Health & Safety Manager

Role overview

The Health & Safety Manager will lead the plant’s health and safety management approach, making sure operations align with Irish and EU legal requirements. This role sits within the Human Resources Department and reports to the HR Manager / Head of HR. The position also carries people management responsibility.

What you will do

• Coordinate health and safety activity across the facility to maintain compliance with the site’s safety management system.
• Partner with the management team to define health and safety goals and track progress against them, while reviewing policies and the Safety Statement and suggesting changes where needed.
• Oversee the risk assessment review process, help team leaders build improvement plans to reduce exposure, and investigate incidents with clear recommendations for corrective action.
• Check adherence to policy through audits and inspections, using findings to strengthen the quality and standard of the safety system.
• Build accident prevention and reduction programmes that support continuous improvement within the H&S policy.
• Plan, deliver, and/or coordinate appropriate health and safety training in line with the existing training function.
• Promote safe working practices and support the rollout of safety policy through awareness and practical management guidance.
• Track health and safety performance and share updates with management and the Safety Committee in regular meetings.
• Contribute to the Health & Safety section of the Aspect & Impact Register and ensure compliance with internal procedures, corporate standards, and legislation.
• Support emergency response planning and organise emergency evacuation drills.
• Work with HR to develop practical ways to lower legal claim and insurance costs and prepare supporting documentation for legal defence when required.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering to ensure new designs and line modifications meet health and safety requirements.
• Prepare and present quarterly results to the management team.
• Chair the Safety Committee and guide its actions.
• Work with the training department to coordinate and maintain compliance for safety training delivered in the plant.
• Coordinate corporate health and safety requirements, reporting structures, and related policies.
• Partner with operational management on SOPs that cover all safety requirements.
• Advise Production, Facilities, and Engineering teams on management of change within the organisation.
• Manage chemical use on site.
• Maintain ongoing compliance with quality requirements and relevant industry regulations.
• Ensure full adherence to health and safety legislation and regulations.

Requirements

• A minimum NQF Level 7 Diploma or Degree in Health and Safety, or a related qualification.
• At least 5 years of experience in a health and safety position.
• Ability to develop the H&S function within an existing management structure and lead change initiatives.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for working with internal and external stakeholders.
• Prior management experience.
• Experience with ISO or OHSAS standards and health and safety legislation is preferred.
• Experience in environmental or sustainability management is an added advantage.

Additional information

This role is based in Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland and is a full-time, on-site position. The function belongs to the Human Resources Department and reports to the HR Manager / Head of HR. The role includes people management responsibilities. No salary, number of vacancies, or start date was specified in the source.