Health & Safety Manager – Manufacturing (Hands-On Role)

Waterlooville, Hampshire

£45k

Full-Time, Permanent

Industry: SME Manufacturing

Are you a doer, not just a drawer of plans? Do you thrive in a hands-on environment where you can make a real impact? If you're passionate about health and safety, driven by data, and know how to shift culture as well as compliance – we want to hear from you.

About the Role:

We’re seeking an experienced Health & Safety Manager to take ownership of all H&S activities across our primary manufacturing site, with involvement across other locations as we grow and develop. This is not a desk-based compliance role – we want someone who's comfortable rolling up their sleeves and walking the shop floor, working with teams, leading by example, and driving meaningful change.

You’ll conduct gap analyses, review and develop SOPs, and work alongside operations and leadership to improve safety KPIs such as near misses, time lost due to incidents, and risk reduction. Culture is key here – you’ll need the communication skills to influence attitudes and behaviours at all levels, ensuring safety messages land and stick.

Key Responsibilities:

* Lead all site health and safety activities across our manufacturing operation.

* Conduct comprehensive gap analysis and implement improvement strategies.

* Develop, review, and embed standard operating procedures (SOPs).

* Monitor, analyse, and report on KPIs: near misses, lost time incidents, and more.

* Champion a positive safety culture through active engagement and training.

* Drive continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring alignment with business goals.

* Collaborate with teams at other sites to ensure consistency and best practice sharing.

* Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and company standards.

What We're Looking For:

* NEBOSH qualified (essential).

* Hands-on experience in a health and safety role within an SME manufacturing environment.

* Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance, but equally focused on practical application.

* Proven ability to engage and influence teams at all levels – a confident communicator who knows how to get the message across.

* Data-driven mindset – able to use KPIs to drive performance and track improvements.

* Practical experience developing and implementing SOPs.

* Ability to travel to other sites as needed.

What’s In It for You?

* A role with real autonomy and the opportunity to make a difference from day one.

* Be part of a business that values safety as a priority – not a tick box.

* Work closely with senior leadership to shape the company’s safety strategy.

About 1492 Search

In a nutshell – We discover great people! Created with the belief that the process is just as necessary as the opportunity, we decided there was a better recruitment method. Working solely in the manufacturing and engineering industry, we work on retained projects to provide accountability for every hire we make with you. We connect candidates and hiring managers, provide in-depth project management plans and advise through up to date market research. No two hires are the same, and that’s why each project is adapted to your needs. We aim to take the stress out of the hiring process and focus on the job at hand!

We aim to reply to all applications, successful or not, within 2 working days of applying for the role. If you are not happy with the service, please feel free to give us a call or drop us an email.

1492 Ltd and its clients promote a policy of equal opportunities. Our policy is to treat job applicants and employees in the same way regardless of , , marital status, , , , religion, or