Senior Health and Safety Manager

About us

We are Cero Generation, a leading European solar energy developer. Our single-minded vision is to ensure this, and every generation has access to clean, reliable, cost-effective renewable energy. Cero identifies, develops, builds and energises major solar energy projects across eight European countries, and doing so responsibly we are helping communities to thrive across Europe and beyond. We have 25GW solar storage portfolio with further generation capability added each year. We are a Macquarie Asset Management (MAM) portfolio company, operating on a stand-alone basis.

About the role

The Senior WHSES Manager is responsible for implementing and overseeing Workplace Health, Safety, Environmental and Social (WHSES) management systems across Cero Generation and its projects during lifecycle from development through construction to operations. This role ensures WHSES compliance, fosters a proactive safety culture, and supports cross-functional collaboration across all countries where Cero operates. This role supports the Director of WHSESQ in developing and executing the WHSES strategy aligned with company goals while dealing with an experienced team across various disciplines (Development, Finance, Engineering, Asset Management, Construction, M&A). This role will be required to travel across Europe to undertake site visits or to have meetings with suppliers, contractors, development partners and other key stakeholders.

WHSES Responsibilities

• Promote a best-in-class Health, Safety, Environmental and Social culture within the organization.
• Ensuring WHSES compliance with best practice and legal requirements across development, construction, and operational activities. This includes that WHSES legal registry is maintained updated.
• Lead the implementation of WHSES management systems, policies and procedures across the company and all project phases and geographies aligned with ISO standards (9001, 14001, 45001).
• Act as the primary WHSES liaison between corporate, project teams, and external stakeholders.
• Work closely with Development, Construction, Operations, Legal, Procurement, Engineering and ESG teams.
• Liaise with EPC/O&M/AM contractors, subcontractors, consultants, and stakeholders.
• Review and approve WHSES plans submitted by EPC contractors and partners.
• Participate in supplier and contractor management processes, including WHSES prequalification, qualification, onboarding due diligence audits, performance review and monitoring and final performance evaluation.
• Ensure WHSES legal clauses and technical exhibits in various agreements (EPC, O&M, Equipment Supply) are best-in-class and up to date. Coordinating and ensuring the fulfilment of those agreements.
• Conduct and oversee WHSES audits, inspections, preventive safety observations/dialogues and risk assessments. Including site inspections of projects at different phases in different countries.
• Participate in coordination meetings and contribute to project risk registers and lessons learned.
• Directly manage WHSES personnel in different projects of the company.
• Preparing WHSES training programs/matrix and ensuring employee's training is kept up to date.
• Prepare and review WHSES reports for internal and external stakeholders at various levels including board, committees, portfolio and projects.
• Ensuring (when required assisting) that HSE incident and accident investigations are completed adequately and corrective actions are implemented timely.
• WHSES budget preparation at department and project level and monitoring.

Essential Skills & Attributes

• Degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in Workplace Health, Safety, Environmental, Social with at least 3 years in a senior or managerial role.
• Proven experience in renewable energy or electrical infrastructure projects in UK and Europe.
• Strong knowledge of UK and European WHSES regulations and international standards.
• NEBOSH or equivalent certification; CMIOSH or MIEMA membership preferred.
• Strong knowledge of UK and European HSE laws and regulation and ISO 14001 and 45001.
• Strong leadership, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivated, organized, and committed to continuous improvement.
• Active effort and capacity to support team building, integration and structure.
• Cultural awareness and adaptability.
• Excellent written and spoken English is required. Being Multilinguistic would be advantageous.
• Availability and willing to travel across Europe.

Desirable

• Familiarity and experience with BESS construction specific safety protocols and risk assessment (e.g., fire suppression, thermal runaway risks).
• Familiarity and experience with PV utility scale construction safety protocols and risk assessment.
• Familiarity with HV safety regulations and specific and related HSE procedures.

Working with Cero Generation

Our shared culture is all about doing the right thing for our company, our people and the world around us. We’re passionate about renewable energy and the vital role it can play in safeguarding the future of our planet. That’s why we’re all committed to collaborating to achieve excellence in our field to deliver better outcomes for all. We’re led by a simple promise to all our people: you’ll get back what you put in. We’ll empower you to deliver on our commitments and reward you for achieving the high standards that we set.

Diversity, inclusion & privacy

Cero Generation understands the importance of diversity and inclusion. We value the innovation and creativity that diversity of thought brings. If you are capable, motivated and can deliver, we want you on our team. Cero Generation is an equal opportunities employer and does not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, gender identity, marriage, civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, race (including colour and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief. We facilitate a range of flexible working arrangements within our teams. Talk to us about what flexibility may be available. Cero Generation respects the privacy of the people we deal with, and we uphold high standards of privacy practice and security. Our privacy policy is available on our website at cerogeneration.com.