We are seeking a Regional Health & Safety Manager to join our growing team and take a leading role in driving Health & Safety (H&S) performance and culture across our regional operations and contractor activities. Reporting directly to the Head of Delivery and Operations and working within a matrix structure through the HSSE Manager to the Group H&S Director, this role is pivotal in ensuring compliance, governance, and the continuous improvement of health and safety standards across all projects and operational activities.
The successful candidate will work closely with contractors and internal teams, issuing regular reports, monitoring performance, and implementing strategies to embed world-class safety practices. A thorough understanding of CDM Regulations and other key legal requirements, such as NRSWA, EAW, HASAW, and MHSAW, is essential.
A significant portion of this role will involve time spent on construction sites, engaging with both directly engaged contractors acting as Principal Contractor and contractors working under another client as Principal Contractor. These interactions will require an individual who can effectively engage at all levels, demonstrating respect and earning respect in turn.
Internally, this role will often act as a coach, supporting junior team members to ensure their projects and work are both compliant and safe. Additionally, the role will provide guidance to office-based staff, improving their understanding of site-based operations.
This role will actively influence and develop H&S capabilities across staff and contractors, ensuring alignment with corporate H&S objectives, fostering a proactive safety culture, and maintaining strict adherence to legal obligations.
Key Responsibilities / Duties
Leadership & Strategy
- Develop and implement regional H&S strategies in alignment with corporate goals, driving performance improvement across staff and contractors.
- Take ownership of H&S plans for the region, ensuring alignment with Group-level H&S strategies.
- Act as a primary contact for H&S matters within the region, liaising with contractors, internal project teams, and senior leadership.
H&S Performance and Monitoring
- Develop and manage regional H&S Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), ensuring transparent tracking and reporting to stakeholders, including the HSSE Manager and Group H&S Director.
- Conduct regular site audits, inspections, and evaluations to assess compliance with H&S regulations and company standards.
- Analyse data and trends to identify areas of improvement, issuing reports and driving corrective actions.
Contractor Management
- Establish and oversee contractor H&S performance standards, ensuring robust processes for document review, version control, and approval.
- Monitor contractor compliance with regulatory and company-specific requirements, delivering feedback and implementing improvements.
- Conduct regular engagement with contractors to foster alignment with company H&S culture and goals.
Operational Support
- Provide expert guidance to project teams during planning, delivery, and operational phases to ensure safety risks are effectively managed.
- Lead the implementation and alignment of CDM requirements for all regional projects.
- Support ongoing construction, engineering, and operational activities by embedding best practices for H&S management.
Cultural Development
- Promote a positive H&S culture through leadership, training, and active engagement with employees and contractors.
- Champion initiatives to improve awareness, competence, and accountability for H&S across all levels of the organization.
- Facilitate the transfer of H&S knowledge across teams and contractors, ensuring consistency and continuous improvement.
Compliance & Governance
- Ensure adherence to legal requirements and industry standards, including ISO 45001, ISO 14001, and ISO 9001 certifications.
- Conduct gap analyses to identify compliance risks and manage follow-up actions to close any deficiencies.
- Ensure all H&S activities and processes meet internal and external audit requirements.
Knowledge and Skills
Essential Skills:
- Proven ability to manage H&S performance in a matrix organization, balancing multiple reporting lines effectively.
- Strong leadership and communication skills to engage with internal teams, contractors, and senior stakeholders.
- Proficient in analysing data and producing clear, actionable reports.
- In-depth knowledge of UK H&S regulations, including CDM, COSHH, DSEAR, and Asbestos regulations.
- Experience developing and maintaining management systems aligned with ISO standards.
- Ability to influence and challenge existing practices to drive continuous improvement.
Desirable Skills:
- Knowledge of district heating networks, low-carbon solutions, or energy systems.
- Familiarity with managing H&S in large construction or engineering projects.