Hi everyone, I’d really appreciate some guidance from more experienced professionals.

I’m coming up to my first year working as a sole HSE Officer in a manufacturing environment (around 180 employees), covering ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 and AS9100 requirements. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity my current employer gave me. I’ve always wanted to work in the HSE field and I came into this role very motivated.

However, the lack of mentoring and support has been a major challenge. There was no proper handover when I started, just a few pages with passwords and file locations. Day-to-day I’m left completely on my own. When I reach out to my manager for help, I’m usually redirected to people who don’t know or don’t take responsibility. When I report issues on site, the response is often “do something about it,” without any guidance, context, or backing.

I do get some external support during ISO audits, but operationally I am navigating everything alone. As someone at the start of their HSE career, this has left me feeling trapped, stressed, and unsure whether I’m developing in the right direction. I’m worried about making mistakes simply because I’ve never had proper mentoring.

I now have an interview for a role that offers:

-  Clear training and mentoring

-  Starting as an assistant with progression into QHSE over time

-  Similar salary

On paper, it seems like the sort of environment that could genuinely support my growth.

My question is: is it reasonable to consider moving after just one year when the current role lacks the support needed for early career development? Or would leaving after such a short time negatively affect my long-term career?

I’d really appreciate honest views from people who’ve been in similar situations or who’ve managed junior HSE professionals.

Thanks in advance!

In reaching out to this forum you have already answered your own question.

You don't need to be bounding out of bed every day eager to see what the day brings but you should feel supported, wanted and even appreciated (at least every now and then).

Your post is really about having the confidence to jump ship from where you know what is happening and feel unable to change anything to somewhere the grass appears greener. At 12 months you have given this current employment a fair run so before you start developing resigned comfort in the known it is time to change path.

Just make sure you balance all the pro's and con's such as commuting costs, travel times, pension (fund & contributions). I have in the past stepped down in headline salary for a new position that was closer to home - a three hour daily commute dropped to 30 minutes with a marked increase in disposable income thanks to much reduced car runninhg costs.