Job Details

Health and Safety Operations Manager

opsav
  • £40,000-£45,000
  • Avonmouth, Bristol
  • Permanent
  • Full Time

Location: Bristol Port, Avonmouth
Contract: Full-time | Permanent

The Opportunity

This is a senior leadership role with dual responsibility for Health & Safety and Operational Management at a busy port and warehouse facility in Avonmouth.

You will lead the site’s Health & Safety strategy, ensuring full regulatory compliance while driving a strong, proactive safety culture. Alongside this, you will oversee all operational activity — from vessel discharge through to customer delivery — ensuring efficiency, compliance, and high service standards across the supply chain.

You will also act as the primary operational liaison with Bristol Port authorities, maintaining strong working relationships and ensuring all port-related activities are managed professionally and effectively.

Key Responsibilities Health & Safety Leadership (Primary Focus)

  • Act as the lead authority for Health & Safety compliance across UK operations
  • Ensure full compliance with UK H&S legislation, industry standards, and company policies
  • Develop, implement, and maintain Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS)
  • Conduct regular inspections, audits, and risk reviews
  • Lead incident investigations, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions
  • Deliver inductions, toolbox talks, and ongoing safety training
  • Maintain accurate compliance documentation and reporting
  • Liaise with external consultants, inspectors, and regulatory authorities
  • Promote and embed a strong safety-first culture across teams and contractors

Operational & Supply Chain Management

  • Oversee the full operational cycle from vessel discharge to final customer delivery
  • Coordinate vessel unloading to ensure efficient turnaround and minimise demurrage
  • Manage warehouse inventory, stock control, and storage optimisation
  • Plan and schedule loading operations to meet delivery targets
  • Monitor and report on KPIs including throughput, efficiency, and service levels
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives across operations

Port & Regulatory Compliance

  • Act as the primary liaison with Bristol Port authorities and service providers
  • Ensure adherence to all port rules, procedures, and documentation requirements
  • Coordinate pilotage, stevedoring, and terminal services
  • Manage permits, submissions, and regulatory documentation
  • Stay informed of regulatory or operational changes impacting port activities
  • Resolve operational or compliance issues effectively and professionally

Team Leadership & Workforce Management

  • Lead and supervise warehouse and operational personnel (permanent and agency)
  • Oversee forklift and handling operations to ensure safe working practices
  • Conduct performance reviews and development planning
  • Coordinate temporary labour requirements with recruitment agencies
  • Ensure all staff maintain appropriate certifications and competency standards
  • Foster a collaborative, accountable, and safety-focused working culture

Equipment & Asset Management

  • Ensure all plant and operational equipment is safe and compliant
  • Manage maintenance schedules and service provider relationships
  • Monitor machinery performance and lifecycle planning
  • Maintain inspection records and servicing documentation
  • Support planning for upgrades and capital investment

Governance & Environmental Compliance

  • Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
  • Uphold anti-bribery and ethical standards
  • Support environmental and sustainability initiatives
  • Maintain professional relationships with all external stakeholders

About You

  • NEBOSH qualified (or equivalent) – essential
  • Degree in Operations, Logistics, Engineering or equivalent experience
  • Strong experience in Health & Safety leadership within logistics, industrial, or port environments
  • Proven operational management experience within warehouse or supply chain settings
  • In-depth knowledge of UK H&S legislation and compliance frameworks
  • Experience developing RAMS and leading safety audits
  • Strong leadership, organisational, and stakeholder management skills
  • Able to perform effectively in a fast-paced, operational environment
  • Experience in port or maritime logistics (desirable)
  • Knowledge of bulk construction materials handling (advantageous)
  • Forklift certification (desirable but not essential for management level)

This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established organisation in a pivotal leadership role, combining strategic safety oversight with hands-on operational management.

Please apply below if you are interested!

Catherine Worso Senior Recruitment Consultant

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