SHE Manager

£70,000.0 to £80,000.0 per year, Circa. £75k

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full time

Disability Confident: No

Closing Date: 02/07/2026

Hays Health & Safety are excited to be supporting a leading, high-hazard manufacturing organisation based in the Chester area looking to appoint an experienced SHE Manager to lead all aspects of Safety, Health and Environment across a complex COMAH-regulated site.

This is a senior leadership role, sitting as part of the site management team, with full responsibility for process safety, environmental compliance, occupational health, and the development of a strong, accountable safety culture.

The role:

You will take ownership of the site's overall SHE strategy, ensuring compliance, continuous improvement, and the safe operation of a high-risk manufacturing environment.

A key focus will be maintaining the integrity of process safety systems and preventing major accident hazards.

• Lead and maintain the site's Process Safety Management system, including ownership of COMAH documentation and safety reports.
• Act as the primary point of contact for regulatory bodies including the HSE, Environment Agency, and local authorities.
• Partner closely with engineering and operational teams on projects, providing technical SHE guidance across design, hazard studies, and risk reduction.
• Ensure full compliance with UK SHE legislation and alignment with industry best practice.
• Drive a strong safety culture across site, embedding accountability at all levels and promoting a proactive approach to risk management.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across safety, environmental performance, occupational health, and emergency response.
• Monitor and benchmark SHE performance through audits, KPIs, and reporting, identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Oversee and maintain integrated management systems, including ISO 14001, 45001 and related standards.
• Provide expert SHE advice and coaching to stakeholders across the business.
• Develop and mentor a small SHE team, supporting their professional growth.
• Represent SHE at site leadership level, ensuring it remains a core operational priority.

• Demonstrable experience within an Upper Tier COMAH site or similar high‑risk industry.
• Strong expertise in process safety, including hazard analysis, fire/explosion risk, and major hazard control.
• In‑depth knowledge of UK health & safety and environmental legislation and its practical application.
• Experience leading audits, management systems, and regulatory inspections.
• Strong leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
• A proactive, solutions‑focused approach with a passion for driving cultural change and continuous improvement.

This role will suit an experienced SHE leader with a strong technical foundation in process safety and a proven track record within high‑hazard environments.

The opportunity:

This is a high‑impact role offering the chance to shape SHE strategy within a technically complex and well‑invested site. You'll play a key role in influencing operational performance, supporting business‑critical projects, and driving a positive safety culture.