Job Description
Deputy Health & Safety Manager
Location: Cambridge
Salary: Circa £42,000
Permanent
Full Time (36.5 hours per week)
We are partnering with a globally renowned, research-intensive institution to appoint a Deputy Health & Safety Manager within one of its largest and most technically complex departments.
This is a rare opportunity to join a prestigious academic environment at an exciting time of transformation, supporting cutting-edge research, advanced laboratory facilities and a vibrant community of academics, researchers and students.
The Role
Reporting to the Departmental Safety Manager, you will play a key leadership role in ensuring that research, teaching and operational activities are delivered safely, compliantly and without disruption.
You will:
* Support the development and delivery of the department’s health, safety and environmental strategy
* Provide expert legal and technical advice across a complex research environment
* Deputise for the Health & Safety Manager when required
* Lead on statutory compliance across specialist laboratories and technical facilities
* Oversee contractors and ensure remedial actions are completed in a timely manner
* Develop, implement and maintain safety management systems and procedures
* Deliver scheduled audits and inspections, providing constructive feedback to academic leads
* Support safety inductions and engagement initiatives
* Help drive a positive, proactive safety culture across the department
This is a broad and visible role combining operational delivery with strategic influence.
The Environment
The department hosts approximately 1,000 staff, researchers and students and operates within a newly developed, state-of-the-art research facility.
Activities span multiple specialist research themes and involve high-value equipment, technical workshops, laboratory environments and public engagement spaces.
Safety here is not just compliance — it is fundamental to enabling world-class innovation.
About You
You will be an experienced Health & Safety professional who thrives in complex, stakeholder-rich environments.
Essential criteria include:
* Degree-level qualification in Occupational Health & Safety (e.g. NEBOSH Diploma) or working towards
* Significant experience managing health & safety systems
* Strong audit and inspection background
* Experience supervising contractors and service providers
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills
* Confidence engaging with senior academics, technical specialists and operational teams
* Ability to balance the needs of research excellence with safe working practices
You will be organised, pragmatic and able to influence at all levels.
What’s on Offer
* Permanent contract
* 36 days annual leave (inclusive of public holidays)
* Generous pension scheme
* Hybrid working approach (role dependent)
* Structured professional development and learning opportunities
* Extensive wellbeing and staff benefits package
* Relocation support (where applicable)
The organisation is strongly committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes flexible working discussions.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced Health and Safety Specialist with the skills, knowledge and drive to excel in this role, we would love to hear from you. To apply, please contact the Maxwell Stephens team on 02071184848, or send your CV to cv@maxwellstephens.com.