Howdens is looking for a Safety, Health & Environmental (SHE) Business Partner to join our manufacturing site in Howden, East Riding of Yorkshire. This is a new and exciting opportunity driven by continued investment in both our Howden site and the ongoing development of our health and safety culture and team.
In this role, you will be one of two people who provide expert safety, health, and environmental (SHE) management support to our manufacturing operations at Howden and in the surrounding area. As a key influencer within our manufacturing footprint, the SHE Business Partner will work at every level to foster and achieve an ‘Excelling’ H&S culture. We are looking for someone who can provide a high-quality ‘Business-Partner’ style service designed to provide effective leadership, advice and guidance at a strategic, tactical and operational level within the site. Additionally, the business partner will ensure compliance with internal systems, legislative requirements, and external certification standards, while proactively identifying risks, evaluating site controls, and monitoring the effectiveness of SHE systems.
The SHE Business Partner role has a remit to work with and support Senior, Middle and Lower management teams, developing and championing annual safety plans, best practice, developing cohesive solutions to operational SHE challenges and championing continuous improvement and positive leadership behaviours. The role will play a crucial part in the site implementing aspects of a safety culture change programme, the objective of which is to lead the function in achieving and sustaining an interdependent/excelling safety culture based on Howdens Blueprint for Safety Excellence and SAFER Together values.

ABOUT US:

Howdens Joinery is the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier providing thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware. We have over 900 depots throughout the UK and Europe – making us the first choice for more than 460,000 loyal trade professionals. With an ambitious and credible growth plan, we continue to build on our £2.2 billion sales made last year.
There is a strong entrepreneurial ethos and the opportunity to develop within a fast-paced and commercial environment. That, along with a competitive salary, development opportunities, and exciting rewards, are among the reasons why our people enjoy working for Howdens – and why we have been named as one of the 10 Best Big Companies to Work For.

WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING AS A SHE BUSINESS PARTNER:

Reporting to the Senior SHE Manager, you will be the Site Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Safety, Health, and Environmental compliance. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Driving a positive safety culture, influencing change, and promoting best practices across the site and with key site stakeholders.
• Helping to set the site strategy and direction for SHE and establishing key objectives.
• Providing expert advice on all SHE matters, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and internal systems.
• Conducting SHE inspections and audits to identify risks and drive continuous improvements.
• Monitoring site adherence to key SHE performance indicators.
• Supporting local site teams with the development of Risk Assessments and Safe Systems of Work.
• Supporting incident investigation and managers in implementing corrective actions.
• Developing and delivering training to ensure teams are equipped with the necessary SHE knowledge.
• Liaising with regulatory bodies, ensuring the site meets all compliance and industry standards.
• Overseeing occupational health and hygiene monitoring, ensuring the well-being of all employees.