HSE Manager

Our Mission At Vertical Aerospace, we are pioneering the way for electric aviation. The Valo, our eVTOL (electric, vertical, take-off and landing), 'zero emissions' aircraft will set a new safety standard for how we will navigate the sky. We won't realise our mission following the same legacy processes and traditions our predecessors followed, instead, we want to 'redefine' aerospace best practices. We are growing quickly from a prototype business to a scaling SME, and the next few years will be critical to our success and delivering on our ambitious goals. Valo is targeting airliner-level safety certification in 2029 ahead of entering service with our airline and operator customers. Reporting to the VP Operations and Manufacturing, this role supports the continued development of Health, Safety and Environment across Vertical's operations. You'll work closely with leaders across engineering, test, manufacturing and operations to strengthen our HSE management systems, build capability across teams and help drive a positive, proactive safety culture. You'll lead our HSE team, support effective risk management and ensure the right systems, processes and behaviours are in place to enable safe and sustainable operations. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a fast-growing organisation, helping to embed HSE excellence across the business while supporting the next phase of Vertical's growth. WHAT YOU'LL DO - Ensure risks across engineering, laboratories, test, prototype, facilities and operations are effectively managed. - Maintain and continuously improve our ISO 45001-aligned HSE management system. - Lead assurance activities, including audits, inspections and regulatory engagement. - Lead significant incident investigations, ensuring learning drives lasting improvement. - Use data and insight to improve HSE performance and focus on the highest risks. - Define HSE training and competency requirements across the organisation. - Lead Vertical's HSE strategy, annual plan and risk-based assurance programme. - Advise senior operational stakeholders on key HSE risks, trends and priorities, supporting ownership and accountability for risk management. - Embed HSE considerations into business planning, operational decision-making and organisational change initiatives. - Lead environmental compliance and continuous improvement across operational activities. - Champion Vertical's Golden Safety Rules, Visible Felt Leadership and Zero Harm ambition. - Lead, develop and prioritise the HSE team. WHAT YOU'LL BRING - Experience leading HSE programmes, projects or teams within a complex, safety-critical or high-hazard environment. - Experience influencing senior stakeholders and driving accountability for effective risk management. - A track record of delivering improvements in HSE performance, culture and management systems. - NEBOSH Diploma, NVQ Level 6 in Occupational Health and Safety, or equivalent qualification. - Strong knowledge of UK health and safety legislation within engineering, manufacturing or operational environments. - Experience developing and maintaining an ISO 45001-aligned management system. - Experience leading investigations, audits, assurance activities and regulatory engagement. - Practical environmental compliance and risk management experience. - Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence positive HSE outcomes across the organisation. - Experience coaching, developing or mentoring HSE professionals within a growing or changing environment. NICE TO HAVE - Chartered IOSH membership, or working towards it. - ISO 45001 Lead Auditor qualification or equivalent. - ISO 14001 or IEMA qualification. - Experience in high-volt