STEPHEN JAMES WOODS

Responsible for HSE strategy and compliance for 180+ employee site, reporting to Site Director and Group Head of Safety. Appointed post-acquisition to integrate Yew Tree Dairy standards into Müller operations.

Key Achievements:

• Completed full gap analysis and delivered training plan to harmonise legacy HSE standards with Müller safety requirements.
• Audited statutory obligations and developed roadmap towards ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 certification.
• Built and planned strategic HSE vision for future site development.
• Guided and mentored middle managers on new standards and safe work practices to drive proactive HSE ownership.
• Reviewed accident and near‑miss data with operational teams to improve HSE performance.
• Managed and optimised Health & Safety budget.
• Promoted engagement through roundtable discussions, employee forums, action teams, and mental health awareness initiatives.
• Developed and delivered site induction programme.
• Worked proactively with insurers and regulatory bodies to strengthen relationships and ensure compliance.
• Oversaw contractor control, compliance, and permit‑to‑work processes.
• Implemented waste‑management strategies to reduce environmental impact.
• Enhanced staff knowledge of HSE regulations to foster a safer workplace.

• Part of Site Leadership Team at FMCG dairy facility with around 150 staff, overseeing both strategic and daily operations for Site Health, Safety, and Environment programme.
• Reporting directly to Site Operations Director, with dotted line responsibility into Group H&S Manager and Global Risk Division.
• Direct line management responsibility of Health, Safety and Environment Advisor.
• Lead, support and coach all levels of management and all departments on site to ensure that legal obligations and industry good practice were complied with and continually raise safety culture and standards across site.
• Pro-actively work with other stakeholders and external bodies including Health & Safety Executive, Insurers, Chamber of Commerce and other regulatory bodies.
• Management of Site Health & Safety Strategy and budget.
• Responsibility for management of Site Health & Safety and Environment Management Systems (ISO 14001).
• Management of on-site facilities and security, including Site Security Officers and CCTV and hardware systems.
• Ensuring site had correct processes, competencies and skills to meet legislative and customer requirements, including policies, procedures, risk assessments and safe systems of work.
• Pro-actively contribute to Group Safety and Wellbeing Teams.
• Performed as Site Champion for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion which included facilitating regular employee ‘Voices' sessions and leading Unconscious Bias awareness training.
• Ensuring KPI's were met - reduced accident rates by 75% and insurance claims by 100%.
• Increased recyclability to 85%.
• Instrumental in introducing and implementing Wellbeing Strategy which included training Mental Health First Aiders and Mental Health Awareness training for manager.

Operational & Wellbeing Environmental Management

Health & Safety Responsibilities

• Ensured full site compliance with H&S legislation; led daily safety checks and promoted a strong safety culture.
• Developed improvement plans with fire risk assessors; contributed to H&S policy and MPS charter.
• Produced governance reports (KPI, TIR, LTA, First Aid) and partnered with all departments on H&S matters.
• Managed safety performance (KPIs, STAR, hazards, near misses) and sat on Group Safety Leadership Team (5 sites).
• Managed RCS, risk assessments, SSOW, SOPs; led accident/incident investigations including RIDDOR.
• Delivered H&S training (Level 2, COSHH, Manual Handling, Asbestos, Slips/Trips).
• Acted as SLT deputy; experienced in OHSAS18001 and ISO 45001 transition.
• Chaired HAZOP team; liaised with HSE; supervised contractors via e‑permit systems.
• Reviewed safety policies; led H&S committee meetings; completed GMP and safety inspections.
• Completed COSHH assessments (SPYOL); managed contractors and quotations.
• Radiation Protection Supervisor and qualified racking inspector.
• Managed Hygiene team, departmental budget and capex projects.
• Drove CI (5S, Kaizen) and completed RCAs.
• Mental & Physical First Aider; led wellbeing initiatives (KYN, men’s health, smoking cessation).
• Environmental site lead and member of Group Environment Leadership Team (5 sites).
• Maintained ISO 14001 compliance; supported environmental policy and MPS charter.
• Ensured regulatory compliance (permits, consent to discharge, Schedule 5); liaised with Environment Agency.
• Led Climate Change Agreement; managed pollution/emissions reporting (PIEDC).
• Waste management SME (hazardous & non‑hazardous); tracked environmental KPIs.
• Conducted inter‑site EMS audits (ISO 14001 Lead Auditor).
• Delivered 5% YoY utility reduction; supported CSR and community initiatives.
• Maintained aspects & impacts register; delivered environmental training (spill response, awareness).

• Rolled out and trained teams on Saputo’s behavioural and risk‑awareness safety program, encouraging all staff to report hazards, near misses, and safety conversations through global reporting system.
• Led HSE management secondment across two sites following Saputo’s acquisition of Wensleydale Cheese.
• Implemented and achieved cultural shift from small, output‑led operation to global, standards‑driven safety culture.
• Developed and delivered strategic training programme for employees at all levels.
• Introduced and trained teams in Saputo’s behavioural and risk‑awareness safety programme, empowering all staff to report hazards, near misses and safety conversations within global reporting structure.
• Collaborated with group leadership to create management structure in line with Saputo’s global operating model.

• Key Achievements:
• Undertaking Foundation Degree
• Delivering site projects
• Visiting Multiple sites across UK
• Supply chain awareness

• Key Responsibilities:
• Worked as part of a multi-disciplinary team on the shop floor
• Line leader to 4 members of staff on production line
• Acting up as “Cell Leader” - supervising whole team autonomously in leader's absence
• Monitoring/evaluating quality standards to ensure products are produced efficiently, at right quality and time
• Dealing with general queries, quality control and compliance issues
• Using control charts and mechanisms to maintain the consistency of how the product is made
• Using manual and computerised operating systems (ACOSS)
• Monitoring production and working to a production schedule, ensuring targets are met
• Working as part of a team to ensure the smooth running of the production line
• Ensuring the line and department are adequately staffed & staff are aware of duties/responsibilities
• Ensuring a safe working environment, identifying & reporting risks/complying to Health & Safety regulations
• Trouble Shooter for equipment, suggesting new ways to improve quality and reliability of machinery
• Good awareness of GMP and packing regulations
• Working knowledge of HACCP within organisation
• Communicating with management internal departments (e.g. quality/R&D/Labs)
• Act as Trade union steward in communication, consultation, negotiation and achieving a “balanced approach”