About Us.

Founded in 2003 by John O’Connell, Denis McCarthy and Ger McCarthy, West Cork Distillers has grown into a team of more than 200 people. Our operations include our distillery in Skibbereen, Co. Cork, and our second production facility, Donohoe Drinks, in Waterford.

We are driven by entrepreneurial spirit and a shared passion for the science and craft of alcohol, spirits and whiskey production.

Recognised for our innovative approach, we are proud to mature, distil and bottle some of the finest craft Irish whiskey available on the global market today.

The Role.

We are seeking an experienced Health, Safety & Environmental Manager to lead the HSE function across West Cork Distillers Group.

This is a key role responsible for developing a strong, proactive safety culture, protecting our people and the environment, and ensuring that both sites maintain the highest standards of legal and regulatory compliance.

What You’ll Do.

You will lead the Health, Safety and Environmental programme across both businesses. Your responsibilities will include:

Developing, implementing and continuously improving HSE policies, procedures and strategies across both sites.
Promoting a positive, proactive safety culture in which every employee takes responsibility for health, safety and environmental performance.
Ensuring compliance with all applicable health, safety and environmental legislation, regulatory requirements and industry best practice.
Maintaining compliance with applicable Seveso III/COMAH requirements and liaising with the Health and Safety Authority and other regulatory bodies as required.
Conducting workplace inspections, audits and risk assessments, and ensuring that identified actions are completed promptly.
Leading investigations into accidents, incidents, environmental events and near misses, identifying root causes and overseeing corrective and preventive actions.
Monitoring HSE performance, analysing trends and presenting clear reports and recommendations to senior management.
Identifying training requirements and ensuring that all mandatory and role-specific HSE training is delivered and accurately recorded.
Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, regulatory developments and emerging risks affecting the drinks manufacturing and distilling industry.
Reviewing and updating the company Safety Statement, emergency response arrangements and supporting HSE documentation.
Leading compliance with the company’s Integrated Pollution Control licence by setting clear environmental goals that will be rolled out to all levels in the organisation.
Liaise with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as required and lead site inspections.
Develop and implement processes for routine (daily, weekly, monthly) monitoring
Identifying and implementing best-in-class environmental practices, including initiatives relating to waste, water, emissions, energy use and pollution prevention.
Supporting operational and engineering teams with process safety, contractor management, change-management and capital projects.
Working collaboratively with managers, employees, safety representatives and external stakeholders to embed HSE considerations in day-to-day decision-making.
Supporting emergency preparedness through the development, testing and continual improvement of emergency response plans.

What You’ll Bring.

The successful candidate will ideally have:

A relevant third-level qualification in occupational health and safety, environmental management, engineering or a related discipline.
Significant experience in a senior HSE role within manufacturing, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, chemical or another regulated production environment.
Strong working knowledge of Irish health, safety and environmental legislation.
Experience with Seveso/COMAH compliance, process safety or EPA-licensed operations would be a strong advantage.
Demonstrated experience conducting audits, risk assessments and incident investigations.
The ability to influence at every level of an organisation and turn HSE strategy into practical action.
Strong leadership, communication, analytical and organisational skills.
A proactive, hands-on approach and the ability to work effectively across two operational sites.

We Offer.

Competitive Salary
Pension
Health Insurance
Increased annual leave with service
Educational Support
Employee Discount
Free Lunch on Thursdays
Free Fruit Deliveries twice per week
€1000 Refer a Friend Bonus
On-site Parking
On-site Kitchen Facilities with vending machines and great coffee!
Bike to Work
Employee Assistance Programme
Employee Events
Employee Wellness Events

West Cork Distillers jobs

Health, Safety and Environmental Manager