Health & Safety Manager – Ongoing Interim Contract

Location: Dorchester

Rate: £350 - £450 per day (Inside IR35)

Contract: Temporary Ongoing Contract

Start Date: Immediate Start Available

Working Pattern: Hybrid – 2 Days Per Week in Dorchester

Pay: Bi-weekly

Summary

Dorset Council is in search of a seasoned Health & Safety Manager to spearhead its corporate Health & Safety Service. This pivotal leadership position involves steering strategic health, safety, and wellbeing initiatives across the Council and its partner entities. The role requires managing the Health & Safety Team, offering expert advice to senior management, overseeing governance and assurance processes, and fostering a robust health, safety, and wellbeing culture within the organization. This position presents a unique opportunity to shape corporate strategy, drive service enhancements, and ensure compliance with statutory and best practice standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and guide the Health & Safety Team to deliver exceptional service.
  
• Formulate and execute Health & Safety strategies, policies, and procedures.
  
• Offer strategic counsel and professional support to senior managers and stakeholders.
  
• Lead governance, performance reporting, and corporate assurance for Health & Safety.
  
• Identify, manage, and mitigate health and safety risks across the Council.
  
• Develop and sustain effective audit, inspection, and assurance frameworks.
  
• Monitor legislative changes and evaluate their impact on Council operations.
  
• Conduct investigations into serious incidents, accidents, and near misses.
  
• Collaborate with external regulators and enforcement authorities as needed.
  
• Foster organizational ownership of health, safety, and wellbeing through coaching and engagement.
  
• Provide training, guidance, and support to managers and staff.
  
• Support broader People & Workforce initiatives and organizational transformation programs.
  
• Engage actively with trade unions, service managers, and stakeholders on health and safety issues.
  
• Attend and lead relevant internal and external meetings and governance forums.
  
• Contribute to corporate risk management strategies.
  

Leadership Responsibilities

• Inspire, motivate, and develop the Health & Safety Team.
  
• Establish clear objectives and performance expectations.
  
• Conduct performance management, coaching, and development activities.
  
• Advocate for innovation, service improvement, and cultural change.
  
• Foster an inclusive and supportive work environment.
  
• Support staff wellbeing and continuous professional development.
  

Essential

Requirements:

• NEBOSH Diploma in Occupational Safety & Health or equivalent professional qualification.
  
• Evidence of working towards Chartered Health & Safety Practitioner status.
  
• Minimum of five GCSEs (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics.
  
• Extensive post-qualification Health & Safety experience, ideally in a large organization.
  
• Proven experience in leading Health & Safety services and teams.
  
• Experience in developing and implementing policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.
  
• Proficiency in conducting audits, inspections, and investigations.
  
• Strong knowledge of Health & Safety legislation and best practices.
  
• Experience in delivering training and coaching to managers.
  
• Experience in leading service improvement and organizational change initiatives.
  
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
  

Desirable

• Experience in the Public Sector or Local Government.
  
• Experience advising senior leadership teams and elected members.
  
• Chartered Member of IOSH (or nearing completion).
  
• Experience managing Health & Safety within complex multi-service organizations.
  

What's on Offer?

• £350 - £450 per day (Inside IR35)
  
• Ongoing Interim Contract
  
• Hybrid Working
  
• 2 Days Per Week in Dorchester
  
• Immediate Start Available
  
• Bi-weekly Pay
  
• Opportunity to lead a key corporate Health & Safety function.
  
• Strategic leadership role with significant organizational impact.
  
• Exposure to governance, transformation, risk management, and wellbeing initiatives.
  

This role is ideal for individuals with experience as a Health & Safety Manager, Head of Health & Safety, Health & Safety Business Partner, Corporate Health & Safety Manager, Senior Health & Safety Advisor, Health & Safety Lead, Health & Wellbeing Manager, or Occupational Safety Manager.