Assurance Manager

The role: Due to continued expansion, we are now looking to appoint an Assurance Manager to provide strong management, leadership, and assurance, that the OPA meets all legislative, regulatory, and business obligations relating to Health, Safety, Security, Environment and Quality.

This is a newly created role that will deliver both strategic and tactical HSSEQ activities, while supporting site operations, senior management, and key stakeholders, as well as deputising for the Compliance & Risk Director when required.

The post holder will provide expert process safety and risk management support, through the application of risk tools, incident investigation, regulatory compliance, and development and maintenance of MACR/COMAH Safety Reports. They will support site projects, Safety Management System implementation, and undertake audits and assurance activities across the organisation.

The OPA operates in a high‑hazard, safety‑critical environment, and manages safety‑critical activities across multiple outsourced and internal operational sites. The role jointly manages a small HSSEQ team and requires the building of strong relationships with internal stakeholders (Depot Managers, Operations, Engineering, Executive Team) and external bodies (HSE, EA, SEPA, Defence Regulators).

As this role requires extensive travel across England, Scotland and overseas, with frequent overnight stays, a full (preferably clean) driving licence is essential for the successful candidate. There will also be occasional overseas travel when required.

Responsibilities:

• Providing direction, coaching, and performance management of team members.
• Provide leadership and support to the business, Executive Team, and management functions to deliver HSSEQ performance objectives.
• Manage relationships with Competent Authorities (HSE/EA/SEPA) and Defence Regulators (e.g., FGSR, MACR), including intervention management and RIDDOR reporting.
• Lead the development, maintenance, and ongoing improvement of COMAH/MACR Safety Reports.
• Lead or participate in hazard and risk assessments such as HAZOPs / HAZIDs / Design Reviews and Environmental Risk Assessments (ERAs)
• Manage and deliver the HSSE & Quality audit programme.
• Support Environmental Permit applications, variations, and reporting.
• Support and manage Safe Systems of Work and Permit‑to‑Work processes, including mentoring new authorised personnel.
• Support Emergency Preparedness, including Local Authority exercises.
• Managing the Duty Manager process and provide emergency response support.
• Support the Environmental Management System in line with ISO 14001.
• Ensure structured incident investigation and learning processes are applied across all relevant events.
• Support and contribute to the Agency’s management of change processes.

Full details of the responsibilities can be found in the job description for this role, which is available to download at the bottom of this page.

The candidate: You will need to be an experienced Assurance Manager with hands-on experience of managing a small, centralised team, be degree-qualified in a relevant discipline, such as Engineering, Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Management, or Risk Management, or possess equivalent professional experience. Additionally, holding a suitable NEBOSH qualification is required. 

Candidates must have a minimum of five years of experience in a senior health and safety management role within a high-risk industry. You should also possess extensive experience in all aspects of Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) management. 

A strong understanding of the regulatory aspects of Major Accident Hazards (MAHs) is essential for the successful candidate, particularly as they relate to tank storage operations and COMAH (Control of Major Accident Hazards) regulatory requirements. 

Knowledge/Skills (Essential):

• Proven experience of interaction with the Competent authorities (HSE, EA, SEPA) and/or Defence Regulators, particularly leading or managing interventions.
• Strong knowledge of Safety, Health and Environmental legislation and management systems.
• Knowledge and experience of the application of ALARP within the MAH industry.
• Strong understanding of process safety principles and risk assessment methodologies (HAZOP, HAZID, HRA, ERA, OBRA).
• Knowledge in the application of risk assessment, such as HAZOPs, HAZIDs, Design Reviews, preferably within the oil and gas industry.
• Must possess a detailed working knowledge and experience in developing, maintaining, and assuring of  Safety Management Systems.
• Knowledge and experience in incident investigation and root cause analysis techniques (eg Kelvin Topset, 5 Whys etc).
• Experience supporting or managing emergency planning and response arrangements.
• Experience conducting and leading audits against recognised standards (ISO 45001, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001).
•  Understanding and application of the requirements of PSLG.
• Excellent reporting and analytical skills, ensuring audit findings translate into actionable improvements and drive business – wider compliance.
• Strong communications skills with the ability to influence change and the ability to lead.
• Excellent skills in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word.

Knowledge / Skills (Desirable):

• Postgraduate qualification in Process Safety, Risk Management or Occupational Safety.
• Lead Auditor qualification (ISO 45001, ISO 14001, or ISO 9001).
• Experience in environmental permitting and regulatory submissions.
• Experience in major accident hazard industries such as oil & gas, petrochemical, chemical, defence fuel operations, or similar.
• Familiarity with safety performance/incident management systems.