Health & Safety Manager

Health & Safety Manager – Ongoing Interim Contract Location: Dorchester Rate: £350 - £450 per day (Inside IR35) Contract: Temporary Ongoing Contract Start Date: Immediate Start Available Working Pattern: Hybrid – 2 Days Per Week in Dorchester Pay: Bi-weekly Summary Dorset Council is in search of a seasoned Health & Safety Manager to spearhead its corporate Health & Safety Service.

This pivotal leadership position involves steering strategic health, safety, and wellbeing initiatives across the Council and its partner entities. The role requires managing the Health & Safety Team, offering expert advice to senior management, overseeing governance and assurance processes, and fostering a robust health, safety, and wellbeing culture within the organization.

This position presents a unique opportunity to shape corporate strategy, drive service enhancements, and ensure compliance with statutory and best practice standards.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee and guide the Health & Safety Team to deliver exceptional service. Formulate and execute Health & Safety strategies, policies, and procedures. Offer strategic counsel and professional support to senior managers and stakeholders. Lead governance, performance reporting, and corporate assurance for Health & Safety.

Identify, manage, and mitigate health and safety risks across the Council. Develop and sustain effective audit, inspection, and assurance frameworks. Monitor legislative changes and evaluate their impact on Council operations. Conduct investigations into serious incidents, accidents, and near misses. Collaborate with external regulators and enforcement authorities as needed.

Foster organizational ownership of health, safety, and wellbeing through coaching and engagement. Provide training, guidance, and support to managers and staff. Support broader People & Workforce initiatives and organizational transformation programs. Engage actively with trade unions, service managers, and stakeholders on health and safety issues.

Attend and lead relevant internal and external meetings and governance forums. Contribute to corporate risk management strategies. Leadership Responsibilities Inspire, motivate, and develop the Health & Safety Team. Establish clear objectives and performance expectations. Conduct performance management, coaching, and development activities.

Advocate for innovation, service improvement, and cultural change. Foster an inclusive and supportive work environment. Support staff wellbeing and continuous professional development. Essential Requirements Requirements: NEBOSH Diploma in Occupational Safety & Health or equivalent professional qualification. Evidence of working towards Chartered Health & Safety Practitioner status.

Minimum of five GCSEs (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics. Extensive post-qualification Health & Safety experience, ideally in a large organization. Proven experience in leading Health & Safety services and teams. Experience in developing and implementing policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.

Proficiency in conducting audits, inspections, and investigations. Strong knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and best practices. Experience in delivering training and coaching to managers. Experience in leading service improvement and organizational change initiatives. Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable Experience in the Public Sector or Local Government. Experience advising senior leadership teams and elected members. Chartered Member of IOSH (or nearing completion). Experience managing Health & Safety within complex multi-service organizations. What's on Offer? £350 - £450 per day (Inside IR35) Ongoing Interim Contract Hybrid Working 2 Days Per Week in Dorchester Immediate Start Available Bi-weekly Pay Opportunity to lead a key corporate Health & Safety function.

Strategic leadership role with significant organizational impact. Exposure to governance, transformation, risk management, and wellbeing initiatives. This role is ideal for individuals with experience as a Health & Safety Manager, Head of Health & Safety, Health & Safety Business Partner, Corporate Health & Safety Manager, Senior Health & Safety Advisor, Health & Safety Lead, Health & Wellbeing Manager, or Occupational Safety Manager.