QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in occupational health and safety, Environmental Health, or a related field.
• NEBOSH Certificate or equivalent qualification (advanced Diploma Level 6)
• Proven experience as a Health & Safety Manager, preferably within the catering or hospitality sector.
• Strong knowledge of allergy management and investigation.
• Level 4 Award in Managing Food Safety in Catering.
• In-depth knowledge of health and safety regulations and best practices.
• Experience with ISO 9001 & 14001 governance and the audit process.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Excel and Power BI

PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

HCL is a leading provider of education catering services to schools in Hertfordshire and surrounding Counties. We are expanding our services to commercial businesses within and beyond Hertfordshire.
HCL are committed to the highest standards of health and safety and food safety for our employees and clients.
The Health & Safety Manager will develop, implement, and maintain health and safety policies and procedures, and will lead on the ISO 9001/14001 accreditation audits and governance.
Ensuring a safe working environment across all catering operations and office sites, this role also supports the Training & Standards Manager in delivering professional and nationally recognised qualifications to meet business needs in a supportive and dynamic environment. The Health & Safety Manager will be the face of people safety in our organisation.

KEY DUTIES:

• Develop and implement health and safety policies and procedures in compliance with legal requirements and industry standards.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and audits to identify potential hazards and implement corrective actions.
• Provide training and guidance to staff on health and safety practices, including emergency procedures and the safe use of equipment/PPE.
• Investigate accidents, incidents, and near-misses, including allergy and food incidents/investigations and prepare detailed reports with recommendations for prevention. Access to a personal vehicle and a willingness to travel across Herts and surrounding counties is essential.
• Ensure all catering facilities and equipment meet health and safety regulations.
• Liaise with external agencies and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with health and safety/food safety legislation.
• Maintain accurate records of health and safety activities, including inspections, incident reports, RIDDOR reporting and monthly data collection for SLT.
• Promote a culture of food safety and health and safety awareness for continuous improvement within the organisation.
• Collaborate with procurement, training and operational teams to ensure the availability of appropriate PPE that meets regulatory compliance.