Health & Safety Business Partner, Hertfordshire

Wickes is a multi-channel retailer operating in the home improvement market.  With 50 years in industry, Wickes now generates revenue in excess of £1.6bn across 230 stores delivered by 8,000+ colleagues.  But it is our culture that is considered our best kept secret; it’s a collaborative, down to earth, fun and inclusive environment where people feel part of a winning team. All our colleagues come from different backgrounds, but what we all have in common is a determination to succeed and a passion for being the best we can be. If that sounds like you, we’ll make you feel right at home.

Our widely recognised wellbeing strategy is something we’re proud of at Wickes. As part of this, we offer a range of health and wellbeing benefits and support, including an Employee Assistance Programme, financial education & loans, and access to parental, menopause and fertility support. 

By giving you the support you need to do well at work, and the flexibility to make life work for you. We are giving you a career that doesn’t put your life on hold. Where you can be yourself, do your best work, and make a positive difference every day.

About the role:

We are looking to welcome a Health & Safety Business Partner into an established safety team to support our Property Team. This is a new position and will be based in our Support Centre in Watford 3 days a week. 

As a safety business partner you’ll be responsible for supporting the development of policies, processes and systems that identify and manage risks relating to our Properties. Ensuring that we are legally compliant,  working towards improvements and creating a great safety culture.  Working within an established framework you will work closely with the Head of Properties & Facilities to ensure the team is fully supported in all areas of health and safety.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work with the Property team and Support Centre Managers to ensure the implementation of our Safety Management Framework

• Support the development of a Property health and safety strategy with the team and associated annual delivery plan in collaboration with other Business Partners..

• Guide and coach Property and Operational Managers, in all aspect of safety leadership, activity and performance

• Ensure the effective investigation of safety incidents and the implementation of actions to prevent a recurrence.

• Deliver a variety of health and safety related training as required.

• Deliver Assurance programmes as required

• Use a variety of performance measures to identify trends and improve safety, health and wellbeing performance. Sharing best practice and celebrating success across the division. 

• Act as a visible leader for the principles of Stay Safe.Through personal leadership style set the right tone at the top and establish an open culture encouraging a high level of communication and employer participation both internally and externally on Stay Safe issues. 

What are we looking for someone with:

• Three or more years experience in Health & Safety, Occupational Health, and Workplace Safety

 • A minimum of NEBOSH certification and IOSH membership 

 • Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and compliance in construction and property management  

 • Attention to detail and ability to work independently 

•Excellent written and verbal communication skills

What can we offer you:

• Competitive bonus

• Save-as-you-earn scheme

• Private Medical and Life Assurance

• Contributory pension scheme

• Colleague discount 

• Discount platform including savings and cash back at numerous retailers, savings on gym membership, cycle to work scheme

We recognise the value of bringing our teams together to collaborate, support each other and build on our amazing culture.  We are also encouraging our teams to work flexibly, with a blend of remote / office working.