Head of Health & Safety

About the role

We are looking for a Head of Health & Safety to lead and embed an outstanding HSE culture at our Eagle Brewery in Bedford. You will be the most senior H&S professional in the UK, providing strategic direction and hands‑on operational ownership across the site and field activities.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the UK Health & Safety strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Ensure full compliance with UK legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work Act, COSHH, PUWER, LOLER, DSEAR and fire safety regulations.
• Lead internal and external audits, inspections and regulatory visits, managing statutory reporting and legal registers.
• Identify, assess and control H&S risks across production, engineering, logistics, warehousing and sales, including risk assessments, safe systems of work and permit‑to‑work processes.
• Oversee contractor H&S management and ensure robust incident reporting, investigation and root‑cause analysis.
• Coach managers and frontline teams, deliver training, toolbox talks and lead safety committees and forums.

Required profile

• Extensive senior‑level experience in health, safety and environmental management within an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership while maintaining a strong on‑site presence.
• Demonstrated track record of developing and embedding proactive safety cultures.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills with trade unions and safety representatives.

Required skills

• In‑depth knowledge of UK H&S legislation (Health and Safety at Work Act, COSHH, PUWER, LOLER, DSEAR).
• Experience with risk assessment, permit‑to‑work systems and incident investigation.
• Ability to lead audits, inspections and manage statutory reporting.