QHSE Manager – Health, Safety & Environment Lead

About the role

The QHSE Manager ensures safe, compliant and efficient operations across both facility and R&D environments. You will lead risk management for routine activities and experimental projects, maintain regulatory compliance, and foster a strong health, safety, quality and environmental culture.

Key responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with UK health & safety legislation (Health & Safety at Work Act, COSHH, PUWER, LOLER, RIDDOR, Pressure Systems Safety Regulations, DSEAR).
• Conduct inspections of workshops, labs, offices and plant rooms; maintain Safe Systems of Work, risk assessments and method statements.
• Manage contractor permits, inductions, RAMS reviews and site supervision.
• Lead incident investigations and drive corrective and preventive actions.
• Support ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 audits, HSE meetings and site reporting.
• Perform R&D‑specific risk assessments covering chemical handling, prototype testing, high‑energy equipment and new materials.
• Oversee chemical safety (COSHH assessments, inventory, storage, disposal) and laboratory safety systems.
• Manage waste streams, monitor emissions, effluent controls and energy use, and promote sustainable practices.
• Deliver HSE training, inductions and competency tracking for staff, contractors and visitors.
• Maintain comprehensive HSE documentation and reporting for both facility and R&D activities.

Required profile

• Proven experience in health, safety, quality and environmental management within manufacturing or R&D settings.
• Strong knowledge of UK H&S legislation and ISO 45001/ISO 14001 standards.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct risk assessments, incident investigations and manage permit‑to‑work systems.
• Experience supervising contractors and delivering HSE training.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to continuous improvement.

Required skills

• ISO 45001
• ISO 14001
• COSHH
• RIDDOR
• PUWER
• LOLER
• DSEAR
• Pressure Systems Safety Regulations
• Risk assessment
• Method statements
• RAMS
• Permit‑to‑work system
• Incident investigation
• Waste management
• Environmental monitoring
• Asset management system