Health & Safety Manager

Health, Safety & Wellbeing Manager
Location: Bridgwater, Somerset
Job Type: Permanent
Pay Rate: Negotiable depending on experience
A major UK Tier 1 contractor has secured a prestigious contract to deliver a large‑scale Battery Manufacturing Facility in Somerset. The initial phase of the project includes the design and construction of a 15GWh lithium‑ion battery facility, associated buildings, and extensive external works.
This is a rare opportunity to join a flagship, technically complex project at an early stage and play a key role in shaping Health, Safety & Wellbeing performance on a nationally significant scheme.
The Role
The Health, Safety & Wellbeing Manager will be a key member of the project leadership team, providing high‑quality HS&W support across all stages of delivery.
Working closely with project teams and the wider supply chain, you will help drive industry‑leading standards across competence, process, culture, compliance and learning, ensuring Health, Safety & Wellbeing is fully embedded into day‑to‑day site operations – not treated as a separate function.
This is a hands‑on, site‑facing leadership role on a complex construction environment, suited to someone comfortable influencing at all levels.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide expert HS&W leadership and support to project teams
* Identify and address competence gaps across project delivery teams
* Support and embed company‑wide HS&W strategy objectives at project level
* Identify, manage and escalate HS&W resource or risk issues
* Influence and support project leaders to take ownership of HS&W outcomes
* Promote a positive, open and proactive HS&W reporting culture
* Support work‑winning activities where required
* Drive continuous improvement across HS&W performance and behaviours
Required
Essential:
* Member of IOSH, actively working towards Chartered status
* Proven experience providing high‑level H&S support on complex UK construction or civil engineering projects
* Background working with Tier 1 contractors on major schemes
* Strong technical knowledge and ability to apply root cause analysis
* Excellent communication, leadership and influencing skills
* Track record of leading HS&W improvement initiatives with measurable results
* Proactive approach to continuous learning and development
Desirable:
* Chartered IOSH status
* NEBOSH Diploma or NVQ Level 5/6 in Occupational Health & Safety
* Experience with lifting operations
* Mental Health First Aider qualification
* Experience managing direct reports or leading HS&W teams
* Senior leadership exposure on major projects
* Understanding of behavioural psychology and human factors
* Involvement in industry or external HS&W working groups
What’s On Offer
* Permanent role on a major, nationally important construction project
* Opportunity to work for a long‑established, family‑owned Tier 1 contractor
* Competitive salary and benefits package
* Long‑term career development and progression opportunities
* Supportive, values‑driven working environment