Job Description

Role Overview

The Head of Health, Safety & Security (HSS) is responsible for setting and leading the strategic and operational direction for all aspects of health, safety, and security across Blackpool Tourism's portfolio of attractions and venues.

The post holder will work closely with the Executive Team to develop the organisation-wide Health, Safety & Security strategy, and will take a lead role in ensuring its successful delivery across all sites. This includes ensuring legal compliance, overseeing food safety, risk and emergency management, supporting large-scale events, and embedding a strong, proactive safety culture.

The role reports to the Commercial Operations Director and works in close partnership with the General Managers Head of Operations to integrate safety and security into daily operations, guest experience, and commercial priorities.

Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership

With Commercial Operations Director develop & implement a clear, organisation-wide Health, Safety, Security and Food Safety strategy.

Establish consistent policies, performance standards, and KPIs across all venues.

Lead monthly safety review meetings with site-based Health & Safety Advisors.

Work closely with the Commercial Operations Director to ensure safety is integrated into commercial and operational planning.

Provide strategic advice to the Executive Team on emerging risks, legal changes, and best practices.

Legal Compliance

Ensure full compliance with UK H&S legislation, including HSE regulations, fire safety, food safety, licensing, and COSHH.

Oversee compliance with the Food Safety Act

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relevant Food Hygiene Regulations, and FSA guidance, ensuring that all food service operations (banqueting, cafes, catering outlets) meet or exceed required standards.

Support teams with food hygiene policies, allergen control, HACCP systems, and Environmental Health inspections.

Lead compliance with Martyn's Law (Protect Duty) and ensure the organisation is prepared for terrorism-related threats.

Prepare for and manage external audits, inspections, and investigations as required.

Operational Oversight

Support and guide site-specific Health & Safety Advisors to ensure effective implementation of policies.

Lead the internal audit programme for health, safety, security, and food safety, ensuring regular site inspections, documentation reviews, and action tracking are completed to drive continuous improvement and maintain regulatory compliance.

Work with General Managers and the Commercial Operations Director to address venue-specific safety, security, and food safety risks.

Oversee documentation, digital safety systems (e.g., P2net), and record-keeping to ensure audit readiness.

Ensure timely resolution of non-compliance or underperformance across HSS functions.

Safeguarding Leadership

Lead the organisation's safeguarding framework across all venues and events, ensuring that children, young people, and vulnerable adults are protected at all times.

Develop and maintain clear safeguarding policies and reporting procedures aligned with relevant UK legislation and statutory guidance

Ensure that all staff, volunteers, and contractors receive appropriate safeguarding training and know how to identify and report concerns.

Work in partnership with HR, operational managers, and external safeguarding boards or agencies as needed.

Conduct regular reviews and audits of safeguarding practices and ensure safeguarding is embedded into wider health, safety, and event planning procedures.

Act as the designated senior lead for safeguarding within the organisation and support the escalation and resolution of any serious safeguarding concerns.

Risk, Emergency & Food Safety Management

Maintain and review risk assessments, food safety management systems (HACCP), and emergency plans.

Lead the organisation's preparedness for fire, medical incidents, severe weather, terrorism, and foodborne illness outbreaks.

Coordinate with local authorities, EHOs, and emergency services on risk mitigation and response.

Integrate all safety and food safety measures into the wider business continuity and resilience strategy.

Security Strategy

Develop and maintain tailored venue-specific security strategies aligned with Martyn's Law and site-specific risk profiles.

Support the planning, management, and review of

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arge-scale public events, ensuring appropriate safety and security controls.

Collaborate with teams to produce and review Event Management Plans (EMPs), including food safety considerations for catered events.

Manage relationships with local police, emergency services, and private security providers.

Oversee staff training in "ACT Awareness/SCAN training, evacuation procedures, and guest safeguarding protocols.

Conduct post-incident and post-event reviews to improve future preparedness.

Training & Culture

Oversee delivery of mandatory and role-specific training including:

o Health & Safety induction

o Food hygiene (Level 2-3), allergen awareness

o Fire safety, COSHH, manual handling, lifeguarding, and emergency procedures

Embed a "safety-first" culture and encourage proactive reporting through tools like iAuditor or P2net.

Support site teams and leaders in implementing and understanding HSS and food safety processes.

Incident Management & Reporting

Lead investigations into serious incidents, food safety breaches, or regulatory enforcement actions.

Ensure root cause analysis and corrective actions are captured and shared across the business.

Monitor trends in incidents, near misses, and audit results to inform continuous improvement.

Produce monthly HSS performance reports for the Executive Team, covering safety, security, and food safety metrics.

Produce quarterly updates for board reports for the Board and Shareholder

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including strategic risk assessments, audit outcomes, and improvement plans.

Person Specification Essential

NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent Level 6 H&S qualification).

Level 3 Award in Supervising Food Safety in Catering (or equivalent) or demonstrable knowledge of food hygiene legislation and practice.

Proven leadership experience in health, safety, and food safety within multi-site, public-facing environments.

Strong knowledge of UK legislation including HSE, FSA, fire safety, and Martyn's Law.

Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.

Experience leading safety and security at large-scale public events.

Desirable

Experience working with Environmental Health Officers and responding to food safety inspections.

Experience using safety management software (P2net, iAuditor, Assure).

Background in leisure, tourism, hospitality, or live entertainment environments.

Training in ACT Awareness or other counterterrorism preparedness.

Key Competencies

Strategic and analytical thinking

Strong leadership and operational understanding

Risk-based, pragmatic decision-making

Communication and influence at all levels

Resilience and calm under pressure

Passion for delivering safe, high-quality guest experiences

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 55,000.00-65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Employee discount On-site parking
Work Location: In person