Hickorys Smokehouse
Head of Health & Safety
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Head of Health & Safety
Head of Health & Safety – Hickory’s Smokehouse
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.
We’re looking for an experienced Head of Health & Safety to lead our commitment to safety, compliance, and staff well-being. The role offers a generous package of up to £70,000 per year—plus an unmatched benefits package to match the energy of our business.
About the Role
The Head of Health & Safety is responsible for developing, implementing, and leading health, safety, and compliance strategies across all restaurants in the UK. This role ensures our business operates in full compliance with legal requirements while fostering a safety-first culture that protects employees, customers, and brand reputation.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Leadership
- Develop and deliver a company-wide H&S strategy, aligned with business goals
- Act as the subject matter expert on all health & safety (H&S) matters
- Lead, mentor, and develop regional or site-based H&S teams
- Influence senior stakeholders to drive a proactive safety culture
Compliance & Governance
- Ensure adherence to all UK HSE legislation, food safety laws, and local authority regulations
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory changes and implement necessary updates
- Oversee audits, inspections, and risk assessments across all locations
- Manage relationships with regulatory bodies (including HSE and Environmental Health Officers)
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Operational Safety
- Design and implement safe systems of work tailored to restaurant operations (kitchens, front-of-house, deliveries)
- Monitor accident, incident, and near-miss reporting systems, driving 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 H&S training programmes for staff at all levels
- 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 across multiple locations
- Experience in fast-paced restaurant or food service environments
Qualifications
- NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent) – required
- Chartered Membership of IOSH (CMIOSH) – highly desirable
- Food Safety Level 4 qualification – 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
- Effective communication and training delivery abilities
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Why Join Hickory’s Smokehouse as Head of Health & Safety?
- Competitive salary: Up to £70,000 per year
- 33 days holiday (including Bank Holidays)
- Team Player card: 25% discount on food & drinks for you and 5 friends, rising to 50% for loyal service
- Annual birthday reward meal on us for you & friends – every year!
- Excellent training & progression opportunities through our award-winning Hickory’s Training Academy
- Upskilling funded: Up to A-Level & Degree equivalent qualification opportunities while working
- Free smokin’ BBQs on shift – enjoy team meals and drinks
- Christmas Day off every year
- Moments That Matter: Paid occasions days off for life events such as weddings, school beginnings, and moving into first homes
- Wellbeing support: 24-hour access to our wellness programme
- Road trips & enrichment: Travel opportunities to the Southern States, Europe, and the UK
- Engaging team calendar: Social activities, networking opportunities, and an annual team party
- Give a bit back: Fundraising opportunities for Cash For Kids
If all this sounds like the next step for your career, apply now and join our team in shaping the future of Hickory’s Smokehouse!
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