Head of Health, Safety & Environment
Wrexham, UK | Global Manufacturing Group
Heavy Manufacturing / Foundry / Engineering
International remit | Executive leadership role
Highly competitive salary with Bonus, Car, Private medical
Morgan Ryder is partnering with a global, multi-site manufacturing group at a pivotal point in its journey. Following a period without dedicated senior HSE leadership on site, the organisation is now making a clear and deliberate investment in Health, Safety & Environment by appointing a Head of HSE to rebuild, strengthen, and future-proof its systems.
This is a standout opportunity for a senior HSE leader who thrives on building structure from the ground up, driving change, and embedding best practice within complex, high-risk manufacturing environments.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, you will take ownership of the full HSE agenda, establishing robust systems, standards, and behaviours where they need to be rebuilt, refreshed, or elevated. You will be instrumental in moving the business from reactive compliance to a proactive, mature, and sustainable HSE culture.
This role requires a visible, hands-on leader who enjoys assessing current-state risk, setting clear direction, and leading implementation through strong engagement with operational teams across the UK and India.
Key Responsibilities
Rebuild, implement, and embed a comprehensive HSE management system aligned to legal and international standards
Conduct a baseline assessment of existing HSE practices and define a clear improvement roadmap
Ensure compliance with UK legislation including HSWA 1974, COSHH, and environmental permitting requirements
Lead the implementation and optimisation of ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 frameworks
Develop and roll out group-wide HSE policies, procedures, and SOPs
Drive practical, high-impact HSE improvement initiatives across manufacturing operations
Lead incident investigation and corrective action processes, including 8D methodology
Implement effective standards across PPE, machine safety, LOTO, electrical safety, contractor and forklift operations
Build organisational HSE capability through training, coaching, and leadership engagement
Establish meaningful HSE KPIs, reporting cadence, and governance structures
Lead emergency preparedness planning, drills, and crisis response readiness
What We're Looking For
Proven experience in a senior HSE leadership role within heavy manufacturing, engineering, metallurgy, or foundry environments
Chartered IOSH (CMIOSH) or equivalent professional status
NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent) essential
Demonstrable experience building, resetting, or significantly improving HSE systems
Strong working knowledge of UK HSE legislation and ISO management systems
A confident, influential leader able to drive behavioural and cultural change at all levelsWhy This Role?
A genuine "build and transform" HSE leadership opportunity
High-impact role with direct access to executive leadership
International exposure across complex, multi-site manufacturing operations
The chance to leave a lasting legacy through system build, governance, and culture change
đź“© Interested?
For a confidential discussion, apply directly or contact Morgan Ryder. All applications will be handled discreetly.
At Morgan Ryder we can provide you with a full range of employment opportunities from short term and fixed term temporary vacancies to permanent positions.
We recruit for companies that operate in the following industries: Defence Equipment, Food and Drink Manufacturers, FMCG, Packaging, Engineering, Automotive, Aerospace, Warehousing, Logistics, Waste Management, Petro Chemical, Pharmaceutical, Power & Renewable Energy.
Our commitment:
Equal opportunities are important to us. We believe that diversity and inclusion at Morgan Ryder Associates are critical to our success as DE&I positive company, so we want to recruit, develop, and keep the best talent. We encourage applications from everyone, regardless of background, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, ethnicity, belief, age, family or parental status, and any other characteristic.
Please note that calls to and from the offices of Morgan Ryder Associates Ltd. may be monitored or recorded. This is to ensure compliance with regulatory procedures, record business transactions and for training purposes
