Health and Safety Business Partner

Job description

HSE Business Partner 

Location: National | Company: BSS | Reporting to:  Specialist Merchants Head of Safety.

The Role

At BSS, safety is more than a metric—it is a core value shared from the front line to the boardroom. We are looking for a high-impact H&S Business Partner who can operate as a true strategic advisor.

This isn't a "clipboard" role. We need a safety professional who can sit at the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) table, translate complex data into actionable strategy, and navigate the unique cultural dynamics of a fast-paced business. You will be the Subject Matter Expert for your business unit, balancing technical rigor with a pragmatic, coaching-led approach to drive safety excellence.

Principal Accountabilities

• SLT Strategic Partnering: Act as the HSE Subject Matter Expert for your Business Unit, attending SLT meetings to present data-driven insights and guide MDs on risk profile improvements.

• Targeted Operational Support: Provide hands-on, visible support to "high-risk" branches, helping leaders execute action plans that deliver tangible safety results.

• Data-Driven Insight: Review national and regional HSE data streams to identify trends, providing the Head of HSE and your MD with the quality insights needed to proactively reduce risk.

• Incident Leadership: Manage the LTI verification process and lead Incident Review Boards, ensuring Just Culture principles are applied and that learnings are shared across the wider business.

• Change Management: Lead the implementation of national safety improvement programmes, using your local knowledge to ensure they land effectively and stick.

• Compliance & RIDDOR: Ensure all RIDDOR reporting requirements are met with precision and provide group assurance through a schedule of behavioural safety reviews.

• Education & Engagement: Active participation in Safety Forums and the delivery of HSE training/coaching to colleagues at all levels..

The Successful Candidate

The "Must-Haves"

• NEBOSH General Certificate and a Full UK Driving Licence.

• 24+ months post-qualification experience in a medium-risk business as an HSE Manager or equivalent.

• Executive Presence: Proven experience operating within or reporting to an SLT space, with the ability to influence.

• Technical Literacy: A deep understanding of H&S legal and technical frameworks, alongside practical experience in data analysis.

The "BSS Edge" (Preferred)

• NEBOSH Diploma and CMIOSH (or working towards it).

• Experience in behavioral change programmes.

• Background in improvement programmes related to vehicles, plant, or MHE.

Your Style

We are looking for a resilient influencer. You should be pragmatic enough to find solutions that work for the business, but ambitious enough to challenge the status quo. If you are a coach who thrives on engaging people at all levels—from the warehouse floor, driver cab to the MD’s office—we want to hear from you.