Role Purpose
The Health & Safety Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing the effective implementation of the company's Health, Safety and Environmental management systems across all projects and offices within the UK mainland and Northern Ireland.
The role provides operational leadership, assurance, and strategic support to the HS&E Advisors, project teams, ensuring legal compliance, driving continuous improvement, and embedding a proactive, positive safety culture aligned with company and Client expectations. The H&S Manager will also support and mentor Advisors and contribute to the development of the wider SHEQ function.
Key Responsibilities
Health & Safety Leadership & Management
Lead the implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the company's Health & Safety management system across assigned MEP projects.
Provide competent professional advice on UK Health & Safety legislation, ACOPs, and industry best practice.
Oversee and support project teams in the development, review, and approval of risk assessments, method statements, and safe systems of work for MEP activities.
Monitor site activities to ensure works are delivered in accordance with approved RAMS, company procedures, and Client requirements.
Provide escalation and support where significant risk or non-compliance is identified.
Environmental Management
Lead and support the implementation of the Environmental Management System across all projects and offices.
Promote environmental best practice, including waste management, segregation, reduction, and responsible sourcing.
Ensure compliance with environmental legislation, permits, and Client environmental standards.
Support project teams in identifying and managing environmental risks and aspects associated with MEP works (e.g. waste, noise, dust, energy use, materials).
Contribute to initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact, including carbon reduction and efficient use of resources.
Review environmental inspections, audits, and reports, ensuring actions are tracked, closed out, and lessons learned shared.
Promote workforce awareness and engagement through briefings, toolbox talks, and targeted campaigns.
Site Inspections, Audits & Assurance
Plan, lead, and carry out regular site inspections, audits, and safety tours, producing high quality reports and ensuring timely close out of actions.
Identify trends, unsafe acts, or systemic issues and work with project and senior management to implement corrective and preventative measures.
Support and lead internal audits and external audits, including Client, certification body, and regulatory inspections.
Act as a key interface with Client H&S representatives to drive continual improvement in performance and culture.
Incident Management
Lead or oversee the investigation of incidents, accidents, and near misses, ensuring root causes are identified and effective corrective actions implemented.
Ensure reporting is completed in line with company procedures and statutory requirements.
Analyse incident and performance data to identify trends and provide proactive recommendations to prevent recurrence.
Training, Engagement & Capability Building
Deliver and oversee Health & Safety inductions, toolbox talks, briefings, and targeted training relevant to our works activities and audit findings .
Promote strong workforce engagement and ownership of Health & Safety at all levels.
Support competency assessments for employees, operatives, and subcontractors.
Provide mentoring and day to day support to Health & Safety Advisors and junior team members.
Subcontractor & Supply Chain Management
Lead the Health & Safety input into subcontractor pre-qualification and ongoing performance monitoring.
Oversee the review and approval of subcontractor RAMS, ensuring alignment with company and Client standards.
Drive consistent Health & Safety standards and expectations across the supply chain.
Collaboration, Reporting & Governance
Work closely with project management, design, commercial, estimating, and SHEQ teams to integrate Health & Safety into all stages of project delivery.
Prepare and review Health & Safety reports, dashboards, and KPI data for internal and Client reporting (aligned with business requirements).
Act as a senior point of contact for Health & Safety matters on assigned projects and within the business unit.
Contribute to SHEQ strategy, process development, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Key MEP Risk Areas
Electrical safety (LV/HV, testing and commissioning)
Mechanical services installation
Working at height
Lifting operations
Confined spaces
Hot works
Pressure systems
Temporary works and interfaces with other trades
Asbestos
Skills & Competencies
Strong working knowledge of UK Health & Safety legislation and construction regulations.
Ability to lead, influence, and challenge at all levels, including senior management and Clients.
Practical, solution focused approach within complex, live MEP, construction &FM environments.
Strong leadership, mentoring, and coaching skills.
Excellent communication, organisation, and reporting capabilities.
Confident decision-maker with sound professional judgement.
Essential
Qualifications & Experience
NEBOSH Construction Certificate (or equivalent)
Significant experience in construction / MEP environments
CSCS card
Demonstrable experience managing Health & Safety on large or complex projects
Desirable
Chartered or Graduate IOSH membership (CMIOSH / GradIOSH) or working towards
Environmental qualification (e.g. IEMA Certificate)
Experience leading or mentoring H&S Advisors
First Aid at Work, Temporary Works Coordinator/Awareness, or similar
Full UK driving licence
Behavioural Expectations
Leads by example and demonstrates a strong personal commitment to Health & Safety.
Promotes a proactive, positive safety culture rather than a compliance only approach.
Aligns with company values and supports the "One Dowds" ethos across projects