Job Description
Health and Safety Partner - Midlands region
Ref No: DT18581
County Cavan, Republic of Ireland
Competitive salary
Health and Safety Partner - Midlands region
Location: Multiple farm sites (Midlands region)
Reports to: Head of Farms / Operations Manager
Role Overview
The Health and Safety Partner will play a key role in developing, implementing, and maintaining health and safety systems across all farm operations. The successful candidate will act as the primary source of expertise on health and safety matters, ensuring full compliance with legislation and promoting a strong safety culture across multiple sites.
This position requires a proactive individual who can balance strategic oversight with hands-on engagement in the field, driving continuous improvement and ensuring the safety of all employees, contractors, and visitors.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Safety Culture
1. Develop and implement health and safety policies and procedures across all farm operations.
2. Coach supervisors and managers to embed strong safety practices and awareness at every level.
3. Promote a positive and proactive safety culture through behavioural safety initiatives.
4. Participate actively in the farm management team, owning the safety agenda and driving continuous improvement.
Operational Management
5. Conduct regular safety walks and maintain the safety dashboard with up-to-date data.
6. Lead and coordinate the site safety committee, ensuring effective communication and follow-up on actions.
7. Oversee contractor safety management, including permits, risk assessments, method statements, and compliance documentation.
8. Ensure risk assessments and safe systems of work are completed, updated, and implemented.
9. Provide accurate weekly and monthly reports on safety metrics, incidents, near misses, and improvements.
Compliance & Continuous Improvement
10. Monitor operational processes to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and company standards.
11. Investigate and report on accidents and incidents, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
12. Manage relationships with relevant authorities, ensuring the organisation meets all legal and regulatory obligations.
13. Review and maintain systems to ensure insurer and statutory requirements (e.g., electrical testing, equipment inspections) are fully met.
14. Keep abreast of legislative changes and best practices in health and safety management.
Training & Development
15. Coordinate and deliver safety-related training, including manual handling and site inductions.
16. Manage the selection and monitoring of external safety service providers.
17. Ensure training needs are met across all sites, maintaining detailed training records and safety certifications.
Collaboration
18. Work closely with the Head of Farms, Operations Managers, and site teams to ensure alignment on safety objectives.
19. Partner with HR, Lean, and other departments to integrate safety into all aspects of business operations.
20. Provide support to safety colleagues across other business units as part of the wider safety network.
Skills & Experience Required
21. Recognised qualification in Health and Safety (e.g., NEBOSH, IOSH, or equivalent).
22. Minimum of 3 years' experience in a health and safety management role.
23. Proven ability to manage multiple sites and prioritise effectively.
24. Strong influencing and communication skills with the ability to engage teams at all levels.
25. Excellent record-keeping, reporting, and follow-up skills.
26. Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently.
27. Experience within agriculture, farming, or a similar operational environment is an advantage.
Key Relationships
28. Head of Farms
29. Operations Managers
30. Farm Managers and Site Supervisors
31. HR and Lean Teams
32. Contractors and Safety Service Providers
33. HSA and other regulatory bodies
34. Colleagues across multiple locations