Health and Safety Manager

About the Role

Who are we, and what do we do?

You may not have heard of us, but there's a good chance you've enjoyed our products. Avara Foods is one of the UK's leading food businesses, supplying chicken and turkey to the country's major supermarkets and well-known restaurants.

We own and manage our entire supply chain, from farms to factory and all the way to the customer door - meaning we have careers that cover a whole range of functions. We have major processing sites across England and Wales, and an agricultural network of over 350 farms, spanning from North Yorkshire to the South Coast and Wales.

About the Role

Are you passionate about Health and Safety? Looking for a new challenge? Do you have experience or qualifications in the management of Health and Safety?

As an inclusive, forward thinking business, we take pride in our approach to investing in our people and operations across Avara Foods and are looking for a highly competent and motivated Health and Safety Manager to support our site in Brackley, Northamptonshire.

A fast-paced, dynamic FMCG factory environment which is noisy and refrigerated in some areas, manufacturing short shelf life products where hygiene standards are critical.The role is office based but you will be required to spend regular time in the factory.

You will be working Monday to Friday 08:00-17:00

What will you be doing as a Health and Safety Manager at Avara?

As a Health and Safety Manager, you'll be responsible for ensuring that managers, colleagues, contractors, and visitors operate safely and in line with current legislation, Avara standards, and industry best practice.

You will act as key partner to the Senior Management Team to develop, maintain, and continually improve a robust Health & Safety Management System. You will lead the implementation of safe working practices, support behavioural change, and champion a positive, high-performing safety culture across the Brackley site.

What will your key responsibilities as a Health and Safety Manager include?

• Champion a positive, engaging, and forward-looking Health & Safety culture across the Brackley site.
• Influence and coach leaders and managers, ensuring Health & Safety responsibilities are clearly understood and effectively executed.
• Support the site SMT with strategic safety planning, performance reviews, and improvement initiatives.
• Lead the annual programme of generic and specific risk assessments; ensure accurate documentation and prioritisation of corrective actions.
• Manage the non-conformance corrective action plan and collaborate with operational teams to eliminate or reduce key risks.
• Ensure Safety Inspections, internal audits and compliance checks are carried out in accordance with the agreed schedule.
• Support safe installation and commissioning of equipment by working closely with Engineering and site leadership team.
• Lead thorough accident, incident and near-miss investigations; ensure learnings are shared and embedded.
• Complete, maintain, and monitor accurate accident/incident documentation, supporting the management of insurance claims and external queries.
• Produce clear, actionable reports and safety insights for site leadership.
• Work collaboratively across Health & Safety, HR, Occupational Health and Operational teams to deliver consistent standards, effective training and competency.
• Liaise with Occupational Health to monitor trends, analyse data and support targeted interventions.
• Work with external stakeholders, including regulators such as the HSE, ensuring site readiness and confidence in compliance.
• Support the design, delivery and coordination of Health & Safety training, ensuring colleagues have the right competencies for their roles.
• Assist with site-wide training records and scheduling to ensure compliance against requirements.
• Conduct Health & Safety surveys (noise, dust, lighting, COSHH etc.) and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Keep up to date with new and emerging legislation, HSE guidance and industry developments.
• Monitor trends and performance indicators to drive continuous improvement.

What you'll need to be successful Essential

• NEBOSH qualification (Diploma desirable, Certificate essential)
• Strong experience in Health & Safety Management, including behavioural safety and change management
• Working knowledge of H & S Management Systems and digital reporting tools
• Experience engaging with regulators, such as the HSE, EA, BSI and Fire Department
• Excellent communication, coaching, and relationship-building skills
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• A proactive, accountable individual who can influence at all levels and embed high standards and take accountability for responsibilities under their remit
• Objective driven and able to monitor progression of tasks and coach others where required to aid completion
• Full UK driving licence

Desirable

• NEBOSH Diploma or Higher level H&S Qualification
• Membership of a professional safety body
• FMCG background or strong knowledge of the Food industry

The benefits of working for Avara Foods

As a Health and Safety Manager, you will enjoy a secure, supportive and progressive working environment, where your contribution and achievements will be recognised and rewarded.

We offer comprehensive training as well as continuous development as you build your long-term career with us. You can also look forward to benefits that amongst other things, include the following:

• From £55,000per annum
• 33days holiday allowance
• Straight forward pension contribution of 6%
• Subsidised staff canteen serving hot food
• Staff shop / staff sales at hugely discounted prices
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to our Employee Benefit Scheme, which includes unlimited remote GP appointments and unlimited mental health sessions, physiotherapy sessions, medical second opinion consultation, and other discounts and perks, such as savings & discounts on weekly costs.

Ts & Cs apply

What happens after you apply for this role?

After you've applied, you'll be contacted in due course by a Resourcing Team Lead at our Brackley site, to discuss your application and CV further. There'll also be a chance for you to ask us any questions you may have about the role.

If you're ready to work in a dynamic environment alongside talented people who take pride in delivering great results, apply today!

We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer.

INDHP