The Health & Safety Officer will provide operational leadership for health, safety and environmental compliance across our engineering, testing, prototype build and office environments. This is a hands-on, part-time role suited to an experienced professional who can work autonomously in an SME setting, balancing legal compliance, risk management and safety culture development in a high-technology, R&D and low volume manufacturing environment.
Key responsibilities
Governance, Compliance & Leadership
Operate as the company’s competent person for Health & Safety under UK legislation, ensuring compliance with all statutory obligations and industry best practice
Develop, maintain and continuously improve the company’s Health & Safety Management System
Provide professional advice to the HR Director, senior leadership and engineering managers on health, safety and regulatory matters
Monitor and interpret changes in legislation and ensure timely implementation across the business
Risk Management & Operational Safety
Lead and conduct risk assessments and method statements (RAMS) for engineering, test, workshop, high-voltage and low volume build activities
Oversee safety management for:
oHigh-voltage systems
oMechanical and electrical testing environments
oManual handling and workshop operations
oHazardous substances (COSHH)
oContractor and visitor safety
Ensure suitable controls are implemented, monitored and reviewed
Incident Management & Assurance
Lead investigations into accidents, incidents and near misses, ensuring root cause analysis and effective corrective and preventative actions
Maintain statutory records and reporting, including RIDDOR where applicable
Prepare safety performance reports, trend analysis and compliance dashboards for senior management
Training & Safety Culture
Develop and deliver targeted H&S training and briefings including:
Induction training
High-voltage awareness
Workshop and test safety
Fire safety and emergency response
Promote a positive safety culture through engagement, communication and continuous improvement initiatives
Audit, Inspection & Continuous Improvement
Conduct planned and ad-hoc safety inspections and internal audits
Support external audits, customer assessments and regulatory inspections
Contribute to the development of systems aligned to ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 (where applicable)
Wellbeing & Environmental Support
Support wellbeing initiatives including ergonomic assessments, occupational health coordination and mental wellbeing programmes
Support in the development of the company’s Environmental Management System (EMS) in line with ISO 14001
Identify and manage environmental risks and impacts, including:
Waste management and recycling
Energy use and sustainability initiatives
Hazardous materials handling and disposal
Environmental compliance obligations
Support environmental audits, customer assessments and continuous improvement plans
Competencies, Skills and Experience
Strong working knowledge of UK Health & Safety legislation, including:
Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations
COSHH
PUWER
LOLER
RIDDOR
Proven experience in a technical, engineering, manufacturing or R&D environment
Ability to operate autonomously in an SME, managing priorities with minimal supervision
Experience conducting accident investigations and formal risk assessments
Confident communicator with the ability to influence engineers, managers and senior leadership
Strong report writing, documentation and organisational skills
Attention to detail, identifying potential hazards and ensuring that all safety measures are implemented correctly and consistently
Experience in automotive, EV, high-voltage, defence or regulated industrial environments
Familiarity with ISO 45001 / ISO 14001 frameworks
Experience supporting customer, regulatory or defence-sector audits
Qualifications
IOSH qualification (minimum requirement)
NEBOSH Certificate or Diploma (preferred)
Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. IOSH) desirable
Salary description
£45000.00 - £55000.00 per year