritionists through Aviva Digicare+ Workplace
• Exclusive Discounts through our United Rewards platform, giving you access to exclusive deals from the club and partners
• Gym Facilities in our onsite locations and opportunities for regular social events and team-building activities
• Enhanced family Leave Benefits and an opportunity to purchase additional holiday days
• Enhanced Career Development with access to professional learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, and internal training programs
• A Supportive Work Environment that values diversity, equity and inclusion, and individual growth

Our Commitment to You:

At Manchester United, we believe that a diverse and inclusive environment makes us stronger. We are committed to building a team where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the core of our recruitment strategy, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Manchester United is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, and as part of this commitment, all candidates will undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check and reference checks.

If you need any adjustments to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, please feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to discuss them with you.

It is unlawful to employ a person in a UK-based job who does not have permission to live and work in the UK. You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to you before applying for any of our roles.