Health, Safety & Facilities Manager Essex

We are seeking an experienced Health Safety and Facilities Manager to join our award-winning clients multi-site retail business which operates across Suffolk and Norfolk.

This is a full-time permanent position and would suit someone who wants to lead a senior strategic H&S and Facilities function within a growing independent business.

The role is based in Tiptree Essex with regular travel to three other sites in Suffolk and Essex. Youll need to be a visible on-site presence but there is flexibility for some hybrid working and around core working hours.

The salary offered is between 50000 - 60000 per annum dependent on relevant experience skills and qualifications.

Reporting to one of the Directors and with a headcount of one this role has arisen due to the retirement of the previous Health & Safety Manager. Facilities Management has been tied into the role to support the business in its next phase of growth.

As Health Safety & Facilities Manager youll own the H&S and facilities function across the whole business. Youll set the strategy shape the culture ensure the systems are the best they can be and make every site a safe and pleasant place to shop dine and work.

You wont be alone with the detail. The Facilities Officer already conducts routine statutory checks (legionella fire safety and similar) and youll work closely with HR Comms and senior and department managers. Were committed to making the most of technology AI tools video (Loom) and design tools (Canva) so that H&S admin is light-touch and what you produce is genuinely useful to the people reading it.

The focus of the role will centre around:

• • Lead the H&S strategy for the business with a planned proactive approach rather than a reactive one
  • Build a positive H&S culture that lives inside everyday behaviour
  • Act as an enabler not a barrier helping managers and teams do the right thing with confidence
  • Work closely with HR and Comms so H&S dovetails with the companys vision and values
  • Ensure that each garden centre site is well-maintained safe and provides a wow customer experience
  • Build on the existing culture of investing in repairs and renewals helping to set annual budgets to make continuous improvements whilst reducing costs

• • Review and develop the H&S management system so it is genuinely fit for purpose not reliant on Word docs spreadsheets and paper records.
  • Define and source the right digital tools and software to support compliance training reporting and day-to-day H&S admin.
  • Use AI video and design tools creatively to make H&S materials accessible memorable and easy to act on.
  • Keep risk assessments safe systems of work COSHH assessments and related documentation up to date clear and usable.
  • Manage the Facilities function comprising of both permanent staff and contractors
  • Mentor and manage the Facilities Officer and work with them to improve the effectiveness of the Teams tracker and feedback/response times
  • Balance reactive repairs vs. proactive/maintenance tasks and develop a PPM schedule
  • Lead on contractor on-site management working with relevant managers

• Design and deliver in-house H&S training using a mix of formats so learning feels relevant not a boring tick-box.
• Produce regular H&S communications (newsletters briefings campaign material) that keeps safety front of mind for managers and their teams.
• Be visible and directive with the management team
• Upskill line managers with clear expectations tools and templates so they own H&S confidently in their areas.
• Work closely with relevant duty managers to ensure urgent repairs can happen at weekends and ensure all managers feel well supported by the facilities team

• Ensure all legislative requirements are met across all sites and activities including emergency procedures first aid training records and statutory checks
• Investigate accidents incidents and near-misses and drive the process changes and lessons learned that come out of them
• Manage external H&S advisors and external audits and close out actions promptly
• Provide timely reports for the Leadership Team and the Board with clear commentary and recommended next steps

• Respond to changing internal and external factors new legislation business developments new activities ahead of the curve
• Gather data from a range of sources to inform priorities and projects
• Champion Competency Controls Cooperation as the shorthand for how we keep people safe
• Look for opportunities to improve supplier contracts either to save money or to improve the service we receive. Take the lead on utilities and energy management

As the business continues to grow this role is about building strong foundations: shaping culture supporting managers and keeping pace with change across the sites. If you enjoy continuous improvement leading positive change and turning good practice into a strong culture youll enjoy working in this business.

• NEBOSH General Certificate or NVQ equivalent
• Member of IOSH or IIRSM
• Experience of working in retail or customer/public-facing low risk environments
• An experienced H&S and facilities operator comfortable making strategic decisions and closing out individual actions
• Experience of line management; enjoys mentoring and helping workers feel confident in their abilities
• An inspiring role model with excellent communication and influencing skills able to win hearts and minds as well as set policy
• Excellent standard of English strong IT and technology skills and a good level of maths
• Confident using Microsoft 365 and digital H&S systems
• Willing and able to work across sites in Tiptree (primary base) Sudbury and Buckhatch (full driving licence and own vehicle)

• NEBOSH Diploma NCRQ Level 6 or NVQ equivalent
• Experience within an independent or family business or a business with a varied mix of roles and environments
• Demonstrable use of tools such as Canva Loom and AI to improve systems processes and internal communications
• Experience working across multiple sites and with frontline customer-facing teams

Please apply to Kate Howes through our website or alternatively you can email a copy of your CV to

We aim to respond with specific feedback to every applicant via email within 14 days. However as we are a small two-person independent agency if we are extremely busy this may take longer. If you would like feedback sooner then feel free to contact us via email and we will come back to you ASAP.