SHE Manager

SHE Manager

Hays Health & Safety are excited to be supporting a leading, high-hazard manufacturing organisation based in the Chester area looking to appoint an experienced SHE Manager to lead all aspects of Safety, Health and Environment across a complex COMAH-regulated site.
This is a senior leadership role, sitting as part of the site management team, with full responsibility for process safety, environmental compliance, occupational health, and the development of a strong, accountable safety culture.
The role:You will take ownership of the site's overall SHE strategy, ensuring compliance, continuous improvement, and the safe operation of a high-risk manufacturing environment. A key focus will be maintaining the integrity of process safety systems and preventing major accident hazards.
Key areas of responsibility include:

• Leading and maintaining the site's Process Safety Management system, including ownership of COMAH documentation and safety reports
• Acting as the primary point of contact for regulatory bodies including the HSE, Environment Agency, and local authorities
• Partnering closely with engineering and operational teams on projects, providing technical SHE guidance across design, hazard studies, and risk reduction
• Ensuring full compliance with UK SHE legislation and alignment with industry best practice
• Driving a strong safety culture across site, embedding accountability at all levels and promoting a proactive approach to risk management
• Leading continuous improvement initiatives across safety, environmental performance, occupational health, and emergency response
• Monitoring and benchmarking SHE performance through audits, KPIs, and reporting, identifying opportunities for improvement
• Overseeing and maintaining integrated management systems, including ISO 14001, 45001 and related standards
• Providing expert SHE advice and coaching to stakeholders across the business
• Developing and mentoring a small SHE team, supporting their professional growth
• Representing SHE at site leadership level, ensuring it remains a core operational priority

What we're looking for:This role will suit an experienced SHE leader with a strong technical foundation in process safety and a proven track record within high-hazard environments.
Key requirements:

• Demonstrable experience within an Upper Tier COMAH site or similar high-risk industry
• Strong expertise in process safety, including hazard analysis, fire/explosion risk, and major hazard control
• In-depth knowledge of UK health & safety and environmental legislation and its practical application
• Experience leading audits, management systems, and regulatory inspections
• Strong leadership and influencing skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach with a passion for driving cultural change and continuous improvement

The opportunity:This is a high-impact role offering the chance to shape SHE strategy within a technically complex and well-invested site. You'll play a key role in influencing operational performance, supporting business-critical projects, and driving a positive safety culture.