Health, Safety Controller

Location: Southend on Sea

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Salary: £35-£39k

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Health, Safety & Compliance Controller to lead and enhance health and safety standards across a growing multi-site manufacturing business - all sites are in Southend.

This is a hands-on role requiring regular site presence, working closely with operational teams to ensure a safe, compliant, and positive working environment for all employees and contractors.

The successful candidate will take ownership of health and safety management systems, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and champion a proactive safety culture throughout the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Health & Safety Leadership
• Develop, implement, and maintain effective health and safety policies, procedures, and management systems.
• Ensure compliance with current UK health and safety legislation and industry best practice.
• Provide professional advice and guidance to managers and supervisors on health and safety matters.
• Promote a positive safety culture through visible leadership and employee engagement.

Risk Management & Compliance
• Conduct and review risk assessments across manufacturing operations, facilities, equipment, processes, and hazardous substances.
• Ensure control measures are effectively implemented and maintained.
• Monitor legislative changes and update policies and procedures where required.
• Support compliance with relevant regulations and Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs).

Site Audits & Inspections
• Carry out regular site inspections and safety audits to identify hazards and opportunities for improvement.
• Monitor corrective actions and ensure timely resolution of identified issues.
• Prioritise improvements based on risk and operational impact.

Training & Competency
• Deliver health and safety inductions for new employees, contractors, and visitors.
• Identify training requirements and coordinate appropriate development programmes.
• Support the delivery of practical safety training initiatives, including manual handling and workplace safety awareness.
• Maintain accurate training and competency records.

Incident Management
• Lead investigations into accidents, incidents, and near misses.
• Identify root causes and implement preventative actions.
• Analyse incident data to identify trends and develop targeted improvement plans.

Emergency Preparedness
• Oversee emergency response arrangements across all operational locations.
• Coordinate fire safety activities, including alarm testing and evacuation procedures.
• Support the development and training of Fire Marshals and First Aiders.
• Ensure adequate emergency cover is maintained across all sites.

Safety Equipment & Welfare
• Ensure appropriate PPE is available, maintained, and used correctly.
• Promote employee wellbeing and encourage the reporting of safety concerns.
• Act as a trusted point of contact for health and safety-related matters.

About You

Essential Requirements
• NEBOSH General Certificate (or equivalent).
• Demonstrable health and safety experience within manufacturing, engineering, production, or industrial environments.
• Strong working knowledge of UK health and safety legislation.
• Experience conducting audits, inspections, investigations, and risk assessments.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently across multiple operational sites.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience
• NEBOSH Diploma or higher-level health and safety qualification.
• ISO 45001 auditing experience or qualification.
• Previous experience supporting multi-site operations.
• Understanding of environmental management and sustainability practices.

Key Skills
• Strong organisational and project management abilities.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Analytical and problem-solving mindset.
• Ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Practical, solutions-focused approach.
• Confident coaching and mentoring capability.

What You'll Bring

You will be a proactive health and safety professional who enjoys working closely with operational teams and leading meaningful improvements.

With a visible presence across sites, you will help create a culture where safety is embedded into everyday activities and continuous improvement is a shared responsibility.