About the role We are currently recruiting for a Head of HSER to join DS Smith overseeing HSER in our UK Packaging business. This is an exciting role for an experienced Health & Safety leader who holds a passion for excellence and for ensuring the highest standards of Health and Safety are implemented and maintained. Reporting to the Strategy Director, the successful candidate will manage a team of Health & Safety Managers across all of our UK sites. The Head of HSER will be a pivotal member of our leadership team, responsible for shaping and driving the strategic direction of Health, Safety, Environment and Risk functions across the organisation. This role demands a blend of strategic vision, operational excellence, and transformational leadership to drive a culture of continuous improvement and sustainable practices. Your remit will include but not limited to: Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a comprehensive HSER strategy aligned with our business goals and growth trajectory Ensure competent management of Health and Safety across all functions and (via auditing and coaching) to confirm that working practices are both safe and to relevant Health and Safety standards (including Group Policy & Group / Division Minimum Health and Safety Standards, legal, regulatory, and quality standards and accreditations) Identify and implement innovative practices and technologies to enhance HSER performance lead initiatives that drive operational efficiency and risk mitigation. Provide strong and effective leadership across the areas of Health & Safety, Sustainability, Environment and Risk (HSER) within the UK Packaging business Develop & implement effective HSER management systems, processes and practices that cascade Divisional and Group minimum standards, guidance and best practices Develop and implement effective HSER training needs analysis and programmes, auditing compliance at site and Country level. Work with Division and group to develop requirements of the Division’s emerging Sustainability agenda and establish necessary organization and management systems within the country. To oversee any required ISO 50001 activities as relevant for the Country. Take ownership of operational sustainability programs to achieve carbon, waste, and water targets. About You Level 6 - NEBOSH Diploma or higher Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health Significant experience in HSE leadership roles, including in a senior leadership position. Extensive experience in a manufacturing or industrial setting, preferably within FMCG environment In-depth knowledge of HSE regulations, standards, and best practices. Have a strong commercial awareness and be able to identify and pursue business opportunities The ability to lead, influence and advocate for HSE best practice Strong leadership and people development skills Proactive, problem solving skills The ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organisation About us We’re DS Smith, the FTSE100 company who are redefining packaging for a changing world. We believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible with the right people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change. Today, we operate in more than 30 different countries, proudly employing over 30,000 people, and supporting customers across sectors like FMCG, industrial, and e-commerce. We deliver on quality, service, innovation, and added value to deliver market-leading sustainable packaging solutions our customers need. Our industry needs to transform, and we’re building the team to drive change across Europe and North America. To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world, we aim to build a diverse, motivated, and engaged workforce. Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges. We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria.