Senior HSE Manager

At Vertical Aerospace, we are pioneering the way for electric aviation. The Valo, our eVTOL (electric, vertical, take-off and landing), 'zero emissions' aircraft will set a new safety standard for how we will navigate the sky.

We won't realise our mission following the same legacy processes and traditions our predecessors followed, instead, we want to 'redefine' aerospace best practices. We are growing quickly from a prototype business to a scaling SME, and the next few years will be critical to our success and delivering on our ambitious goals. Valo is targeting airliner-level safety certification in 2028 ahead of entering service with our airline and operator customers.

As Health & Safety Manager, you’ll play a critical role in protecting our people and supporting the safe growth of the organisation. You’ll have real influence across the business, working closely with leaders and teams to embed strong safety ownership, reduce risk, and continuously improve how work is planned and delivered. This is a visible leadership role where health, safety, and well-being are central to how we operate.

People Safety

• Lead the organisation’s approach to health, safety, and welfare, ensuring risks are identified, assessed, and effectively controlled.

• Support and challenge managers to plan and deliver work safely.

• Lead accident, incident, and near-miss investigations, ensuring learning is captured and improvements are implemented.

• Promote a fair, open reporting culture focused on prevention and continuous learning.

Leadership & Culture

• Act as a visible HSE leader, championing the Vertical Golden Safety Rules, Visible Felt Leadership, and Zero Harm.

• Coach and influence managers to take ownership of health and safety within their areas.

• Work collaboratively with teams to develop safe, practical solutions that support operational delivery.

• Line-manage and develop members of the HSE team.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with UK health and safety legislation and regulatory requirements.

• Maintain and continually improve an effective HSE management system aligned with recognised standards (e.g. ISO 45001).

• Lead audits, inspections, and regulatory engagement.

• Ensure accurate HSE records, training data, and performance reporting.

Training & Continuous Improvement

• Define and oversee the organisation’s health and safety training strategy.

• Deliver or oversee targeted training, briefings, and safety communications.

• Drive continuous improvement using data, audits, insights, and feedback.

• 7–10 years’ experience in Health & Safety at a senior advisory or management level.

• NEBOSH Diploma or NVQ Level 6 (or equivalent).

• Strong knowledge of UK health and safety legislation with proven practical application.

• Experience leading risk management, investigations, audits, and HSE management systems.

• The ability to influence, coach, and constructively challenge managers and senior leaders.

• ISO 45001 Lead Auditor qualification.

• Experience in aerospace, aviation, automotive, or other high-hazard environments.

What can you expect from us?

We're on a mission. Where others see limits, we see opportunity, and we work king at Vertical isn't your average role but for those seeking a challenge, a flexible, supportive organisation and an incredible team; working here is an opportunity to do the best work of your career.

Our approach promotes ingenuity and courage, while our environment builds success through diligence in safety and being open in the way we work. The only way we're going to assure the next chapter of aviation history is by working as a team, relentlessly, towards our goal.

Our people matter - we're not going anywhere without them. Which is why our company benefits go beyond the essentials.

• 26 days holiday, plus bank holiday

• 5 extra days per year to buy (or sell)

• 5 extra days holiday when you get married or enter a civil partnership

• Additional 4% of your salary to spend on extra benefits

• Award-winning digital health and wellbeing service (Help@Hand)

• Company performance based bonus - rewarding company and individual performance

• Company Share Scheme - open to every Vertical employee

• Company Pension Scheme - 5% and we match it

• Breakfast on us, every day

We may just be the hardest job you've ever had, but we're confident it will be the most rewarding. Join the team today and help us shape the future of Advanced Air Mobility.

Disclaimer Statement

We encourage you to apply even if you may not have all the experience listed in the advert. We recognise that talent comes in various forms and we are committed to providing opportunities that create an environment of growth, diversity, and inclusion for everyone. As part of our desire to review and make our processes fair, we may ask you questions related to these aspects during the application process.

For more information on how we will use your data, see our Legal section.