Job Description

Regional Health & Safety Advisor

Regional Health & Safety Advisor \xe2\x80\x93 North East/North West

Working in a safe environment is non-negotiable at Howdens and we are looking for a Regional H&S Advisor to join our busy and focused team. Reporting into the Health & Safety Business Partner you will act as a champion for the implementation of a simple, visual and consistent Health & Safety management system across the network of Trade Depots, Solid Surface Installations and Corporate Offices. You will be working closely with Trade Operational Management and Supply stakeholders as required, this includes Safe to Trade, Safe to Fit, Safe to Support and the Contracts division.

This is a field-based role covering the North East/North West of England which will require travel and some overnight stays.

Responsibilities in brief

• Responsibility as the nominated person for health and safety issues in defined area of responsibility.
• Support the Head of Health and Safety / Health and Safety Business Partners with the development and implementation of the Trade Health and Safety Plan and change management programme.
• Ensure compliance with legislation / best practice and assist in the development of the H&S strategy and standards across Trade and Corporate Offices.
• Lead the implementation of the Safe to Trade programme
• Provide support and training to Regional Directors, Area and Depot Managers in the use of the H&S systems
• Manage specific issues requiring a Health and Safety input as raised by the Property Department
• Ensure effective follow up on: formal audits (when required), environmental Health Officer/Fire Officer visits and accidents and incidents
• Formally respond to Environmental Health Officers and Fire Officers on behalf of the Company to prevent enforcement action being taken against the Company
• Assist the team with regard to the development of new health and safety policies, guidance, safe systems of work etc.
• Compiling personal risk assessments and display screen assessments for members of staff experiencing health issues or following long term absence
• Undertaking benchmarking with and against other companies systems to ensure best practice is in place.

• Development and delivery of health and safety training courses for Regional Directors, Area Managers, Depot Managers, Assistant Managers and Handymen and specific training courses as and when required to support the online offering.
• Provide health and safety advice to Regional Directors, Area Managers, Depot Managers, Depot Assistant Managers, Installation Managers and Handymen working in area of responsibility.
• Support other departments during the course of business and providing reciprocal cover for health and safety advice in colleagues area during the absence of colleague.
• Carry out visits to new/relocated depots
• Complete visits to all depots in area of responsibility on a risk rating schedule on a defined rolling programme.
• Monitor accident/incident statistics.
• Liaising with QA over proposed new products and quality/safety issues
• Involvement with the answering of queries from stakeholders
• Manage the planning and organisation of H&S training and awareness programmes
• Ensure collaboration and sharing of best practice
• Conducting Solid Surface inspections and audits for Howdens Teams and Subcontractors as required.
• Positively contribute to the H&S Working Groups e.g. the Trade and Supply Operational Health and Safety Group
• Assist with the delivery of a bespoke IOSH Managing Safety Package to Senior Management

• Excellent people and project management skills
• Compelling presentation skills and document presentation
• Excellent formal report writing skills
• Strong understanding of department requirements
• Strong communication skills with stakeholders of all levels
• Ability to exercise impartiality and confidentiality especially when undertaking investigations
• Competent in Microsoft office, specifically Work Excel and PowerPoint
• Ability to juggle conflicting priorities
• Excellent time management skills
• Hold or working towards NEBOSH Diploma
• Previous experience in a retail / logistics environment

Howdens Joinery