Site HSE Manager

Aqumen Recruitment; Leeds; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive organization in the UK is seeking an experienced HSES Manager to enhance health, safety, environmental, and sustainability systems. This role requires strong technical knowledge of ISO standards and exceptional communication skills, particularly in coaching and influencing management teams. The ideal candidate has a degree in Engineering or Environmental Science and extensive experience in the automotive sector. The package includes a competitive salary of £65,000 – £75,000 along with a car allowance and a focus on continuous improvement.

Benefits

Car allowance

High level of autonomy

Opportunity to influence business practices

Qualifications

• Previous experience within the automotive or high-volume manufacturing sector is required.
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 is essential.
• Proven experience in management systems and document control.

Responsibilities

• Support the HSES Director with action plans and technical input.
• Conduct and review SOP audits against company standards.
• Produce HSES performance reports for senior management.

Skills

Technical knowledge of ISO standards

Strong leadership skills

Excellent communication skills

Problem-solving abilities

Strong IT skills

Education

Degree in Engineering or Environmental Science

Tools

MS Office

ISO 14001

ISO 45001

ISO 50001

IATF 16949

Job description

HSES Manager

Location: Merseyside (site‑based with some UK travel)
Salary: £65,000 – £75,000 per annum + car allowance
Sector: Automotive / Manufacturing
Employment Type: Permanent, Full‑time

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced HSES Manager to support and work closely with the HSES Director, playing a key role in the development, maintenance and continual improvement of Health, Safety, Environmental and Sustainability management systems across our UK operations.

This is a senior, influential role within a fast‑paced automotive manufacturing environment, requiring strong technical knowledge of ISO standards, excellent communication skills, and the ability to coach and challenge management teams to drive HSES excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the HSES Director with action plans, technical input, reporting and site engagement
• Lead and support ISO 14001 / ISO 45001 internal crossover audits, including preparation for and close‑out of third‑party audits
• Conduct and review SIP (Systemic Improvement Process) audits against company standards
• Maintain and improve the HSES Management System, including document control and global documentation alignment (GDS)
• Track and report audit actions, investigation findings and corrective actions
• Perform accident and incident analysis, including trend analysis and 5‑Why root cause investigations
• Produce HSES performance reports and statistical data for site and senior management
• Develop, manage and monitor continuous improvement and sustainability plans, including sustainability Kaizen processes
• Prepare and deliver HSES communications, alerts and good behaviour campaigns
• Support and contribute to HSES committees and ISO management reviews
• Coach, train and advise plant leadership teams on HSES responsibilities and system effectiveness
• Ensure compliance with current and emerging HSE legislation, maintaining legal registers
• Ensure HSES standards, customer requirements and ZERO Tolerance policies are consistently met
• Support HSES inductions for employees, contractors and visitors
• Act as a key support function for the UK HSES team, promoting best practice and transparency

Skills & Experience

• Previous experience within the automotive or high‑volume manufacturing sector
• Background as an HSE Engineer, Quality Engineer, HSE Manager or Specialist
• Degree in Engineering (chemistry, mechanical, machinery), Environmental Science, Health & Safety, or equivalent
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 14001 & ISO 45001 (essential)
• Working knowledge of ISO 50001 and IATF 16949 (highly desirable)
• Proven experience in management systems and document control
• Excellent understanding of UK HSE legislation and customer requirements
• Strong IT skills, including MS Office
• Fluent in English

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership, coaching and influencing skills
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Confident communicator at all levels of the organisation
• Analytical, solutions‑focused and driven by continuous improvement
• High integrity, credibility and personal accountability
• Calm and effective under pressure, with the ability to challenge constructively

The Package

• Competitive salary of £65,000 – £75,000 per annum
• Car allowance
• Opportunity to play a pivotal role in a global automotive organisation
• High level of autonomy and influence within the business
• Strong focus on sustainability, continuous improvement and best practice