Health and Safety Lead (Operations)

About the role

Panda is seeking an experienced Health and Safety Lead to support its Collections, Operations and Processing teams. This hands‑on position will act as the technical safety authority across specialist risk areas such as machinery, electrical, fire and work‑at‑height safety, helping the business stay ahead of regulatory and industry expectations.

Key responsibilities

• Lead technical safety for machinery, electrical, fire and work‑at‑height risk areas.
• Develop, maintain and improve safety standards, procedures and guidance.
• Provide expert advice and practical support to operational, engineering and project teams.
• Conduct specialist risk reviews, audits and assurance activities across sites.
• Monitor emerging risks, legislation and best practice in waste, recycling and industrial sectors.
• Analyse safety data to identify trends, risks and improvement opportunities.
• Produce reports, dashboards and insight papers for senior leadership.
• Lead or support investigations into incidents, near‑misses and high‑potential events.
• Deliver regular site visits to build local safety capability and coach managers and frontline staff.
• Collaborate with H&S Business Partners, SHEQ teams and operational leaders to ensure consistent safety standards.

Required profile

• Significant experience in health and safety within industrial, recycling, manufacturing, engineering or logistics environments.
• Strong knowledge of specialist risk areas such as machinery, electrical, fire and work‑at‑height safety.
• Proven experience leading or supporting incident investigations and root‑cause analysis.
• Ability to translate safety data into clear actions and recommendations.
• Confidence presenting information to senior stakeholders.
• NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent (or working towards).
• IOSH membership or equivalent professional membership.

Required skills

• Machinery safety
• Electrical safety
• Fire safety
• Work‑at‑height safety
• Incident investigation
• Safety data analysis