Health and Safety Manager

Working Hours: 35 Hours per week, full time
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 17 September 2025
Interview method: in person

This role is subject to -  

• 2 references - where possible, we require 3 years' history
• Qualification - Level 6 qualification in Occupational Health and Safety, e.g. NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent.
• Professional membership - Certified Member or above IOSH
• Casual Car Documentation - The successful candidate will be a designated Casual Car User which means that car journeys may be necessary on an occasional basis, but are not essential to the role. If you do drive, you must always hold a full valid driving licence and provide your own car for use at work, as well as provide all the appropriate documentation. You will receive an allowance per mile of business use.
• DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance - this post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013). Appointable candidates will be required to apply for a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Information provided by you or the DBS will be dealt with in a confidential manner and in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice. We have a policy on the Employment of Ex-Offenders and it is available upon request.  

• LGC Council of the Year 2022
• Disability Confident Leader – the highest level of accreditation
• Best Employer for Health & Wellbeing – Good Employment Charter Awards 2024
• A proud member of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter

• Lead and deliver a multi-year programme of health and safety work across high-risk and complex service areas.
• Provide expert advice, guidance, and challenge to senior leaders, helping shape strategic decisions and ensure legal compliance.
• Develop and implement policies, frameworks, standards, and training to manage health and safety risks effectively.
• Investigate complex incidents, identify root causes, and drive service improvements through lessons learned.
• Represent the Council in multi-agency forums, enforcement discussions, and court proceedings where required.
• Influence and support cultural change by embedding robust governance and continuous improvement in health and safety practices.
• Manage and develop a team of officers, building capacity and capability across the service.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• A qualified health and safety professional (Level 6 qualification, e.g. NEBOSH Diploma) and a Certified Member of IOSH or above.
• Experienced in managing complex health and safety services, ideally in a large or public sector organisation.
• A confident communicator and strategic thinker, able to influence senior stakeholders and drive change.
• Skilled in analysing risk, planning resources, and delivering high-quality services aligned to organisational goals.
• Committed to equity, inclusion, and the Our Manchester values.

What You’ll Bring

• Proven experience leading complex health and safety programmes and investigations.
• Strong track record in policy development, training, and assurance frameworks.
• People management experience and the ability to build high-performing teams.
• Experience providing expert advice across a wide range of services and risk areas.
• The ability to Influence decision-making through evidence, insight, and collaboration.

What You’ll Get

• A stimulating, fast-paced role with real impact across Manchester.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, flexible working arrangements, and hybrid working options.
• Generous leave entitlements, discounted travel schemes, and ongoing professional development.

Ready to Apply?

To apply, please complete the full application process and submit an Expression of Interest (max 2 A4 pages) outlining your suitability and motivation for the role. Your application must include evidence of:

• A Level 6 qualification in Occupational Health and Safety (e.g. NEBOSH Diploma).
• Certified IOSH membership (or above).
• Experience delivering health and safety services in complex environments.
• Alignment with the Our Manchester Values and core competencies:
• Communication
• Analytical Thinking
• Planning & Organising
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Strategic Thinking
• People Management

Interviews will take place in the weeks beginning 06/10/25.

If you are interested in applying and want to find out more about the role, contact Simon Gardiner ([email protected]) for an informal discussion.

For more information, please refer to the Role Profile.

We’re the local council for one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse cities. 

Working for Manchester isn’t just a job – it’s an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether it’s strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you’ll play a vital role in creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone. 

Our Manchester is our vision for a fairer, greener, and healthier city – a vision shaped by the people of Manchester. It guides everything we do at the Council and is brought to life through the Our Manchester behaviours:

• We take time to listen and understand
• We work together and trust each other
• We show that we value our differences and treat each other fairly
• We ‘own it’ and we’re not afraid to try new things
• We’re proud and passionate about Manchester

Benefits we offer 

• Generous holiday allowance - Enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays. Increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. Want more leave? You can purchase up to two additional weeks. 
• A buzzing pension - You’ll be enrolled in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme, with plenty of options to top up your benefits. Includes life cover of three-times your salary as a lump sum. 
• Enhanced parental and carers leave - Take advantage of our enhanced family leave options, designed to provide ample time for you to bond with your new born or support your family during critical life events. 
• Brilliant perks - Access a range of discounts, from saving on the weekly shop to holidays and days out with MCR+. Plus discounts on phone contracts, cycle to work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests, and more. 
• Learn and grow - We are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing you with the tools to thrive. Take part in a diverse set of learning opportunities, from workshops and training sessions through to apprenticeships and qualifications. All this begins with our comprehensive onboarding process. 
• A Good Employment Charter member - We are committed to offering secure, flexible work and embedding fairness into everything we do. We review pay annually, recognize three trade unions, and are constantly working to offer the best possible health and wellbeing support throughout all stages of your working life. 
• Up to 3 days volunteering leave - Give back to the community with three days pro-rate of paid volunteering leave, in addition to existing benefits. 

Creating an Inclusive Team at Manchester City Council 

At Manchester City Council, we’re dedicated to creating a workplace that truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds, particularly from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities, Disabled people and young people. 

Support During the Process

• Interview Adjustments: Let us know if you need any adjustments to demonstrate your suitability during the interview.
• Accessible Formats: Our ReciteMe tool can be accessed through the "Accessibility tools" button at the top of our careers page. This tool offers features like text-to-speech, translation into multiple languages, and adjustable text size and colour to make our site more accessible for everyone. 

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme 

We guarantee assessments for applicants who meet the minimum shortlisting requirements for the role and identify with at least one of the criteria below:

• Members of the Armed Forces members or veterans
• Current or former care leavers
• Have a disability or long-term condition
• If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme or any MCC positive action programme

 When You Join Us 

We’re a Disability Confident Employer, offering:

• A workplace adjustment hub which provides specialist support, advice and guidance to ensure you have the adjustments needed to thrive at work.
• Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network that provides a safe inclusive space to share experiences and opportunities to influence council practice.
• A strong commitment to ensuring all information adheres to accessibility standards and that our workplaces are accessible and disability-friendly.

For more information about the role or any adjustments, email [email protected]. 

What we will need from you if you’re successful 

In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This is not a role we consider to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route based on Manchester City Council policy. Candidates are therefore encouraged to consider their own right to work options without the requirement for Manchester City Council sponsorship.  

Pre-Employment Checks 

If you are successful in securing a position with us, the pre-employment checks required will depend on the role you’ve applied for. As a guide, these checks may include:

• Proof of Right to Work: You’ll need to provide documentary evidence of your right to work in the UK. Please note, visa sponsorship is not guaranteed for this role.
• References: We’ll require references from your current and previous employer(s).
• Proof of Qualifications: Evidence of qualifications relevant to the role will be required.
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check: A criminal record check may be necessary, depending on the role.
• Proof of Manchester Residency: For some roles, you may need to demonstrate that you reside within the boundaries of Manchester City Council.
• Police Vetting: Some roles may require police vetting to ensure suitability for accessing sensitive law enforcement systems or information.
• Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) Clearance:  BPSS clearance is primarily used for roles that involve access to government data, systems, or assets. It ensures that individuals meet basic security requirements and can be trusted with sensitive information
• Driving Licence: If the role requires driving, we’ll need evidence of your valid driving licence.

These checks are an important part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our workforce and the community we serve. 

Other relevant information 

We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best. If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we’ll make every effort to source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If, however, any task proves to be unachievable, we will look at redesigning parts of the role. 

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