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HSE Director – South West

Job Title: HSE Director

Location: South West UK

Salary: £75,000 - £85,000 + package

The HSE Director is responsible for developing, implementing, and leading all Health, Safety, and Environmental programs across the recycling facility. This role ensures full compliance with regulatory requirements while fostering a culture of safety, environmental stewardship, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

The HSE Director will work closely with senior leadership, operations teams, contractors, and regulatory agencies to minimise risk, prevent incidents, and maintain a safe and compliant workplace.

Roles and Responsibilities

Health & Safety Leadership

  • Develop and implement site-wide health and safety strategies, policies, and procedures.
  • Promote a proactive safety culture through leadership, coaching, and employee engagement.
  • Lead accident prevention initiatives and behavioural safety programs.
  • Conduct regular audits, inspections, and risk assessments across facility operations.
  • Ensure all incidents, near misses, and injuries are investigated thoroughly with corrective actions implemented.
  • Monitor compliance with OSHA/HSE regulations and company standards.
  • Oversee emergency response planning, drills, and crisis management procedures.

Environmental Compliance

  • Ensure facility compliance with all environmental legislation, permits, and reporting requirements.
  • Lead environmental monitoring programs related to waste handling, emissions, water discharge, and hazardous materials.
  • Manage environmental audits and inspections from regulatory authorities.
  • Develop sustainability initiatives and environmental improvement programs.
  • Coordinate waste management and recycling compliance activities.

Training & Development

  • Develop and deliver HSE training programs for employees, contractors, and supervisors.
  • Ensure all employees maintain required certifications and competency standards.
  • Mentor managers and supervisors on HSE responsibilities and accountability.

Operational Support

  • Partner with operations and maintenance teams to improve safe work practices and operational efficiency.
  • Review new equipment, processes, and facility changes for HSE impact.
  • Support contractor safety management and permit-to-work systems.

Reporting & Analytics

  • Track, analyse, and report HSE performance metrics and KPIs.
  • Prepare reports for executive leadership and regulatory agencies.
  • Identify trends and implement continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or related field.
  • Minimum 8–10 years of progressive HSE leadership experience in recycling, waste management, manufacturing, industrial, or heavy processing environments.
  • Strong knowledge of OSHA/HSE regulations, environmental compliance, and risk management practices.
  • Professional certifications preferred (e.g., NEBOSH, CSP, CIH, IOSH, ISO 14001/45001 Lead Auditor).
  • Experience managing audits, investigations, and regulatory inspections.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.

Key Competencies

  • Safety Leadership
  • Environmental Stewardship
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Risk Assessment & Mitigation
  • Incident Investigation
  • Crisis Management
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Team Leadership & Coaching
  • Data Analysis & Reporting

Benefits

  • Competitive salary
  • Performance bonus
  • Health and pension benefits
  • Professional development support

 

Working Conditions

  • Primarily based within an active recycling and industrial processing facility.
  • Frequent exposure to machinery, heavy equipment, noise, dust, and outdoor conditions.
  • Occasional travel to other company locations or regulatory meetings may be required.

 

Reporting Structure

Reports to: Chief Operations Officer / Plant Director
Direct Reports: HSE Managers, Safety Coordinators, Environmental Specialists