Location: Saffron Walden
We are seeking an experienced and proactive Permit Office Manager to lead our Permit Office operations at the Wellcome Genome Campus in Saffron Walden. This is a site-based leadership role, integral to ensuring the safe, compliant, and efficient delivery of all contractor activities across a world-leading scientific research campus.
If you have a strong background in Engineering, Construction or M&E, with deep knowledge of health & safety, CDM and permit-to-work systems, this is an exceptional opportunity to lead a critical function supporting complex maintenance and project activity.
What You'll Be Doing
Leadership & Operational Management
* Leading and managing the Permit Office team to deliver an efficient, compliant Permit Office operation.
* Overseeing the preparation, authorisation, issuance, execution and close-out of all permits and control certificates.
* Ensuring all contractors are correctly inducted and compliant with WGC policies and CDM requirements.
* Managing staffing levels for escorting and assisting systems across the campus.
* Chairing or supporting weekly/monthly permit review meetings.
Compliance, Auditing & Risk Management
* Promoting and driving a positive safety culture across the Wellcome Genome Campus.
* Conducting on-site safety and performance audits of contractors and subcontractors.
* Ensuring the suitability and sufficiency of all Construction Phase Plans (CPPs) in collaboration with Estates & Facilities colleagues.
* Monitoring health & safety documentation, challenging gaps or unsafe practices where necessary.
* Maintaining a live campus map showing all active permits and transfers of control.
System Ownership & Continuous Improvement
* Taking full ownership of the electronic Permit to Work software system.
* Managing system uptime in collaboration with IT providers and leading on system improvements.
* Developing the contractor onboarding process to improve safety and operational efficiency.
* Proactively identifying improvement opportunities, ensuring WGC remains compliant, innovative, and efficient.
Stakeholder Engagement
* Acting as a key liaison between Facilities Management teams, visiting contractors, principal contractors, and internal stakeholders.
* Ensuring work is delivered safely, efficiently, and without unnecessary delays.
* Supporting Contractors through inductions and system processes as needed.
What We're Looking For
Essential Qualifications & Skills
* Strong background in Engineering, Construction or M&E with proven permit-to-work experience.
* Excellent knowledge of UK Health & Safety legislation, CDM regulations and risk management.
* Experience managing statutory compliance on a complex site.
* Strong understanding of QHSE systems.
* Solid IT skills (Outlook, Word, Excel) and experience with systems such as Aconex, Buzzsaw or similar.
* Experience managing or overseeing large and small projects.
* Proven leadership, organisational and motivational skills.
* Experience carrying out H&S audits and reviews.
* NEBOSH General/Construction Certificate (or equivalent).
Desirable
* Formal qualification in Engineering, Construction or M&E.
* AP appointment in areas such as working at height, confined spaces, hot works, electrical, LOTO, pressure systems, etc.
* Membership of IOSH, APS, CIOB, RICS.
Essential Experience Required
* Strong communication skills, able to work confidently with operational teams, managers and senior stakeholders.
* Able to lead the permit system end-to-end and support contractors without compromising safety.
* Experience reviewing safety documentation, challenging poor practices, and ensuring compliance.
* Demonstrated ability to support project delivery safely, on time, and within budget.
* Experience monitoring and improving safety and permit systems.
Desirable Experience
* Experience managing high volumes of permits across multiple projects.
* Ability to identify high-risk areas and communicate risks clearly to contractors.
* Strong auditing experience, able to identify trends and escalate concerns appropriately.
Personal Attributes
* Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
* Collaborative and personable working style.
* Strong leadership and a solutions-focused mindset.
* Confidence in challenging unsafe or non-compliant activity.
* Innovation, attention to detail and a drive for continuous improvement.
* A results-driven approach with commitment to delivering safe, efficient operations.
You'll be at the heart of a high-profile, high-complexity site where safety, precision and compliance are paramount. Your work will directly support the vital research and scientific breakthroughs happening every day at the Wellcome Genome Campus.
This is a fantastic opportunity to shape, lead and continuously improve the Permit Office function in a dynamic, prestigious environment.
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