Health and Safety Manager

Job Description Health and Safety Manager

Job Title:

Health and Safety Manager

Reporting to :

Managing Director/Operatoins Director

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

Essential

• 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.
  

Desirable

• Membership of IOSH, NISO, or IIRSM (GradIOSH/CMIOSH desirable).
  
• Experience working with BRCGS, ISO 45001, and ISO 14001 standards.
  
• Environmental qualification (e.g. IEMA or equivalent).
  
• First Aid Responder and Fire Marshal training.