HSE Manager (Contractor) - South West

12‑month contract | Salary: £350 - £425 per day (Inside IR35) | Full‑time

We are seeking a highly strategic Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Manager to lead and elevate the HSE agenda across our operations in the South West. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this is a senior role responsible for shaping the site's HSE culture, driving compliance, and delivering continuous improvement.

Essential Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification or above; a relevant degree preferred.
• Corporate IOSH membership.
• NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent).

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong HSE leadership experience within operations, engineering, manufacturing or production environments.
• Experience with chemical processing and managing a COMAH‑regulated site.
• Proven success in leading cultural change and behavioural‑based safety initiatives.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills with the confidence to challenge and lead.
• Strong organisational, prioritisation and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Ability to build effective stakeholder relationships and work collaboratively across teams.
• Strong IT skills, including HSE systems and Microsoft Office.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Culture

• Lead and deliver the HSE strategy, working closely with the Managing Director and senior leaders.
• Embed a proactive, accountable safety culture across the organisation.
• Drive impactful behavioural and cultural programmes that promote everyday safety excellence.
• Strengthen HSE communication and engagement at all levels.

Compliance & Regulatory Management

• Ensure full legal compliance across all HSE systems and processes.
• Act as the main contact for audits, inspections and regulatory bodies.
• Improve environmental performance, including waste management and sustainability.
• Oversee COMAH and relevant environmental permit compliance.

Data, Reporting & Governance

• Maintain and enhance HSE management systems (ISO 45001, ISO 14001).
• Provide clear reporting to the MD and leadership on risks, performance and priorities.
• Analyse HSE data, identify trends and drive continuous improvement actions.