Job Description

Lead Safety Excellence in a High-Growth Manufacturing Environment

Location Cork

I am currently partnering with a highly successful Cork-based manufacturing organisation that is entering a significant phase of scale-up and transformation.

As the business continues to expand operations, invest in new processes and strengthen its leadership structure, they are now looking to appoint a Head of Health & Safety to lead and evolve the EHS function across the site.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious Health & Safety professional who wants more than a “maintenance” role. The successful candidate will have the chance to genuinely shape the future direction of safety, culture and compliance within a growing organisation where EHS has strong visibility and backing from senior leadership.

You will take ownership of the entire EHS function, leading a small team while helping the business build best-in-class safety standards during an exciting growth journey.

The Role

Reporting directly into the senior leadership team, you will play a key role in driving Environmental, Health & Safety strategy across the facility while supporting operational growth and continuous improvement initiatives.

This position will suit someone who enjoys operating both strategically and hands-on, someone comfortable influencing at leadership level while also engaging closely with teams across manufacturing, engineering and operations.

Key areas of focus will include:

• Leading and developing the site EHS function
• Driving a proactive, safety-first culture across the organisation
• Managing compliance with Irish, European, and corporate EHS standards
• Supporting business transformation and operational change projects
• Developing risk reduction and continuous improvement programmes
• Partnering with Engineering and Operations on new processes and site developments
• Leading audits, investigations, reporting, and environmental initiatives
• Coaching and developing the existing EHS team

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Opportunity to join a business in genuine growth mode
• Highly visible leadership role with real influence
• Strong investment in operational improvement and site development
• Ability to shape the EHS function as the company scales
• Collaborative senior leadership team with dedicated support for EHS
• Excellent long-term career potential

Candidate Profile

The client is looking for a confident and progressive EHS professional who can bring energy, leadership, and a continuous improvement mindset to the role.

You will ideally have:

• A Level 7 qualification (or higher) in Health & Safety, Environmental Science or related discipline
• 3+ years’ experience in a Health & Safety / EHS role within manufacturing or industrial environments
• Strong working knowledge of EHS legislation and management systems
• Experience driving change and influencing safety culture
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• The ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment

Previous leadership or team management experience would be a strong advantage.

For further information on this EHS Manager role in Cork please contact Caroline Kingston on +353 868395531 or email caroline@hero.ie Check out all our open jobs on our HERO Recruitment website – https://www.hero.ie/.

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Data can only be transferred outside of the EEA based on standards contractual clauses, to a country for whom an adequacy decision has been given by the European Commission or where the express permission of the data subject has been given. You have supplied us with your personal data in the process of applying for a position. Our client company may have personnel outside of the EEA who will review your data. We will apply the appropriate criteria in respect of the data transfer depending on the location of those personnel.