Health, Safety & Environmental Manager HSE Lead

Hays PLC are delighted to be partnering with Hitachi Construction Machinery to appoint their HSE Lead/ Manager on a permanent basis. This is a newly created role and a strategic appointment to enhance leadership and continue their journey towards excellence across their operations. The newly appointed HSE Lead/ Manager will be joining an existing team of professionals and driving continuous improvements in health, safety and environmental, across UK operations.

About the Role

• Reporting to the QHSE Director, you’ll be the frontline expert for all things HSE, supporting the Hebburn HQ, regional depots, and off-site activities.
• Stakeholder relationship management and development are key to the success of this role; you will motivate others to do the right thing. You will challenge appropriately and influence change too.
• You’ll lead a small team, shape policy, and ensure compliance with ISO-certified management systems.
• Take a proactive lead and play a key role in strategic projects
• You embrace and drive the digital transformation of HSE processes, including audits and inspections.
• You’ll take a key role in establishing an NPORS-accredited training centre in collaboration with the Internal Trainer.
• Supporting the Hebburn Production facility through operational changes and site layout redesign

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement HSE policies and procedures across all departments
• Lead and manage the HSE Advisor and Internal Trainer, including performance reviews and goal-setting
• Conduct risk assessments, COSHH compliance, and occupational hygiene monitoring
• Investigate incidents and support root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Deliver inductions, toolbox talks, and safety communications
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and ISO standards (45001, 14001)

What HCM are Looking For

• An individual that has worked in a Health, Safety and Environmental leadership position for 5+ years’
• A recognised health and safety qualification, such as the NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety.
• A formal recognised environmental qualification such as NEBOSH or IEMA Environmental Certificate.
• Membership of a professional body such as IOSH or IEMA, ideally CMIOSH.
• Previous experience of working in similar UK environments; engineering, manufacturing or construction, for example
• Strong communicator and the ability to positively influence others.
• The right to work in the UK without sponsorship or expiry.

Desirable (but not essential)

• CSCS card or Quarry Passport
• ISO 45001 internal auditor qualification
• DSE assessor or manual handling trainer certification (or willingness to train)

Why Join HCM?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a forward-thinking business at a time of exciting transformation. You’ll be empowered to lead meaningful projects, shape their HSE culture, and make a lasting impact across the organisation. In addition to the competitive salary and extensive benefits package available for this role, HCM is centred around their people, with development programmes, leadership training and much more.

Benefits:

• Private Healthcare – after probation successfully completed
• Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme-Company match up to 10%
• Death in Service
• Sick pay
• Income Protection after 1-year service.
• A minimum of 24 days holiday+ bank holidays, holiday increments after continuous service
• Options to buy up to 5 days
• 2 extra annual leave days in the year of marriage, upon proof of marriage certificate.
• Critical illness covers
• Other benefits available, such as cycling to work, discounts on gym/ gym equipment, and money off memberships.

How to Apply:Hitachi Construction Machinery (UK) Ltd has partnered with Karly Clark - Senior Business Director at Hays PLC. For a confidential conversation about your interest, you can contact Karly directly on or email: karly.clark@hays, com.

You will be contacted within 10 working days to discuss your application if your application meets the essential criteria for this role. If you are not contacted within that time, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.