Regional Health and Safety Advisor HQ, Chester
Start an exciting new chapter in your hospitality career at Hickory's Smokehouse - We are thrilled to have been recently crowned the ‘Best Pub Employer’ for 2025 at The Publican Awards! The Role: As our Regional Safety Advisor, you will be the hands-on, visible expert for a portfolio of our authentic and thriving smokehouses. Your mission is to champion our positive people first safety culture, providing practical and solutions focused support to our Area Managers, General Managers and Smokehouse teams. This is a comprehensive and proactive role that covers all aspects of health, safety, fire, and licensing. You will be responsible for everything from conducting audits and risk assessments to investigating accidents, managing claims, and delivering training. This isn't just a desk job; you'll be in our smokehouses, working shoulder-to-shoulder with our teams to find solutions that work in our unique, fast-paced environments. Key Responsibilities: Proactive Support, Auditing & Risk Assessment Act as the first point of contact for all safety, fire, and compliance matters, providing proactive, hands-on support to smokehouse management teams. Undertake in-depth health and safety audits of smokehouses identifying and mitigating risks. Identify hazards and support with the completion and review of all site-specific risk assessments. Support restaurant management teams in ensuring full compliance with action plans following internal and external audits. Organise, oversee, and drive engagement in restaurant H&S committee meetings. Liaise with third party support providing auditing and pest control services. Fire Safety Management Take the lead on fire safety, overseeing and arranging external fire risk assessments. Carry out internal fire risk assessment reviews with General Managers, ensuring all actions are tracked to completion. Ensure all fire safety procedures are robust and followed, including fire drills. Incident, Allergen & Claims Management Lead and conduct thorough investigations into all incidents, including accidents, near-misses, alleged food poisonings, and any food allergy-related incidents. Manage and provide on-the-ground support for any critical safety-related concerns or incidents, such as fires, gas leaks, or hot water failures. Lead the management of any personal injury (PI) type claims, liaising with insurers, legal teams, and operational managers. Training & Team Development Provide a range of engaging safety-related training to Hickory’s teams to build competence and confidence. Oversee the implementation and compliance with all safety training requirements, ensuring all records are accurate and up-to-date. Coach and mentor General Managers and their teams to foster a positive and proactive safety-first culture. Compliance, Licensing & Projects Oversee compliance with all Licensing Act requirements, including the submission of Temporary Event Notices (TENs) and supporting with DPS-related matters. Liaise with all enforcing authorities (EHO, Fire Service, Police, HSE) as required, acting as the key point of contact and managing any follow-up actions. Work on specific risk and safety projects as directed by the Head of Risk. Who We're Looking For You are a people-first safety professional who understands that 'best practice' has to work in the real world. You thrive in a busy, multi-site environment and know how to build trust and influence at all levels. Skills & Behaviours: Excellent Communicator: You can explain complex safety concepts in a simple, engaging way. Pragmatic & Solutions-Focused: You find solutions, not just problems. Influential & Confident: You are comfortable coaching a new team member one minute and advising a senior manager the next. Highly Organised: You can manage your own diary, prioritise tasks, and work with autonomy. Resilient & Positive: You have a can-do attitude and thrive in a dynamic environment. A 'Hickory's' Person: You're passionate, friendly, and genuinely care about people. A full valid UK driving license is essential for this role. How we will Thank You for being a Hickory’s Area Manager: A generous Area Manager package of up to £57,000 per year plus bonuses! Excellent training & progression opportunities – through our award-winning Hickory’s Training Academy. Qualification opportunities as you working (up to A-Level & Degree level equivalent). Birthday reward meal on us for you & your friends - every year. 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). Team Player card – 25% discount for you & 5 friends in all Hickory’s (rising to 50% for loyal service). Road trips to the Southern States, Europe & UK and stacks of enrichment opportunities. Wellbeing support & 24-hour access to our wellness programme. Our pledge to a work-life balance – monitoring & managing through our Red Zone. A packed team social & engagement calendar & annual team party. A chance to ‘give a bit back’ with fundraising activities for Cash For Kids Up to £1000 for you – through the refer a friend scheme
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