Health and Safety Lead

Health & Safety Lead – Preston – Bamber Bridge

Job Summary

The Health & Safety Lead is a site-based leadership role responsible for driving continuous improvement in health, safety and environmental performance across Baxi's Preston manufacturing, warehouse and distribution operations.

While the role has no direct reports, you'll act as the Health & Safety Lead for the Preston site, working closely with operational leaders to influence, coach and support the delivery of a positive safety culture. You'll play a key role in translating the Company's HSE strategy into practical site-based improvements, ensuring legal compliance, reducing risk and supporting operational excellence.

As part of the wider UK HSE team, you'll receive support and collaborate with colleagues across the business, making this an excellent opportunity for an experienced Health & Safety Advisor or Senior Advisor looking to take the next step into a broader site leadership role.

The Person

We're looking for an experienced Health, Safety and Environment professional who enjoys working closely with operational teams to improve safety performance and drive continuous improvement within a manufacturing environment.

You may already be working as a Senior Health & Safety Advisor, Health & Safety Advisor or in a similar role and be ready to take ownership of HSE at site level. You'll be confident influencing managers, coaching colleagues and building strong relationships across the business to embed best practice.

You'll be proactive, organised and analytical, using data and practical problem-solving skills to identify trends, reduce risk and deliver measurable improvements. Strong communication skills, sound judgement and a collaborative approach are essential.

The Role

As Health & Safety Lead, you'll be responsible for supporting the implementation and continuous improvement of the Company's Health, Safety and Environmental strategy across the Preston manufacturing and warehouse operations.

Working in partnership with Production, Engineering and Warehouse leadership teams, you'll provide expert advice, coaching and support to ensure legal compliance, maintain ISO 45001 standards and continue developing a positive safety culture across site.

This is a highly visible role that offers the opportunity to influence operational performance, lead improvement initiatives and build experience across all aspects of manufacturing Health, Safety and Environmental management.

Monday to Friday - 37 Hours per Week - No Weekends

Responsibilities

• Act as the Health & Safety Lead for the Preston manufacturing and warehouse operation, promoting a positive and proactive safety culture.

• Lead the World Class Manufacturing (WCM) Safety Pillar and support continuous improvement initiatives across site.

• Support the development and delivery of site HSE improvement plans, translating business objectives into practical actions.

• Coach and support operational managers and team leaders to improve HSE performance and embed behavioural safety.

• Design, develop and deliver Health, Safety and Environmental training and awareness programmes.

• Identify, analyse and reduce safety losses using structured problem-solving and root cause analysis techniques.

• Provide professional Health, Safety and Environmental advice and guidance across the site.

• Work collaboratively with the wider UK HSE team to share best practice and support Group initiatives.

• Analyse HSE performance data, identify trends and recommend improvements.

• Lead site improvement projects that enhance health, safety, environmental performance and operational effectiveness.

• Build positive relationships with external bodies including the Health and Safety Executive and Environment Agency.

• Support customer, tender and audit requirements relating to Health, Safety and Environmental performance.

• Carry out compliance audits and support the implementation of corrective and preventative actions.

• Maintain ISO 45001 through internal auditing, compliance monitoring and supporting external certification audits.

• Support the management of HSE-related CAPEX and OPEX projects where required.

• Lead and support incident, accident and near-miss investigations, ensuring robust root cause analysis and effective corrective actions.

• Maintain a visible presence across manufacturing and engineering operations, engaging with colleagues to identify and reduce risk.

• Support the safe management of contractors and high-risk activities.

• Coach operational teams in the development and review of risk assessments and safe systems of work.

• Support the Environmental Compliance team with permits, procedures and reporting activities.

• Build strong relationships with Production, Engineering and Warehouse leadership teams, providing support, challenge and practical solutions to continually improve HSE performance.

Requirements

Essential

• NEBOSH Diploma, NVQ Level 5/6, or equivalent Health & Safety qualification. Candidates with a NEBOSH General Certificate and significant manufacturing experience will also be considered.

• Experience within a Health & Safety role in a manufacturing environment.

• Demonstrable experience of supporting or delivering Health, Safety and Environmental improvement initiatives.

• Good knowledge of UK Health & Safety legislation and its practical application.

• Experience of influencing managers and engaging employees to improve safety performance.

• Strong coaching, communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Analytical and proactive approach to problem solving and continuous improvement.

Desirable

• Experience of World Class Manufacturing (WCM).

• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles.

• Experience of Continuous Improvement methodologies.

• Root Cause Analysis and Loss Elimination techniques.

• Operational Excellence experience.

• Experience analysing HSE performance data and identifying improvement opportunities.

• Membership of IOSH or working towards Chartered status.

About BAXI

We're leading the energy transition to zero carbon by offering complete residential and commercial heating and hot water solutions. As one team across the UK and Ireland, and with the backing of our global parent company, BDR Thermea Group, we work together with a collective knowledge and expertise that's literally centuries in the making.

We're proud of our heritage, manufacturing in the UK since 1866, and we're experienced in adapting to changing needs.

Location

Preston – Home to our Manufacturing since 1866 – Bamber Bridge – PR5 6FN

Our Benefits

Our package includes a competitive basic salary plus a variable incentive. We also offer:

• 25 days holiday plus UK Bank Holidays

• Income Protection

• Contributory Pension Scheme

• Enhanced Maternity, Paternity and Sick Pay Schemes

• Staff Discounts

• Employee Benefits Platform

• Career Development Opportunities

• And much more

Our Approach

Baxi is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We do not discriminate on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability or age.

At BDR Thermea Group, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) are critical to our success. We are committed to creating a workplace where every potential future employee feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. Please check out our DE&I policy on our website to find out more.