Health & Safety Manager

Location: Fairford

DETAILS

RAFCTE is best known for staging the world renowned Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire each year. In 2003, RIAT was granted status as the largest military air show globally by Guinness World Records. In addition to the heads of many of the world’s air forces and major suppliers to the sector, RIAT also hosts thousands of aviation enthusiasts and members of the public over three days. As well as aviation the event is increasingly a family day out, with the exceptional Techno Zone® providing unique interactive STEM activities, under the banner of RAFCT’s mission to inspire young people to fulfil their potential in air, space and technology. In total, over 200,000 people attended RIAT in 2024.

 

What are we looking for?
We are looking for a Health & Safety Manager to join our Ground Operations department.

 

Your main responsibilities will include:

  • Manage Health, Safety and Environmental matters company wide. Work with all departments, the Local Authority, RAF Fairford and RAF personnel to ensure full communication and information flow, and specialist assistance is provided as required.
  • Provide advice to the CEO, the Board of Directors, all staff and volunteers, relating to all Health and Safety, and Food Safety matters that may affect the Company.
  • To liaise with the Local Authority, Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Public Health England and other applicable agencies and bodies to represent the business and interests of RAFCTE.
  • Assist the Operations Director/Company Secretary in undertaking H&S governance related activity. 
  • Liaise closely and build relationships with relevant external agencies and bodies.
  • Recruit, support, develop and manage the performance of a team of volunteers for the duration of the RIAT; this includes food safety, site safety, electrical safety, air safety, fire safety, working at height regulations and development RIAT water safety management plan.
  • Identification and delivery of relevant safety training, including but not restricted to Fire Safety, Health and Safety, First Aid and Food Safety, for permanent and volunteer staff according to needs. 
  • Responsible for the delivery and development of fire security processes of the event including reviewing building emergency exits, fire alarm systems, fire lanes and control of issuing fire extinguishers.
  • Responsible for routine annual fire safety for company offices and staff.
  • Responsible for the food safety team to ensure food safety, water quality and hygiene guidelines are followed to meet full safety compliance.
  • The Health, Safety & Environmental Manager supports the HR and Volunteer Engagement team by conducting safety induction briefings for all permanent and temporary members of staff.
  • Accountable to the Operations Director for advice and assurance in the production of all company RIAT Activity Risk Assessments. 
  • Responsible to the Operations Director for assurance of the Construction Phase Plan and Health and Safety file, providing advice to the Head of Ground Operations and Ground Operations Manager. 
  • Responsible for the provision of all Health, Safety and Environmental matters in the delivery of a safe and successful show. This includes the monitoring of the Showground and liaising with contractors and traders to ensure Health and Safety, and Food Safety standards are met for members of the public and RIAT staff and volunteers. 
  • Support the Air Operations Manager and review of the RAFCTE Air Safety Management Plan. 
  • Report, track and investigate accidents, near misses and incidents including medical incidents and produce monthly reports showing and highlighting any trends.
  • In consultation with HR Department, the development of health, safety, environment and wellbeing source material and an assurance tool for the use of RIAT volunteers. 
  • The management and review of the RIAT Event Risk Assessment.

 

Type of contract/working hours:

Full Time - Permanent

36.25 hours per week. Based in Fairford, Gloucestershire  
All employees are required to work the Saturday or Sunday before the Royal International Air Tattoo and the whole weekend of the event.    
RIAT Weekend Date: 18th-20th July 2025 

 

 
What we will offer:

A salary between £35,000 - £40,000 per annum is accompanied by pension, and 4x life assurance, we also hold staff wellbeing and social events throughout the year.  
 
20 days annual leave (rising to 25) plus Bank Holidays 
 
Christmas closure of our offices (not from leave allowance)  
 
2 days paid volunteering leave per year 
 
You will also receive two complimentary tickets to The Royal International Air Tattoo and a staff discount of 50% for an additional six.

 

About you:

We are seeking a Health and Safety Manager who possesses a NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety or an equivalent qualification, which is essential for this role. Ideal candidates will have a proven track record in the aviation safety advisory environment and experience in event safety management, although these are desirable attributes. 

It is crucial that the candidate has current knowledge of Health & Safety and associated legislation, including CDM regulations and H&S Law. Knowledge of CAA and MAA Regulatory Articles is also desirable. The candidate must be a competent user of Microsoft applications, including Word, Outlook, Excel, SharePoint, and PowerPoint. 

Essential skills include the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, prioritise tasks effectively, and negotiate and form relationships at all levels.

 

application process:

Apply through our company website by submitting your CV and preferably a covering letter explaining why you are right for us, but most importantly why we are right for you.   
 
If your application is successful, you will be invited to attend an interview at our Fairford offices. 

Find Out More And Apply:

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