About The Company:
This recruitment campaign is being managed by OCS Group UK on behalf of Sussex Estates and Facilities LLP (SEF) - which is a partnership formed between OCS and the University of Sussex. SEF is the direct employer for this role and is responsible for delivering facilities management services across the University of Sussex estate.
OCS is proud to partner with theUniversity of Sussex in this long-term collaboration. With a workforce of over 50,000 colleagues and a turnover exceeding £2 billion, OCS is a market leader in delivering innovative and award-winning services across facilities management, including hard services, cleaning, security, and catering. These strengths underpin our commitment to excellence in the SEF partnership.
Our shared mission is to enhance the University campus by ensuring it operates smoothly and efficiently, aligning with the University's values and commitment to sustainability. Together, we are dedicated to making the campus a better place for students, staff, and the broader community. The partnership is built on the core values of Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment, guiding how we work and deliver services.
Please note: The employing organisation for this role will be Sussex Estates and Facilities LLP.
About The Role:
Are you passionate about creating safe, supportive, and compliant working environments? Do you thrive in a role where your expertise in health and safety can make a real difference? SEF, in partnership with OCS UK&I, is seeking a proactive and knowledgeableHealth & Safety Leadto champion a culture of safety across our Total Facilities Management (TFM) contract at the University of Sussex.
This is a pivotal role where you’ll lead on all operational health and safety matters, ensuring compliance, driving continuous improvement, and embedding a positive safety culture across both hard and soft FM services.
As part of your role, your key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
* As the Health & Safety Lead, you will act as the go-to advisor for all H&S matters across SEF, offering clear, practical advice to operational directors, senior managers, and frontline teams.
* Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of the SEF Occupational Health & Safety Management System (OHSM), ensuring alignment with both SEF and University of Sussex policies.
* Promote a strong safety culture by supporting incident reporting, conducting audits, and ensuring robust investigations with actionable outcomes.
* Work closely with University stakeholders, contractors, and internal teams to ensure seamless delivery of safety protocols and foster a culture of shared responsibility.
* Oversee the development of H&S scorecards, risk assessments, and compliance plans, using data to inform decisions and drive continual improvement.
This role is not just about qualifications—it’s about leadership, credibility, and the ability to influence a culture of safety in a complex, high-stakes environment. We’re looking for someone who bringsdeep expertise, sound judgment, and a proactive mindsetto the table from day one.
The ideal candidate should meet the following criteria:
* NEBOSH Level 6 Diploma(or equivalent), or NEBOSH General Certificate with active progression toward Level 6.
* Chartered IOSH statuspreferred; candidates must be working toward chartered status.
* Extensive experiencemanaging health and safety in aTotal Facilities Management (TFM)environment, ideally within higher education or research-intensive settings.
* In-depth knowledgeof statutory compliance, includingSFG20,HTMs, andpremises and asset safety.
* Proven ability toinvestigate serious incidents, liaise with enforcement agencies, and manage civil and criminal compliance risks.
* Hands-on leadershipstyle with the ability to operate confidently at all levels—from front-line teams to senior stakeholders.
CoreCompetencies:
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability tobuild trust and influenceacross diverse teams.
* Demonstrated ability tofoster a “Just Culture”, encouraging learning from incidents and promoting psychological safety.
* Ethical, transparent, and committed tosustainable and inclusive practices.
* Holds afull UK driving licenceand is willing to travel across the University estate as needed.
Desirable Attributes:
* Working knowledge ofenvironmental lawand sustainability practices.
* A naturalcoach and motivator, with a passion for developing others.
* Committed toperformance excellence, continuous improvement, and fair treatment for all staff.
* Embracesdiversity and inclusionas strengths in building a resilient safety culture.
How to Apply:
If you are interested in joining a business that encourages professional development, career progression and the chance to work with inspirational people then please click apply and register your interest! You can also sign up to our job alerts when registering which will notify you when other suitable vacancies are available.
We are an equal opportunities employer and rely on a diverse workforce with a broad range of knowledge, skills, and backgrounds to deliver our goals. We offer an inclusive and welcoming environment and actively encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or age.
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