Head of Health & Safety

Hickory’s Smokehouse, proudly crowned "Best Employer" for 2025 at The Publican Awards. As the fastest-growing Southern-style Smokehouse group in the UK, we’re all about traditional American BBQ, strong teams and real progression.

Join us as the Head of Health & Safety and we can offer you a generous package of up to £65,000 per year!

Job Description

The Head of Health & Safety is responsible for developing, implementing, and leading health, safety, and compliance strategies across all restaurant locations. This role ensures the business operates in full compliance with legal requirements while promoting a strong safety culture that protects employees,customers and brand reputation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership:

• Develop and deliver a company-wide health & safety strategy aligned with business goals
• Act as the subject matter expert on all H&S matters across the organisation
• Lead, mentor, and develop regional or site-based H&S team
• Influence senior stakeholders to drive a positive safety culture

Compliance & Governance:

• Ensure compliance with all UK HSE legislation, food safety laws, and local authority regulations
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory changes and implement required updates
• Oversee audits, inspections, and risk assessments across all sites
• Manage relationships with regulatory bodies (e.g., HSE, Environmental Health Officers)

Operational Safety:

• Design and implement safe systems of work specific to restaurant operations (e.g., kitchens, front-of-house, deliveries)
• Monitor accident, incident, and near-miss reporting systems and drive corrective actions

Food Safety & Hygiene:

• Oversee food safety standards in line with HACCP principles
• Ensure all sites meet required food hygiene ratings
• Implement and monitor food safety training and procedures

Training & Culture:

• Develop and deliver health & safety training programmes for all levels of staff
• Promote a proactive safety culture across restaurants
• Support managers in embedding safe behaviours into daily operations

Reporting & Continuous Improvement:

• Produce regular reports on H&S performance for senior leadership
• Analyse trends and implement improvement plans
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across all locations

Key Requirements

Experience:

• Extensive experience in a senior health & safety role within hospitality or multi-site operations
• Proven track record of managing H&S acro~s multiple locations
• Experience working in fast-paced restaurant or food service environments

Qualifications:

• NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent) 
• Chartered Membership of IOSH (CMIOSH) – highly desirable
• Food Safety Level 4 (preferred)

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills
• Excellent knowledge of UK health & safety and food safety legislation
• Ability to influence and drive behavioural change
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving skills
• Strong communication and training delivery skills

How we will Thank You for being a Hickory’s Head Health & Safety:

• A generous package of up to £65,000 per year
• 33 days holiday (including Bank Holidays)
• Team Player card – 25% discount for you & 5 friends in all Hickory’s (rising to 50% for loyal service).
• Birthday reward meal on us for you & your friends - every year.
• Excellent training & progression opportunities – through our award-winning Hickory’s Training Academy.
• Qualification opportunities as you working (up to A-Level & Degree level equivalent).
• Free smokin’ BBQ on shift – team food & drinks menu.
• Christmas Day off work - every year.
• Moments that matter - Paid occasions days off (Wedding day, kid’s first day at school, moving into first home & more).
• Wellbeing support & 24-hour access to our wellness programme.
• Road trips to the Southern States, Europe & UK and stacks of enrichment opportunities.
• A packed team social & engagement calendar & annual team party.
• A chance to ‘give a bit back’ with fundraising activities for Cash For Kids 

So, if all of that sounds amazing to you and you want to come and be a Hickory's Smokehouse Head of Health and Safety, then click ‘apply’ now!

INDMAN