Health & Safety Manager

Hybrid, 1 to 2 days from home. Region – Primarily South West / Thames Valley / West Midlands.

Salary: £50,000 per annum plus £6,000 car allowance. 42.5 hours a week.

Our client is looking for a Health and Safety Manager responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining the organisation’s Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) management system across all automotive sites.

The right candidate will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels, strong analytical and report‑writing abilities and proficiency in Microsoft Office.

You will add value by ensuring full compliance with UK H&S legislation, driving a strong safety culture and minimising risk associated with all aspects of the auto trade, including workshops, showrooms, parts departments and customer areas.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Education: A recognised Health and Safety qualification, such as a NEBOSH National General Certificate.
• Experience: Proven experience in a dedicated Health and Safety role, preferably within the automotive, engineering, manufacturing or similar high‑risk technical environment.
• Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of UK Health, Safety and Environmental legislation. Specific knowledge of safety relating to Workplace Transport Regulations, vehicle repair, lifting equipment (LOLER) and hazardous substances (COSHH) is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Policy and System Management: Develop, implement and review comprehensive HSE policies, procedures and safe systems of work (SSOW) tailored to the auto trade environment. Maintain and continuously improve the H&S Management System, ensuring it meets standards such as ISO 45001 where applicable.
• Compliance and Auditing: Ensure the business adheres to all relevant UK legislation and conduct regular internal audits, inspections and site safety checks. Manage external H&S audits, regulatory visits and HSE inspections.
• Risk Management: Undertake and review comprehensive risk assessments for all activities, equipment and processes, particularly in high‑risk areas such as vehicle maintenance bays and paint spray booths. Implement effective control measures to mitigate identified risks.
• Incident Management: Lead investigations of all accidents, incidents and near‑misses, ensuring thorough root‑cause analysis. Manage RIDDOR reporting where legally required and develop corrective and preventative actions.
• Training and Culture: Develop and deliver H&S training programmes for all staff (induction, manual handling, fire warden and COSHH training). Champion a proactive safety culture through engagement, communication and visible leadership.
• Environmental: Manage environmental compliance, including the safe storage and disposal of waste oils, chemicals and scrap materials in line with UK regulations.

Benefits

• Additional day off for your birthday.
• 23 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Payment of pension with auto‑enrolment.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay policies.
• Access to wellness programmes and Employee Assistance Programmes, including 24‑hr online GP access and second medical opinion.
• Mental health first aiders and reward & recognition programmes.
• Annual appraisal programme with progression opportunities.
• Manufacturer training and in‑house training access.
• Branded uniform.

Forward Assist Recruitment is an Equal Opportunities employer; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Job Information

• Job Title: Health and Safety Manager
• Company: Forward Assist Recruitment
• Location: Swindon, Wiltshire
• Contract: Permanent
• Hours: Full Time
• Salary: £50,000 per annum + £6,000 car allowance
• Posted: 10 Jan 2026 (Closing date)