Health and Safety Manager

Protea Recruitment; Monaghan; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Protea Recruitment is seeking a Health and Safety Manager to lead the development and implementation of a robust HSE management system across our processing facility in Ireland. You will ensure compliance with Irish legislation and promote a strong safety culture in a high‑volume FMCG environment.

The role requires minimum 5 years’ experience in food manufacturing or FMCG, solid knowledge of HSE laws, and strong leadership to drive risk assessments, investigations, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Relevant health, safety, and environmental qualification.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in food manufacturing or FMCG environments.
• Strong knowledge of Irish health, safety and environmental legislation.
• Proven experience in risk assessment, accident investigation and audit management.
• Excellent communication, leadership and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of a robust HSE management system across the site.
• Conduct and review risk assessments and safe systems of work for high‑risk processing areas.
• Investigate accidents/incidents with root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Maintain records of incidents, audits, inspections and training.
• Ensure compliance with HSA, DAFM, EPA, and local authorities.

Skills

HSE knowledge

Risk assessment

Incident investigation

Auditing & compliance

Leadership & communication

Education

Level 7 Diploma in HSE

Tools

Microsoft Office

HSE management systems

Job description

Monaghan, Ireland | Posted on 13/11/2025

Job Description Health and Safety Manager

Job Title

Health and Safety Manager

Reporting to

Job Role

To lead develop and implement a robust Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) management system across the processing facility. The postholder will ensure compliance with Irish legislation, industry standards, and company policies while promoting a strong safety culture in a high-volume FMCG production environment.

Responsibilities

Health and Safety Management

• Develop, implement, and maintain the company’s Health and Safety Policy and site‑specific procedures in line with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, relevant Regulations, and Codes of Practice.
• Conduct and regularly review comprehensive risk assessments and safe systems of work across all areas, including high‑risk processing, chemical use, cold storage, and cleaning operations.
• Lead accident and incident investigations, ensuring root cause analysis and timely corrective and preventive actions.
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date records of all incidents, near‑misses, audits, inspections, and training.
• Ensure compliance with requirements from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and local authorities.

Training and Development

• Develop and deliver site‑wide health, safety, and environmental training, including inductions, manual handling, PPE use, machinery safety, fire safety, and chemical awareness.
• Provide guidance and coaching to supervisors and line managers to ensure effective safety leadership and accountability.
• Promote a positive safety culture through toolbox talks, safety campaigns, and regular communication.

Auditing and Compliance

• Conduct regular safety and environmental audits and inspections throughout production, packaging, cold storage, engineering, and dispatch areas.
• Prepare for and coordinate external inspections and audits by the HSA, DAFM, customers, or certification bodies (e.g. BRCGS, ISO 45001).
• Monitor compliance with environmental standards, including waste management, effluent control, and energy efficiency.

Contractor and Equipment Safety

• Manage contractor safety processes, including permits‑to‑work, method statements, and induction procedures.
• Ensure machinery and equipment comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, particularly in relation to mechanical guarding, ergonomics, and maintenance.
• Oversee statutory inspections and ensure all plant, equipment, and safety systems are properly maintained and documented.

Reporting and Continuous Improvement

• Produce monthly HSE performance reports, KPIs, and updates for senior management review.
• Identify and drive opportunities for continuous improvement in health, safety, and environmental performance.
• Stay up to date with Irish legislation, HSA guidance, and best practices within the food processing and FMCG sectors.

Person Specification

• Relevant Health and Safety Qualification, e.g. Level 7 Diploma, NISO Certificate, or equivalent recognised under Irish standards.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a food manufacturing or FMCG environment (preferably meat, poultry, or fish processing).
• Strong knowledge of Irish health, safety, and environmental legislation.
• Proven experience in risk assessment, accident investigation, and audit management.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and influencing skills.
• Competent in Microsoft Office and HSE management systems.
• Membership of IOSH, NISO, or IIRSM (GradIOSH/CMIOSH desirable).
• Experience working with BRCGS, ISO 45001, and ISO 1401 standards.
• First … (First Aid Responder and Fire Marshal training.