Group HSE Lead

Maxwell Consultancy are working closely with a Tier 1 supplier to the Aerospace industry in their search for a Group HSE Manager.  This is a full time, permanent position reporting in to the Group Director of Operations.

The business is continuously expanding and offers advanced manufacturing and engineering clients, world-class technical capabilities.  With an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement, adherence to stringent quality standards, and deep technical evaluation.

Role Summary

Reporting to the Group Director of Operations, the Group HSE Lead will provide strategic direction, leadership, and governance for Health, Safety, and Environmental performance across the Group.

This role is critical in embedding a culture of HSE excellence across all sites, integrating HSE into Lean Operating System and SQDCP performance framework. The successful candidate will ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, drive continuous improvement, and lead the achievement and ongoing maintenance of ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certification.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Culture

Develop and implement a Group-wide HSE strategy aligned with business objectives a

Lead the Safety pillar within the SQDCP framework and Balanced Scorecard.

Champion a proactive, high-performance HSE culture focused on accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.

Provide expert HSE leadership and coaching to operational teams and senior stakeholders.

Health, Safety & Environmental Management

Ensure full compliance with all relevant UK and international HSE legislation.

Lead risk management processes, including hazard identification, assessment, and mitigation.

Oversee incident investigations, ensuring robust root cause analysis and corrective actions.

Establish and maintain effective HSE systems, standards, and controls across all sites.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

Own and continuously improve the Group HSE governance framework, policies, and procedures.

Lead internal and external audit programmes, including regulatory inspections and customer audits.

Achieve and sustain ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certification across the Group.

Provide regular reporting to the Executive Team on HSE performance, risks, and improvement plans.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

Embed HSE principles within Lean Operating System.

Support SQDCP reviews, KPI tracking, and performance management.

Apply structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., root cause analysis, CI tools) to eliminate recurring issues.

Lead and deliver HSE improvement initiatives that enhance operational and environmental performance.

Training, Capability & Engagement

Develop HSE capability across the organisation through training, coaching, and leadership development.

Promote workforce engagement and ownership of HSE standards.

Support leaders in driving safe, compliant, and environmentally responsible operations.

Stakeholder Management

• Build strong relationships with internal leaders, regulators, customers, and certification bodies.
• Represent Group during audits, inspections, and customer engagements.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to support wider business objectives.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence at all levels of the organisation
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Data-driven mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving capability
• Passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence
• Highly organised, resilient, and results-oriented
• Collaborative, adaptable, and capable of driving change across a multi-site environment

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent professional qualification)
• Significant HSE leadership experience within manufacturing, engineering, or a regulated industrial environment
• Proven experience managing ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 systems
• Strong working knowledge of UK HSE legislation
• Experience leading audits, incident investigations, and compliance programmes
• Understanding of Lean principles, KPI management, and continuous improvement

Desirable

• Chartered Member of IOSH (CMIOSH)
• ISO 14001 and/or ISO 45001 Lead Auditor qualification
• Multi-site manufacturing experience
• Aerospace or advanced manufacturing sector experience
• Experience working within a Lean Operating System and SQDCP environment

Salary & Benefits

• Salary: £65,000 – £75,000 per annum
• Company pension
• Private medical insurance
• Life insurance
• Employee discounts
• Free on-site parking