Projects & Compliance Manager
Location: Yaxley, Cambridgeshire
Reports To: Director – People, Risk & Resources
Works Closely With: EHS Manager, Project Managers, Senior Leadership Team
Salary Band: £58,000 – £65,000 DOE (flexibility up to £67,000 for exceptional candidates)
Purpose of Role
The Projects & Compliance Manager is responsible for ensuring the safe and compliant delivery of all construction, refurbishment, and installation projects across site in full alignment with the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM).
This role is central to driving excellence in project compliance and CDM governance, while leading the implementation and maintenance of ISO 45001 (Health & Safety) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) systems. Working closely with the EHS Manager and wider leadership team, the Projects & Compliance Manager will embed a culture of safety, compliance, and continuous improvement across all business functions.
Key Responsibilities
CDM & Project Compliance
* Lead compliance with the Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM) for all site projects.
* Ensure the Client’s duties under CDM are fulfilled, including appointment and monitoring of competent Principal Designers and Principal Contractors.
* Review and maintain all project safety documentation including pre-construction information, Construction Phase Plans, RAMS and permits.
* Oversee contractor vetting, inductions, supervision, and site audits.
* Conduct project inspections, report findings, and ensure timely closure of corrective actions.
* Act as the internal point of reference for all CDM-related activity and best practice.
ISO & Standards Implementation
* Lead implementation and maintenance of ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety) and ISO 14001 (Environmental Management).
* Develop, embed, and maintain management systems, policies, and procedures in line with ISO standards.
* Prepare for and manage external certification audits, ensuring full readiness and compliance.
* Integrate ISO and CDM controls into daily operations to support long-term business sustainability.
Health, Safety & Environmental Support
* Support the EHS Manager with operational health & safety delivery and improvement plans.
* Assist with incident investigations and ensure learning outcomes are implemented.
* Deliver toolbox talks, training, and compliance awareness campaigns across all teams.
* Maintain audit-ready records for regulators, certification bodies, and customers.
Person Specification
Essential:
* NEBOSH Construction Certificate (minimum).
* Strong and demonstrable knowledge of CDM Regulations 2015 and contractor management.
* Proven experience managing health & safety compliance for construction or engineering projects in an industrial/manufacturing environment.
* Experience implementing and maintaining compliance systems such as ISO 45001 or ISO 14001.
* Excellent documentation and organisational skills.
* Confident communicator with the ability to influence across all levels of the business.
Desirable:
* NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent qualification.
* Membership of IOSH (TechIOSH, GradIOSH, or higher).
* Experience achieving ISO 45001/14001 accreditation.
* Knowledge of environmental management systems and reporting.
* Project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2 or APM).
Key Relationships
Internal: Director PRR, EHS Manager, Project Managers, SLT, Engineering & Maintenance Teams.
External: Certification Bodies, Regulators (HSE, EA), Contractors, Consultants, and Customers.
Performance Measures
ISO 45001 & ISO 14001 accreditation achieved within 12 months.
Full CDM compliance achieved and maintained across all relevant projects.
Positive outcomes in internal and external audits.
Strong contractor safety performance and compliance record.
Evident contribution to a proactive compliance and continuous improvement culture.
5S Recruitment is acting as a recruitment agency on behalf of this client