Health and Safety Manager

Location: Manchester Department: UK SHESQ Reporting to: UK SHESQ Director The Health and Safety Manager will develop, implement and maintain effective health and safety systems, ensuring compliance with legislation, industry standards and company requirements. The role will promote a safe working environment, reduce workplace risks and drive a strong safety culture across the organisation.

Supporting the OCU Trenchless division, you will ensure all works meet legal, regulatory and internal requirements. Working closely with project teams, designers and supply chain partners, you will coordinate audits, inspections, assurance activities and compliance documentation to maintain high operational and safety standards.

Health & Safety Management: Develop, implement and review H&S policies, procedures and management systems, ensuring compliance with legislation, regulations, industry standards and ISO 45001. Lead and develop the H&S Advisor team, supporting them to reach their full potential, while maintaining accurate H&S records, reports and documentation.

Risk, Audit & Compliance: Lead workplace inspections, risk assessments, internal H&S audits and inspections across projects and operations. Identify hazards, implement corrective and preventative actions, liaise with regulatory bodies and external auditors, and monitor contractor and supplier compliance. Incident & Performance Management: Investigate incidents, near misses and accidents, recommending measures to prevent recurrence.

Analyse incident trends, implement improvement initiatives and drive reductions in workplace incidents and accidents, alongside successful audit and inspection outcomes. Training & Safety Culture: Deliver H&S training, inductions and refresher programmes, promote a positive safety culture through communication and engagement, and support managers and employees in meeting their H&S responsibilities and achieving training and competency targets.

Health, Wellbeing & Emergency Planning: Support occupational health and wellbeing programmes, oversee workplace health surveillance where required, develop and maintain emergency response and business continuity plans, and provide expert advice on health, safety and environmental matters. Performance & Assurance: Maintain compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, achieve training and competency targets, and ensure successful audit and inspection outcomes.

Degree, diploma, or equivalent qualification in Occupational Health and Safety (or working towards). NEBOSH Diploma, NCRQ, or equivalent professional qualification. IOSH membership, or eligibility to obtain membership. Proven experience in a Health and Safety Manager role. Strong understanding of health and safety legislation and risk management.

Experience within construction, utilities, engineering, or infrastructure sectors, experience within Trenchless would be an advantage. Excellent analytical, investigation, and report-writing skills. Strong communication, stakeholder management, and influencing abilities. Organised, detail-focused, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively