Direct Services Health, Safety, Environment & Quality Manager

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for safety, quality, and environmental excellence?

We are seeking an experienced Health, Safety, Environment & Quality Manager to lead the development and implementation of robust management systems across our Direct Services portfolio which include property, recreation, estates, projects, and waste management.

This is a pivotal role where you will shape the future of Health, Safety, Environment compliance and culture, ensuring our services operate at peak productivity while meeting the highest standards of legislation and best practice.

You will be responsible for leading the implementation and maintenance of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHAS 18001 certifications and provide expert advice on health, safety, environmental and quality matters across all service areas, which include:

Developing and maintaining auditable systems and inspection regimes
Overseeing contractor management and ensuring compliance across service contracts
Delivering training and promoting proactive Health, Safety, Environment and Quality culture
Supporting bid writing and funding applications
Investigating adverse events and liaising with relevant authorities

To be confident in this role it is essential that you are a flexible and innovative thinker, have NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety, an ISO Auditor Qualification and have:

Proven experience managing Health, Safety, Environment & Quality within a ground maintenance or similar environment
Strong understanding of relevant legislation and regulatory frameworks
Excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills
Ability to implement systems and procedures for quality and environment within a grounds maintenance contract/service.
Knowledge and implementation of appropriate legislation

Should the successful candidate hold the appropriate qualifications and experience, there may be scope to take on the role of Responsible Person for Fire Safety on behalf of the Council. This additional responsibility would attract a supplementary remuneration of £3,000 per annum.

This is more than a compliance role – this is a chance to influence culture, shape systems, and leave a lasting impact on public services. You will be part of a forward-thinking team committed to excellence, safety, and sustainability.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact James Laidlaw on 01233 330346

Click to view a Job Description

To apply Internal applicants – please apply by logging into self-service and click on `current vacancies`

When Applying Please ensure that you have received confirmation of a submitted application once completed. For any assistance in completing the application form, please email recruitment@ashford.gov.uk

Hybrid Working - We are an organisation that puts people first and understands how important employee wellbeing is. We want to help you to balance your working life and home life and offer flexible ways of working to help structure your life in a positive and productive way; both at home and in the office. This maximises personal development and collaborative working. Competitive remuneration package - We offer an excellent salary linked pension scheme, generous annual leave with flexi time, free life insurance, supportive relocation package and opportunities for training and development.

With devolution news and talks evolving across the country for local authorities, we understand that there may be some uncertainty for those currently serving within the sector. Although Kent and Medway have not been included in the Devolution Priority Programme, discussions continue in this area. Kent, Medway and all District and Borough Councils in the South East will continue to work closely with each other to deliver vital services to our communities. This is an exciting, but stable time to join our organisation.

Ashford Borough Council recognises the need to ensure the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults when they come into contact with the services we provide

We welcome applications form the Armed Forces Community