Permit Office Manager
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
* Lead and manage the Permit Office team to deliver an efficient, compliant Permit Office operation.
* Oversee the preparation, authorisation, issuance, execution and close‑out of all permits and control certificates.
* Ensure all contractors are correctly inducted and compliant with WGC policies and CDM requirements.
* Manage staffing levels for escorting and assisting systems across the campus.
* Chair or support weekly/monthly permit review meetings.
Compliance, Auditing & Risk Management
* Promote and drive a positive safety culture across the Wellcome Genome Campus.
* Conduct on‑site safety and performance audits of contractors and subcontractors.
* Ensure the suitability and sufficiency of all Construction Phase Plans (CPPs) in collaboration with Estates & Facilities colleagues.
* Monitor health & safety documentation, challenging gaps or unsafe practices where necessary.
* Maintain a live campus map showing all active permits and transfers of control.
System Ownership & Continuous Improvement
* Take full ownership of the electronic Permit to Work software system.
* Manage system uptime in collaboration with IT providers and lead on system improvements.
* Develop the contractor onboarding process to improve safety and operational efficiency.
* Proactively identify improvement opportunities, ensuring WGC remains compliant, innovative and efficient.
Stakeholder Engagement
* Act as a key liaison between Facilities Management teams, visiting contractors, principal contractors and internal stakeholders.
* Ensure work is delivered safely, efficiently and without unnecessary delays.
* Support 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 escalations.
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.
Additional Information
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.
Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant’s criminal record or the details of any disclosed offences. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre‑employment checks.
We are proud to be recognised as Gold Investors in People and as a Disability Confident employer. We also ensure that our recruitment processes do not treat anyone less favourably due to an offending background.
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