Health and Safety Manager - Distribution

The Opportunity:

JD Sports Fashion PLC are an International FTSE 100 company seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Health and Safety Professional to lead an established team within a fast moving semi-automated Distribution Centre.

The Kingsway DC in Rochdale is the main hub for the Group and supplies product to the UK and continental Europe.  Covering nearly 1 million square feet, the warehouse is one of the largest in the UK.

The Group also operates warehouse and distribution facilities across a range of subsiduary companies and the role includes periodically auditing these sites against Group standards, as well as providing advice, guidance and support to the on-site teams.

With Brexit imminent, the Group is looking at smaller distribution hubs within Europe and Ireland and this role will be involved in setting up and managing health and safety across these site.

The Person:

You will be an experienced and enthusiastic Health and Safety Professional with a genuine passion for your craft and a keen desire to make a difference.

Working closely with the Operational teams is key and you will have the ability to influence change and promote best practice at all levels in a challenging environment.

Your professionalism will make you a highly visible and integral member of the existing on site teams.

Key Duties/Responsibilities:

• Leading the delivery of continual improvement in Health and Safety practice and a positive Health and Safety culture throughout the site
• Working closely with the experienced and established Operational teams to embed the Health and Safety message and behaviours
• Managing and improving the accredited Safety Management System
• Managing a team of two Health and Safety Officers
• Ensuring accidents are thoroughly investigated to establish root cause and corrective actions to prevent reoccurrence
• Ensuring detailed reports are provided for the monthly Health and Safety Committee Meeting and giving expert advice on best practice to the business
• Controlling the process of inducting, managing and monitoring Contractors attending site including the issuing of permits and vetting of Risk Assessments and Method Statements
• Ensuring regular safety tours of the DC are conducted responding to findings as necessary and producing detailed reports for Operations and Senior Management colleagues
• Producing detailed risk assessments for all tasks and areas of the site ensuring assessments are reviewed periodically
• Assisting with the management of site safety representatives offering advice and guidance when required
• Working closely with the on-site Building Services team to ensure all tasks are completed safely
• Periodically auditing the safety systems and procedures of any third party contractors based permanently on site
• Periodically auditing and inspecting other Group warehousing sites
• Performing any ad hoc duties that the Group Retail and Distribution Safety Manager might reasonably request

Skills/Experience/Knowledge required:

• Qualified to NEBOSH Diploma level (although unqualified candidates with suitable experience will be considered)
• Experience of working in a safety related role within a distribution environment desirable
• Ability to build strong relationships both internally and externally
• A genuine passion for health & safety
• Flexible approach to working hours
• Distribution, Logistical, Warehousing experience is essential

Please click the “Apply” button to send your CV and cover letter.