Health and Safety Lead in Walthamstow, Greater London

Health & Safety Lead – Engineering & Manufacturing

Location: Walthamstow, London 

Salary: £50,000 – £55,000 per annum 

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent 

Working Pattern: Monday – Friday, Fully On-Site 

We are recruiting a Health & Safety Lead to join an innovative and growing engineering business based in Walthamstow.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with a background in Health & Safety within engineering or manufacturing who is looking to take the next step in their career, develop towards a leadership position and take ownership of a company's Health & Safety function.

This will be the first dedicated Health & Safety position within the business. While policies and procedures are already in place, the company is looking for someone who can assess their effectiveness, identify areas for improvement and establish a structured, compliant and practical approach to Health & Safety.

The role will be based exclusively at the Walthamstow site, working closely with the leadership team, engineers and workshop staff.

The Role

One of your first responsibilities will be to conduct a full Health & Safety audit of the site, reviewing existing policies, procedures, equipment and working practices.

From there, you'll identify any gaps in compliance, prioritise improvements and develop an action plan to ensure the business meets its Health & Safety obligations.

You'll have the autonomy to take ownership of this process, working alongside the leadership team to introduce improvements and build a positive safety culture throughout the business.

Alongside Health & Safety, you'll also play an important role in the day-to-day management and organisation of the engineering workshop, ensuring operations run safely and efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

Health & Safety

• Conduct an initial site-wide Health & Safety audit, identifying compliance gaps, risks and areas requiring improvement.
• Develop and implement a clear action plan to address findings and improve standards.
• Review, update and maintain existing Health & Safety policies, procedures and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with UK Health & Safety legislation, including PUWER, LOLER, COSHH and relevant HSE regulations.
• Take ownership of risk assessments, RAMS, safe systems of work and statutory inspections.
• Work closely with engineers and the leadership team to understand operations and challenge existing practices where improvements are needed.
• Develop a proactive safety culture, encouraging accountability and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate training, inductions, certifications and contractor safety requirements.
• Manage ongoing audits, inspections, incident investigations and corrective actions.

Workshop Management

• Support the day-to-day running of a multidisciplinary engineering workshop.
• Oversee workshop organisation, machinery, equipment and general working conditions.
• Work alongside engineers involved in robotics, mechanical assembly, electrical systems and manufacturing.
• Ensure machinery and equipment are operated safely and maintained appropriately.
• Support workshop layouts, workflows, stock control and supplier coordination.

Skills & Experience Required

• Previous Health & Safety experience within an engineering, manufacturing or workshop environment.
• NEBOSH and/or IOSH qualification, supported by practical Health & Safety experience.
• Experience conducting risk assessments, audits and implementing safety procedures.
• Knowledge of PUWER, LOLER and COSHH.
• Understanding of engineering workshop operations, machinery and associated risks.
• Confidence working with engineers, management and operational teams.
• Ability to identify problems, challenge existing practices and implement practical solutions.

Desirable Experience

• Previous involvement in workshop management or coordination.
• Experience within robotics, automation, R&D or advanced manufacturing.
• Experience improving or implementing Health & Safety systems.
• Knowledge of machinery safety, guarding and industrial equipment.

Who Would This Suit?

This position could be particularly attractive to an experienced Health & Safety Advisor, H&S Coordinator, H&S Officer or engineering professional with Health & Safety responsibilities who is ready to take the next step.

You don't necessarily need to have held a management title previously. We're looking for someone with the right practical experience, qualifications and attitude to grow into a leadership position.

The successful candidate will be someone who is passionate about Health & Safety and wants to build a long-term career within the profession, Is confident taking ownership of a function and developing it, Can work independently while building strong relationships with the leadership and engineering teams, Isn't afraid to challenge existing working practices or raise concerns when necessary, Takes a practical, hands-on approach rather than focusing purely on paperwork, Understands the importance of balancing safety, compliance and operational efficiency, and Wants to make a genuine impact within a growing engineering business.

What's On Offer?

• £50,000 – £55,000 per annum
• 36 days annual leave
• Equity
• Genuine autonomy and responsibility to shape the company's Health & Safety function

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to progress their career in Health & Safety, taking responsibility for developing and improving standards within a growing engineering business.

Interested? Apply today or get in touch for a confidential conversation about the opportunity.