Independent Forgings and Alloys Ltd (IFA), one of Europe's leading precision forging companies, is seeking a HSE Manager to join its Sheffield-based operation.
IFA sits uniquely as the only single-sited forge in the world with open-die radial, press, hammer and ring rolling capabilities alongside closed-die extrusion, drop stamp and blade forging. Through extensive forging, machining and testing capabilities, the business provides a fully integrated metals service centre, supplying critical components into aerospace, defence, energy and other highly regulated industries. Due to continued investment and growth, IFA is looking to appoint a Maintenance Manager to lead the site's engineering and maintenance function, ensuring world-class reliability, performance and continuous improvement across a complex manufacturing environment.
Company Details
Independent Forgings and Alloys Ltd (IFA) sits uniquely as the only single-sited forge with open-die radial, press, hammer & ring rolling and closed-die extrusion, drop stamp and blade forging capabilities in the world. Through extensive forging and manufacturing processes, IFA offers a fully integrated metals service centre from ingot and billet production through to fully tested and released machined products.
The Role
W Talent Manufacturing & Engineering are supporting IFA to find an experienced and influential Health, Safety & Environmental Manager to lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of the site's HSE strategy.
Reporting to the Engineering Director, you will lead the HSE function, ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation, maintaining ISO 14001& 45001 standards and driving best practice across a complex manufacturing operation. You will act as the company's lead competent person for Health, Safety and Environmental matters, providing expert support to senior leadership and operational teams.
This role is ideally suited to a proactive leader who has developed their career within a heavy manufacturing, engineering, forging, steel, aerospace or similarly high-risk industrial environment.
Key Responsibilities
Health & Safety Leadership
- Develop and deliver the company's Health & Safety strategy, aligning safety objectives with business goals.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant UK Health & Safety legislation, including PUWER, LOLER, COSHH, RIDDOR and Working at Height regulations.
- Develop, review and improve policies, procedures and safe systems of work.
- Lead incident investigations, root cause analysis and corrective action programmes.
- Monitor and report HSE performance through KPI measurement and management reporting.
- Manage site emergency preparedness arrangements and response plans.
Environmental Management
- Maintain and improve the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System.
- Ensure compliance with environmental legislation, permits and reporting requirements.
- Lead environmental risk assessments and sustainability improvement initiatives.
- Manage waste, recycling and environmental performance programmes.
- Drive reductions in environmental impact, emissions and resource consumption.
- Liaise with external regulatory bodies, including the Environment Agency where required.
Auditing & Compliance
- Develop and deliver comprehensive programmes of HSE audits, inspections and behavioural observations.
- Support customer, third-party and regulatory audits.
- Manage corrective action tracking and ensure timely closure of findings.
- Conduct legal compliance reviews and provide recommendations to senior leadership.
Operational Support & Training
- Partner with Production, Engineering, Maintenance and Quality teams to support safe operational practices.
- Provide guidance on occupational health risks including noise, vibration, dust, fumes and manual handling.
- Support contractor management and permit-to-work systems.
- Identify and deliver HSE training requirements across the business.
- Coach managers and supervisors to strengthen safety leadership capability.
- Promote employee engagement and behavioural safety initiatives.
Role Requirements
A NEBOSH National Diploma or equivalent Level 6 Health & Safety qualification is preferred, alongside proven HSE management experience, ideally within a heavy manufacturing environment.
Candidates should have a strong understanding of UK Health & Safety and Environmental legislation, with demonstrable experience leading HSE audits, compliance reviews and accident investigations. Chartered IOSH membership (CMIOSH) and a Lead Auditor qualification in ISO 45001 and/or ISO 14001 are required.
Experience within forging, steel, aerospace or engineering environments would be advantageous, as would a proven track record of improving safety culture and employee engagement. Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills are essential.
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- The chance to shape and influence the Health, Safety and Environmental agenda across the site.
- An opportunity to work for a business going through a large expansion and capital investment plan.
- To be truly accountable for the safety change within a business
This position is being recruited exclusively by W Talent Recruitment, who will be conducting the initial pre-screening process. For further information, please contact Joe Walton at W Talent.