Health and Safety Manager Job Description Template and Role Profile

Experienced health and safety professionals who can lead safety strategy, ensure regulatory compliance and embed a positive safety culture should apply. This role suits candidates with strong risk management, communication and leadership skills across operational settings.

Health and Safety Manager Job Profile

The Health and Safety Manager is responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining the organisation's health and safety management system. The role ensures legal compliance, reduces risk to people and property and supports operational teams to meet safety objectives.

This position acts as the primary advisor on health and safety matters, leading audits, investigations and training programmes while reporting performance to senior management and stakeholders.

Health and Safety Manager Job Description

The Health and Safety Manager will design and oversee systematic processes to identify hazards, assess risks and implement control measures across sites or business units. The role requires close collaboration with operations, facilities, contractors and external regulators to maintain safe working environments and continuous improvement in safety performance.

Expectations include preparing and presenting clear reports on incidents and compliance, managing incident investigations and remediation plans, and delivering practical training and communications to influence behaviour and raise standards. The role also involves setting and monitoring key performance indicators, conducting audits and ensuring statutory records are maintained.

Health and Safety Manager: Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, review and implement health and safety policies, procedures and safe systems of work.
• Lead site and operational risk assessments and ensure appropriate controls are in place and maintained.
• Plan and conduct health and safety audits and inspections to measure compliance and identify improvements.
• Manage incident reporting, investigation and root cause analysis, and follow up on corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements and maintain up to date knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance.
• Deliver and co-ordinate health and safety training, toolbox talks and inductions for staff and contractors.
• Develop and monitor safety performance indicators and produce regular management reports.
• Provide specialist advice on occupational health, ergonomics and safe working practices to operational managers.
• Oversee contractor safety management and permit to work systems to ensure safe delivery of contracted activities.
• Lead emergency preparedness and business continuity planning, including drills and multiagency liaison where required.
• Manage the maintenance of statutory records, risk registers and documentation for inspections and audits.
• Promote a positive safety culture through behavioural safety initiatives and staff engagement activities.
• Advise on design, procurement and installation of plant and equipment to ensure safe operation and compliance.
• Support budget planning for safety-related projects and advise on cost effective risk control measures.

Health and Safety Manager: Requirements and Qualifications

• Degree or professional qualification in occupational health and safety, engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• NEBOSH Diploma or Certificate or equivalent professional health and safety qualification preferred.
• Minimum of five years practical experience in a health and safety role with responsibility for policy and compliance.
• Proven experience of risk assessment, incident investigation and audit processes.
• Sound knowledge of relevant health and safety legislation and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience delivering training and presenting to diverse audiences with clear communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to develop practical, proportionate control measures.
• Ability to influence at all levels and lead cross functional teams to implement change.
• Experience managing contractor safety and permit to work systems.
• Competence in preparing management reports, safety metrics and action plans.
• Organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Full driving licence or ability to travel between sites as required.