Health and Safety Manager

Monaghan, Ireland Posted on 13/11/2025

Health and Safety Manager

Job Role

To lead develop and implement a robust Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) management system across the processing facility. The postholder will ensure compliance with Irish legislation, industry standards, and company policies while promoting a strong safety culture in a high-volume FMCG production environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain the company's Health and Safety Policy and site specific procedures in line with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, relevant Regulations, and Codes of Practice.
• Conduct and regularly review comprehensive risk assessments and safe systems of work across all areas, including high-risk processing, chemical use, cold storage, and cleaning operations.
• Lead accident and incident investigations, ensuring root cause analysis and timely corrective and preventive actions.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all incidents, near-misses, audits, inspections, and training.
• Ensure compliance with requirements from the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and local authorities.

Training and Development

• Develop and deliver site-wide health, safety, and environmental training, including inductions, manual handling, PPE use, machinery safety, fire safety, and chemical awareness.
• Provide guidance and coaching to supervisors and line managers to ensure effective safety leadership and accountability.
• Promote a positive safety culture through toolbox talks, safety campaigns, and regular communication.

Auditing and Compliance

• Conduct regular safety and environmental audits and inspections throughout production, packaging, cold storage, engineering, and dispatch areas.
• Prepare for and coordinate external inspections and audits by the HSA, DAFM, customers, or certification bodies (e.g. BRCGS, ISO 45001).
• Monitor compliance with environmental standards, including waste management, effluent control, and energy efficiency.

Contractor and Equipment Safety

• Manage contractor safety processes, including permits-to-work, method statements, and induction procedures.
• Ensure machinery and equipment comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, particularly in relation to mechanical guarding, ergonomics, and maintenance.
• Oversee statutory inspections and ensure all plant, equipment, and safety systems are properly maintained and documented.

Reporting and Continuous Improvement

• Produce monthly HSE performance reports, KPIs, and updates for senior management review.
• Identify and drive opportunities for continuous improvement in health, safety, and environmental performance.
• Stay up to date with Irish legislation, HSA guidance, and best practices within the food processing and FMCG sectors.

Person Specification

• Relevant Health and Safety Qualification, e.g. Level 7 Diploma, NISO Certificate, or equivalent recognised under Irish standards.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a food manufacturing or FMCG environment (preferably meat, poultry, or fish processing).
• Strong knowledge of Irish health, safety, and environmental legislation.
• Proven experience in risk assessment, accident investigation, and audit management.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and influencing skills.
• Competent in Microsoft Office and HSE management systems.
• Membership of IOSH, NISO, or IIRSM (GradIOSH/CMIOSH desirable).
• Experience working with BRCGS, ISO 45001, and ISO 14001 standards.
• First Aid Responder and Fire Marshal training.