Facilities and Health & Safety Manager

You set the standard that keeps us safe. Minerva Defence is one of the fastest-growing defence technology companies in Europe. We create the software, hardware and networking that make unmanned systems effective on the modern battlefield, all ideated, designed and manufactured end-to-end in the UK, and in active use today. We are deliberately low-profile: a team of around 60, small in headcount and outsized in effect. We look for people who are not just talented but genuinely committed to the work, the team, and the purpose behind it. You would be responsible for the daily operation, maintenance and safety of our buildings and grounds across two sites: a manufacturing facility and an office a short drive away. You would keep both sites safe, compliant and running well, and hold the company to its health, safety and environmental obligations. We have got here by moving fast and we intend to carry on doing so. You would hold the line on safety inside that, which means knowing the difference between a risk that needs managing and one that needs stopping, and being trusted on both calls. Responsibilities Facilities & Operations Management: Oversee the maintenance, repair and operation of buildings, equipment and infrastructure at both sites Manage service contracts for cleaning, security, waste, utilities, grounds, M&E servicing, alarms and CCTV Create and run a preventative maintenance programme, and manage reactive maintenance through contractors Liaise with the landlords at both sites on structural and building fabric matters Monitor utility usage and control costs Manage the facilities budget and support fit-outs, equipment installs and site changes Health & Safety Management: Serve as the designated Health & Safety Lead and Competent Person under UK law Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, fire and environmental legislation Develop H&S policies, conduct risk assessments and maintain RAMS Oversee workshop safety at the manufacturing site, including ventilation, machine guarding, PPE and safe storage of batteries and flammables Lead incident and near-miss investigations and maintain records Maintain emergency preparedness plans, coordinate fire drills and ensure first aid provision Monitor contractor safety performance, including inductions, permits to work, insurance checks and RAMS Promote a positive safety culture across the company Monitor staff compliance timelines. DSEAR experience Compliance & Risk Management: Manage statutory inspections and testing: fixed wire, PAT, legionella, asbestos, gas safety, LOLER and COSHH Maintain asset registers and compliance documentation Support physical security alongside our security lead, covering access control, alarms, CCTV and visitor management Identify and mitigate operational risks across both sites Minimum: NEBOSH, IOSH or equivalent H&S certification, with working knowledge of UK health, safety and fire legislation 5+ years in facilities management, including industrial or multi-site environments Experience running risk assessments and leading incident investigations Experience managing facilities budgets, service contracts and landlord relationships Eligible for UK SC clearance (UK citizen or 5+ years UK residency), with a full UK driving licence for travel between sites Preferred: A facilities management qualification DSEAR experience or qualification Previous time as a named competent person Experience of workshop or production environments The job is demanding enough, so we try to take the everyday pressures off your plate. The benefits are built around that, starting with a genuine stake in what we are building. Share options vesting over three years, so you own a real piece of it Bupa private health, fully funded from day one 6% employer pension contribution 25 days leave plus bank holidays, and properly enhanced cover for both parents Enterprise level AI tooling, with as many tokens as you need to accelerate your work Relocation support if you are moving to join us, or a home office budget if you work remotely The full detail comes with your offer.