HSE Manager

  • Smurfit Westrock
  • West Auckland, County Durham
  • May 12, 2026
Full time Manufacturing

Job Description

Join Our Team at Smurfit Westrock!

Are you searching for a workplace that values you and your growth? At Smurfit Westrock, we re committed to sustainability, employee well-being, and personal development.

About Us

We are a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging. Our focus is on the health and safety of our employees, the well-being of our communities, and delivering exceptional service to our customers. We support our team members to reach their full potential in an inclusive environment that values diversity.

Lead safety. Shape culture. Make a real impact.

At Smurfit Westrock, safety isn t just a policy it s a core value. We re looking for a passionate, hands?on Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) Manager to lead health, safety and environmental excellence at our West Auckland site and help drive a strong, positive safety culture across our operations.

If you thrive in a fast?paced manufacturing environment, enjoy influencing people at all levels, and want a role where you can genuinely make a difference every day, this could be the opportunity for you.

The Role

Reporting to the Operations Director, you ll take ownership of the HSE agenda on site, working closely with managers, colleagues, contractors and external bodies to ensure a safe, compliant and continuously improving workplace.

You ll be a visible leader promoting a Safety First culture, providing expert guidance, and having the confidence to challenge unsafe behaviours or stop work where required.

What You ll Be Doing

  • Leading and embedding a proactive safety culture across the site
  • Developing and delivering the site Safety Deployment Plan
  • Ensuring full compliance with UK H&S and environmental legislation
  • Investigating accidents, incidents and near misses with robust root cause analysis
  • Producing and analysing HSE performance data and trends
  • Managing audits, inspections, risk assessments and Safe Systems of Work
  • Coordinating and delivering engaging HSE training
  • Acting as site liaison with enforcing authorities and external agencies
  • Owning the HSE budget and driving value?focused improvements

What We re Looking For

You ll be an experienced HSE professional with a strong manufacturing or industrial background, confident working independently while influencing others.

Essential:

  • NEBOSH National General Certificate (or equivalent)
  • Solid knowledge of UK H&S & environmental legislation
  • Proven experience in an HSE management role
  • Strong investigation, reporting and communication skills
  • IOSH membership (minimum TechIOSH)

Desirable:

  • NEBOSH Diploma / Level 6 qualification
  • ISO 45001 and/or ISO 14001 experience
  • Background in corrugating, packaging or similar production environments
  • Experience delivering behavioural safety or culture change initiative

Why Join Us?

  • A key leadership role with real authority and influence
  • The opportunity to shape safety culture, not just maintain compliance
  • A business with strong values: Safety, Integrity, Trust and Loyalty
  • Support for continuous professional development
  • A role where your expertise truly matters

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary & benefits, including annual leave, pension, and a Cycle to Work scheme
  • Ongoing training and development opportunities
  • 24/7 confidential support for you and your family
  • Flexible working options and family-friendly policies
  • Guaranteed interview for candidates meeting essential criteria (Disability Confident Employer)

Ready to make an impact? Apply today and help us build a sustainable future together.

Smurfit Westrock reserve the right to only shortlist candidates who meet both the Essential and Desirable Criteria.

We are an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their sex; religious or similar philosophical belief; political opinion; race; age; sexual orientation; or, whether they are married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled; or whether they have undergone, are undergoing or intend to undergo gender reassignment.

We practice equality of opportunity in employment and select the best person for the job.