Health & Safety (H&S) Manager

Location: Babraham Research Park, Cambridge

Type: Full time, permanent

Salary: Competitive / Hours: 40 per week

Office based position

Your role in our team

As the Health & Safety (H&S) Manager, you will drive the development and implementation of a proactive H&S strategy, embedding a strong safety culture across the organisation. You will be a key leader in ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, mitigating risks, and fostering a safe and supportive working environment. This role will provide both strategic direction and hands-on oversight, ensuring that safety remains at the forefront of all operations.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead, shape, and enhance the H&S culture within a dynamic and innovative organisation. If you are a proactive and strategic H&S professional looking for a role where you can truly make an impact, we'd love to hear from you!

Your key responsibilities will include:

1. Develop and lead the companywide H&S strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
2. Act as the principal advisor on all H&S matters, providing expert guidance to senior leadership and key stakeholders across Research, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain and Office Operations.
3. Ensure full regulatory compliance, staying ahead of legislative changes and best practices within the life sciences sector.
4. Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks, implementing robust safety management systems and procedures.
5. Oversee safety audits, inspections and environmental monitoring, ensuring a safe working environment across all operational areas.
6. Establish and manage an effective incident investigation process, ensuring thorough root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement.
7. Collaborate with Facilities to ensure the regulated waste management programme meets all HSE requirements.
8. Lead emergency preparedness programs, overseeing first aiders, fire wardens, and spill response teams.
9. Design and deliver H&S training programs, ensuring all employees understand their responsibilities and best practices.
10. Manage occupational health provisions including DSE assessments and actions arising from consultations.
11. Maintain collaborative relationships with the landlord and campus service provider.

You

1. Hold a minimum BSc in a relevant scientific field (or equivalent experience) and a NEBOSH General Certificate, IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent qualification.
2. Have significant experience in a Health & Safety leadership role within the Life Sciences industry, with a track record of driving strategic H&S initiatives.
3. Are a collaborative leader, capable of influencing at all levels, from senior management to operational teams.
4. Possess strong project management skills, with the ability to drive H&S improvements and embed best practices.
5. Have a pragmatic and solutions-focused approach, balancing regulatory compliance with operational efficiency.

With essential experience in

1. Leading H&S strategy and policy development within a regulated environment.
2. Extensive risk assessment expertise, particularly in biological safety and COSHH compliance.
3. Incident investigation and root cause analysis, ensuring effective corrective actions.
4. Developing and delivering comprehensive in-house training programs.
5. Overseeing fire safety, environmental legislation compliance, and regulated waste management.
6. Practical experience of working in a Health & Safety role within a CL2 laboratory setting.
7. Managing occupational health programs including DSE assessments.

and possibly

1. Certified in NEBOSH Diploma or a desire to qualify.
2. Membership of professional bodies such as ISTR, IOSH or the Institute of Risk Management.
3. Experience in a GMP or highly regulated manufacturing environment.
4. Familiarity with HTA, Home Office legislation, and Genetic Modification regulations.
5. Expertise in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, particularly in environmental sustainability.
6. Experience in implementing EHS programs for a biotech or life sciences company.