Health and Safety Manager role at Manchester City Council

Working Hours: 35 hours per week, full time

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: 17 September 2025

Interview method: in person

This role is subject to the following requirements:

• 2 references (where possible, 3 years’ history)
• Level 6 qualification in Occupational Health and Safety (e.g. NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent)
• Professional membership – Certified Member or above IOSH
• Casual Car Documentation – designated Casual Car User; if you drive, you must have a full valid driving licence and provide your own car for work use, with an allowance per mile
• DBS clearance – Standard DBS check; information dealt with confidentially; we have an Employment of Ex-Offenders policy available on request

Are you passionate about creating safer, healthier workplaces? Do you want to lead high-impact change in a dynamic local authority? If so, we want to hear from you.

We’re looking for an experienced Health and Safety Manager to join Manchester City Council. This is your opportunity to shape how we manage safety, risk, and assurance across a diverse organisation, making a real difference to our people, partners, and city.

Why Join Us?

• Manchester City Council is bold, ambitious, and collaborative; recognised for innovation and excellence.
• We work in partnership to deliver regeneration, cultural transformation, and public service reform.

Our Health and Safety Service is central to our success. We align with audit, insurance, risk, and business continuity, and work across the Council and with partners to provide assurance, drive improvement, and embed a culture of safety and wellbeing.

This role is office-based with home working where appropriate. You will be able to work flexibly from home or remotely some of the time and across Council sites to support colleagues and clients.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and deliver a multi-year health and safety programme across high-risk and complex service areas.
• Provide expert advice to senior leaders, helping shape strategic decisions and ensure legal compliance.
• Develop and implement policies, frameworks, standards, and training to manage health and safety risks.
• Investigate complex incidents, identify root causes, and drive improvements.
• Represent the Council in multi-agency forums, enforcement discussions, and court proceedings where required.
• Influence cultural change by embedding governance and continuous improvement in health and safety practices.
• Manage and develop a team of officers, building capability across the service.

Initially, focus will be on leading transformation of health and safety across Children’s and Education services, ensuring robust, inclusive practices that protect staff and communities. You will also own thematic risk areas and drive consistency in safety management.

We’re Looking For Someone Who Is

• A qualified health and safety professional (Level 6, e.g. NEBOSH Diploma) and a Certified IOSH member or above
• Experienced in managing complex health and safety services, ideally in a large/public sector organisation
• A confident communicator and strategic thinker, able to influence senior stakeholders and drive change
• Skilled in risk analysis, resource planning, and delivering high-quality services aligned to organisational goals
• Committed to equity, inclusion, and the Our Manchester values

What You’ll Bring

• Proven experience leading complex health and safety programmes and investigations
• Strong track record in policy development, training, and assurance frameworks
• People management experience and ability to build high-performing teams
• Experience providing expert advice across a wide range of services and risk areas
• Ability to influence decision-making through evidence and collaboration

What You’ll Get

• A stimulating, fast-paced role with impact across Manchester
• Local Government Pension Scheme participation, flexible and hybrid working options
• Generous leave entitlements, discounted travel schemes, and ongoing professional development

Ready to Apply?

To apply, please complete the full application process and submit an Expression of Interest (max 2 A4 pages) outlining your suitability and motivation. Your application must include evidence of:

• A Level 6 qualification in Occupational Health and Safety (e.g. NEBOSH Diploma)
• Certified IOSH membership (or above)
• Experience delivering health and safety services in complex environments
• Alignment with the Our Manchester Values and core competencies: Communication, Analytical Thinking, Planning & Organising, Problem Solving & Decision Making, Strategic Thinking, People Management

Interviews will take place in the weeks beginning 06/10/25. For more information, contact Simon Gardiner (simon.gardiner@manchester.gov.uk).

We are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you need adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.

Additional Information

• We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the minimum shortlisting requirements and identify with at least one of the criteria (e.g., Armed Forces member, care leaver, disability).
• Right to work in the UK is required; visa sponsorship is not provided for this role.
• Pre-employment checks may include: right to work, references, qualification proofs, DBS check, proof of Manchester residency (where required), police vetting, BPSS clearance, and driving licence if applicable.

Our Manchester Is Our Vision for a Fairer, Greener, and Healthier City – a vision shaped by the people of Manchester.

For more information about the role or adjustments, email jobs@manchester.gov.uk. Read the role profile attached for details.