Senior Health and Safety Officer

Old Moat; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic local authority in Manchester is looking for a Health and Safety professional to support safety management across the organization. The candidate should have a Level 3 qualification in Occupational Health and Safety and be ready to progress. This role involves advising teams, conducting investigations, and delivering training. The work environment offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements and a competitive benefits package including generous leave and pension schemes.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Generous leave entitlements

Qualifications

• Qualified health and safety professional with a Level 3 qualification.
• Experience in health and safety roles, preferably in large organizations.
• Proficient in identifying risks and proposing effective solutions.

Responsibilities

• Support health and safety program delivery across complex service areas.
• Provide health and safety advice to management and colleagues.
• Investigate incidents and propose improvements to safety standards.

Skills

Health and safety compliance

Communication

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Education

Level 3 qualification in Occupational Health and Safety

Commitment to undertake Level 6 qualification

Job description

About The Role

Working Hours: 35 hours per week, full time. Contract Type: Permanent. Closing Date: 11.59pm, 23 September 2025. Interview method: in person. Interview date: week commencing 6 October 2025.

Role Requirements

• 2 references – where possible, we require 3 years' history.
• Qualification – Level 3 qualification in Occupational Health and Safety (e.g., NEBOSH General Certificate or equivalent) and commitment to undertake and complete up to level 6 qualification in Occupational Health and Safety.
• Casual Car Documentation – The successful candidate will be a designated Casual Car User. Car journeys may be necessary on occasion but are not essential. If you drive, you must hold a full valid driving licence, provide your own car for work use, and provide all appropriate documentation. You will receive a mileage allowance for business use.
• DBS clearance – This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended 2013). Appointable candidates will be required to apply for a Standard DBS check. Information provided will be treated confidentially and in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice. A policy on the Employment of Ex-Offenders is available upon request.

Why Join Us

Are you passionate about creating safer, healthier workplaces where people and communities thrive? Do you want to support high-impact change in a dynamic, ambitious local authority? If so, we want to hear from you. We’re looking for a dynamic individual to join our forward-thinking team at Manchester City Council. This is your opportunity to contribute to how we manage safety, risk, and assurance across a diverse and complex organisation—making a real difference to our people, our partners, and our city.

Our Values and Achievements

• LGC Council of the Year 2022
• Disability Confident Leader – the highest level of accreditation
• Best Employer for Health & Wellbeing – Good Employment Charter Awards 2024
• A proud member of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter

What You’ll Do

Our Health and Safety Service is central to our success. You will work office-based with flexible/remote options where appropriate. You will be able to work flexibly from home or remotely some of the time, and across Council sites or offices to support colleagues and clients.

• Support the delivery of a multi-year programme of health and safety work across high-risk and complex service areas.
• Provide health and safety advice, guidance and support to Managers and colleagues.
• Contribute to the development of policies, frameworks and standards to manage health and safety risks effectively.
• Investigate incidents, identify root causes, and provide advice on improvements to health and safety standards.
• Support the delivery of health and safety training to a wide range of teams and colleagues.
• Undertake site visits to support inspections, audits and risk assessments.

About the Candidate

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Qualified health and safety professional (Level 3 qualification, e.g., NEBOSH Certificate or equivalent) and able to commit to Level 6 qualification in Occupational Health and Safety.
• Experience in a health and safety role, ideally in a large or public sector organisation.
• Comfortable with working with others to identify risks and agree pragmatic, effective solutions.
• Committed to equity, inclusion, and the Our Manchester values.

What You’ll Bring

• Experience of supporting the delivery of health and safety programmes and investigations.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of individuals and services.
• Experience providing health and safety advice across a wide range of services and risk areas.

What You’ll Get

• A stimulating, fast-paced role with real impact across Manchester.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, flexible working arrangements, and hybrid working options.
• Generous leave entitlements, discounted travel schemes, and ongoing professional development.

Ready to Apply?

To apply, please complete the full application process and submit an Expression of Interest (max 2 A4 pages) outlining your suitability and motivation for the role. Your application must include evidence of:

• A Level 3 qualification in Occupational Health and Safety (e.g., NEBOSH Certificate or equivalent).
• Experience in delivering health and safety services.
• Alignment with the Our Manchester Values and core competencies: Communication, Analytical Thinking, Planning & Organising, Problem Solving & Decision Making, Creative Thinking, and Strategic Thinking.

Interviews will take place in the week beginning 06/10/25. If you are interested in applying and want to find out more about the role, contact Michael Booth ([e-mail]) for an informal discussion. For more information, please refer to the Role Profile.

About Us

We’re the local council for one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse cities. Working for Manchester isn’t just a job – it’s an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether it’s strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you’ll play a vital role in creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone.

Our Manchester is our vision for a fairer, greener, and healthier city – a vision shaped by the people of Manchester. It guides everything we do at the Council and is brought to life through the Our Manchester behaviours: listening, collaboration, equity, ownership, and pride for Manchester.

Benefits we offer

• Generous holiday allowance – up to 26 days per year plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days after five years. Option to purchase up to two additional weeks.
• Pension – enrolled in the Local Government Pension Scheme with life cover of three times salary as a lump sum.
• Enhanced parental and carers leave.
• Perks – discounts, including on shop purchases, holidays, and more; access to MCR+ discounts, cycle-to-work, free flu jabs and eye tests.
• Learning and development opportunities, onboarding and ongoing training.
• A Good Employment Charter member – fair, secure, flexible work with regular pay reviews and strong wellbeing support.
• Up to 3 days volunteering leave.

Inclusive Team and Support

We actively welcome applications from all backgrounds, including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people, and young people. We offer interview adjustments, accessible formats, and an accessibility tool to aid applications. Email [e-mail] for more information.

Pre-Employment and Right to Work

In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement. This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship by Manchester City Council policy.

• Proof of Right to Work
• References
• Proof of Qualifications
• DBS check (where applicable)
• Proof of Manchester residency for some roles
• Police Vetting where required
• BPSS clearance where required
• Driving licence if the role requires driving

These checks are part of our commitment to safety and security of our workforce and the community we serve.

Other information

We strive to support applicants in being themselves at work and will provide necessary aids or adaptations. If a task is unachievable, we will consider role redesign.

For more information about the role, read the role profile. Privacy Notice is available.