Head of Health & Safety

The role

We’re looking for a Head of Health and Safety to join our Supply Chain team!

You will establish, lead and continuously improve N Brown Group’s UK health and safety management system and culture across all sites and functions, with a strong operational focus on warehousing and mechanical/material handling equipment safety. The role ensures legal compliance, protects colleagues and third parties from harm, and enables safe, efficient business delivery. This is a strategic leadership position accountable for Health & Safety governance, performance, assurance and cultural change, working closely with operational leaders and senior governance forums.

What will you do as Head of Health and Safety at N Brown?

Strategy, Governance and Leadership Develop and deliver the UK Health & Safety strategy and annual plan aligned to business priorities and ISO 45001 principles. Define clear accountability (RACI), escalation routes and governance rhythms across the organisation. Provide insight-led reporting to senior forums, including Audit & Risk, covering performance, trends, emerging risks and corrective action progress.
2) Operational Risk Management and Assurance Own and oversee effective risk assessment governance (including RAMS) and safe systems of work across all UK operations. Lead incident, near-miss and accident management, including investigation standards, root cause analysis and corrective action closure. Set and maintain audit/inspection expectations and ensure actions are prioritised, owned, tracked and closed.
3) Warehouse Safety and MHE/FLT Safety (Core Operational Focus) Set and enforce standards for MHE/FLT selection, operation, maintenance, inspection and competence management in line with UK requirements (e.g. PUWER/LOLER). Ensure training and competence frameworks are in place for employees, contractors and agency colleagues operating MHE/FLT. Drive warehouse safety KPIs (leading/lagging) and continuous improvement plans in partnership with operational leadership.
4) Fire Safety Management Lead the UK approach to fire safety management and compliance, including fire risk assessments, emergency arrangements and assurance. Partner with Facilities/Property and site leaders to manage fire risk during building works, projects and contractor activity. Maintain effective liaison with enforcing authorities and manage responses to inspections and actions.
5) Data, Reporting and Systems Define and maintain a clear KPI/KRI framework with consistent definitions, governance thresholds and trend reporting. Ensure Health & Safety records and data are accurate, controlled and accessible; support continued development of Health & Safety systems and reporting capability.
6) Regulatory Compliance and External Stakeholder Management Maintain oversight of compliance with relevant UK health and safety and fire safety legislation and guidance (including RIDDOR reporting where applicable). Lead relationships with regulators and external bodies as required (HSE, Local Authority, Fire Authority), including incident reporting and follow-up.
7) Culture, Engagement and Capability Building Act as the face of H&S for the organisation, confidence in driving a culture of safety performance, understanding and shared responsibility across the organisation.

Coach and influence leaders across the organisation, building ownership for safety at every level.
8) Budget and Resource Planning Manage the UK Health & Safety budget and resource plan, including training and safety-critical programmes. Identify and clearly articulate gaps, priorities and investment needs supported by business cases and measurable outcomes.  What skills and experience will you have?

Qualifications
* NEBOSH General Certificate (minimum) or higher / degree-level Health & Safety qualification.
* Chartered Member of IOSH (CMIOSH) or working towards (strongly preferred).
* Fire safety qualification (e.g. NEBOSH/IOSH Fire Safety) desirable. Experience
* Significant Health & Safety leadership experience in complex UK operational environments (multi-site preferred), warehousing/logistics/distribution essential.
* Strong working knowledge of warehouse…