Graduate Process Risk Specialist
Purpose of the Role
The Graduate Process Risk Specialist supports the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of process safety management across distillation, maturation warehousing, bottling, and utilities.
The role focuses on preventing major accident hazards associated with flammable ethanol, vapour release, and thermal processes, while supporting compliance with UK regulations and company standards.
Working closely with Operations, Engineering, EHS, and Projects, the Graduate Process Risk Specialist will develop technical knowledge and contribute to safe and reliable operations across the asset lifecycle.
Main Responsibilities
Process Safety Management & Risk Control
- Support the development and maintenance of the Process Safety Management (PSM) framework
- Assist in identifying and assessing major accident hazards across site operations
- Participate in hazard studies (e.g. HAZID, HAZOP, Bowtie, LOPA), ensuring actions are recorded and tracked
- Support the identification of safeguards and safety-critical elements
Regulatory Compliance & Governance
- Support compliance with UK regulations including DSEAR, ATEX, and COMAH (where applicable)
- Assist with regulatory inspections, audits, and safety documentation
- Learn to interpret regulatory requirements and apply them in a practical site context
Engineering & Change Management
- Provide support to process safety activities within design, modifications, and capital projects
- Assist with Management of Change (MOC) processes to help ensure risks are reduced to ALARP
- Support reviews of process safety aspects such as hazardous area classification and fire protection
- Participate in commissioning, start-up, and operational readiness activities
Operational Assurance & Continuous Improvement
- Support monitoring of process safety KPIs and assurance activities
- Assist in reviewing procedures and safe systems of work
- Contribute to incident investigations and sharing of learnings
- Support process safety awareness through engagement and communication
Emergency Preparedness & Fire Risk
- Support emergency response planning for fire, explosion, and loss of containment scenarios
- Assist with fire risk assessments and loss prevention activities
- Work with internal teams and external specialists as required
Working Conditions
- Role is primarily office-based, with regular time spent on site across distillation, warehousing, and bottling operations
- Requirement to visit multiple sites to support audits, risk assessments, and project activities
- Regular interaction with operational, engineering, and EHS teams, as well as external stakeholders
- 37-hour working week, with flexibility required to support operational needs where necessary
- Involves working in industrial environments, including areas with noise, temperature variation, and flammable atmospheres
Personal Profile
Essential
- Degree (or equivalent) in Chemical, Process, or Safety Engineering
- Understanding of process safety principles (gained through education, projects, or placements)
- Knowledge of flammable liquids, fire, and explosion risks
- Awareness of hazard identification and risk assessment methodologies
- Basic understanding of UK process safety regulations (DSEAR, ATEX, COMAH)
Desirable
- Industrial placement or internship within manufacturing, FMCG, or a high-hazard environment
- Interest in distilling or process industries
- Awareness of safety-critical elements or risk management concepts
Personal Attributes
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capability
- Effective communicator, able to work with a range of stakeholders
- Willingness to learn and develop technical expertise
- Pragmatic, risk-aware mindset
- Committed to continuous improvement and safe working practices