HSE Manager
Reference: 979432
Location: North-West UK
Travel required to Midlands and to sites
Type: Full-time, Permanent
Sector: Energy Infrastructure & Storage
Description
Our client integrates site development, construction, energy management and financing to stabilise the UK electrical grid and support intermittent renewable generation. Backed by major infrastructure investors and scaling rapidly, our client is recruiting for an HSE Manager to join them on a permanent staff basis.
The Role
Provide company-wide leadership on health, safety and environmental matters, putting clear expectations, practical guidance and independent assurance in place to protect people, support dependable asset operation and enable responsible delivery. The remit spans corporate workplaces and every stage of the asset lifecycle, from initial development through construction and commissioning to maintenance, modification and eventual decommissioning.
Working directly for the C-suite team, oversee the daily operation of the HSE function, including its systems, advisory support, assurance activity, performance reporting and improvement priorities. Partner with Delivery and Operations leaders to ensure HSE controls are applied effectively. Develop the function in line with business growth, challenge decisions constructively and bring material risks to the attention of the appropriate leaders without delay.
Key Responsibilities
Prepare and keep current the company's HSE policy, management framework, objectives and improvement programme for approval by the leadership team. Track relevant legislation and other obligations, agree compliance actions with responsible managers and follow progress through to completion.
Plan a risk-led programme of HSE assurance across the business. Focus site visits, inspections and audits on construction and maintenance activity, significant exposures and newly identified concerns.
Appoint, deploy, develop and supervise HSE Advisors within approved resourcing plans. Anticipate future skills requirements and engage or coordinate suitably qualified external support within authorised limits.
Work with managers and HR to establish effective induction, training, competence assessment and workforce consultation. Encourage transparent reporting, early action and the exchange of learning among employees and contractors.
Guide Development and Delivery teams on the company's client responsibilities under CDM.
Contribute HSE advice at design risk reviews, purchasing decisions, contractor appointments, mobilisation and project approval stages.
Partner with Operations to define and verify safe working arrangements at BESS and gas peaker facilities. Include planned maintenance, outages, contractor entry, concurrent activities and the safe return of plant to service.
Review permit-to-work, isolation, lock-off and electrical safety controls alongside appointed competent personnel. Confirm that authorisations, competence evidence and inspection and maintenance records remain valid, and that identified gaps have owners and are resolved.
Arrange specialist evaluation and assurance for asset hazards, including battery fires and thermal runaway, gas escapes, fire and explosion, pressure equipment and hazardous substances.
Direct environmental management during construction and operation, working with Development, Operations and specialist advisers on relevant permits and consents. Oversee compliance relating to emissions, noise, waste, drainage, discharges, spill controls and pollution response.
Oversee corporate health and safety provision with HR and Facilities. Cover office risks, fire precautions, first aid, display-screen equipment, lone working, business driving and travel, fatigue and wellbeing.
Arrange occupational health assessments, exposure management and any necessary health surveillance through competent providers, maintaining the confidentiality of personal health information. Ensure appropriate attention to noise, dust, vibration, hazardous substances and work-related stress.
Direct or support investigations into incidents and near misses, establishing underlying causes and identifying opportunities to prevent recurrence. Confirm the effectiveness of corrective measures, arrange statutory reports where necessary and circulate learning across the organisation.
Coordinate emergency arrangements tailored to each site, including realistic exercises and engagement with emergency services. Draw on competent specialists to maintain preparedness for construction and operational events involving fire, gas, batteries or environmental harm.
Use the role's authority to halt unsafe activities, call for remedial action and refer serious HSE matters directly to the C-suite and other relevant leaders.
Contribute to reporting for the Board and funders when requested.
Key Requirements
Skills, Qualifications & Experience
Substantial construction HSE experience, including substations or comparable electrical infrastructure, with the ability to support both project delivery and operating assets. BESS and gas peaker experience is desirable rather than essential.
Experience leading HSE personnel or coordinating specialist support, with strong reporting, communication and organisational skills.
Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel between offices, construction and operational sites as required.
Practical understanding of UK HSE requirements, client-side CDM, electrical and operational risk controls, occupational health and environmental compliance, with the judgement to obtain specialist advice where needed
NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent professional health and safety qualification, supported by practical experience implementing HSE systems, contractor assurance, audits and incident investigations.
Ability to establish emergency and stop-work arrangements, influence managers and contractors constructively, and translate technical risk information into clear priorities and actions.
Desirable: Relevant IOSH membership, environmental qualification or professional membership, experience of BESS, gas generation, process safety or operational maintenance, and ISO 45001 / ISO 14001 management systems and auditing.
Due to current workloads, Simpson Booth regrets to inform that in the instance you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of your application, you are to consider your application unsuccessful at this time.