At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HSE initiatives on-site, ensuring safety and environmental standards are met.
- Company: Join a leading construction firm committed to health and safety excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a supportive team atmosphere.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in safety culture while working on major projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction HSE management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Our Client is looking to recruit a Site based HSE Manager. The Site-Based Senior HSE Manager is accountable for end-to-end HSE leadership, governance, and execution at site. The role ensures that Health, Safety, Environmental, and Permit Controls are:
- Fully embedded into site execution
- Aligned with client requirements, standards, and UK legislation (HSWA, CDM 2015)
- Consistently applied across all contractors and subcontractors
- Supported by robust assurance, risk management, and leadership engagement
This position bridges strategy and execution, acting as the single point of HSE authority on site while maintaining alignment with project and regional HSE governance frameworks.
Responsibilities:
The Site based Senior HSE Manager provides visible, authoritative HSE leadership for the Heidelberg Materials project, ensuring that health, safety and environmental risks are effectively managed throughout project delivery. The role is accountable for developing, implementing and assuring the Project HSE Management System in alignment with:
- Heidelberg Materials HSE requirements
- HSE Management System
- UK regulatory requirements (HSWA, CDM 2015)
- Applicable international standards (e.g. ISO 45001 & ISO 14001)
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing and coordinating the Project HSE Team
- Supporting project delivery through strategic HSE oversight
- Providing direct support to sites through targeted site visits
- Developing and maintaining project specific HSE strategies, standards, and procedures
- Ensuring alignment with corporate, client, and regulatory HSE requirements
The role acts as the Senior HSE authority on the project, advising the Project Director and Site Leadership team, and setting clear expectations for contractors and subcontractors.
HSE Leadership & Culture
- Provide visible, site-based HSE leadership, setting expectations for safe behaviours and aligned with LIFE
- Champion LIFE and client HSE values across all site activities
- Act as principal HSE PoC to the Project Director, Site Director, and Site Leadership Team
- Drive a positive safety culture, promoting proactive hazard identification and intervention
Site HSE Management System (Execution & Governance)
- Lead implementation of the Project HSE Management System at site, including:
- HSE Plans and procedures
- CDM compliance strategy
- Environmental management controls
- Ensure alignment with:
- Client requirements
- HSE Management System
- ISO 45001 & ISO 14001 principles
- UK regulatory requirements
- Translate project-level governance into practical, site-operational controls
Permit to Work (PtW)
- Manage and provide leadership to the Permit Coordinators, including oversight of roles operating within the PtW framework
- Support the effective implementation of the PtW system such that it:
- Provides appropriate control of high-risk activities (e.g. confined space entry, hot work, SIMOPS)
- Interfaces with risk assessment and isolation processes (e.g. LOTO, energy isolation)
- Establishes clear roles, responsibilities, and reporting lines across all contractors
- Conduct assurance to confirm:
- Permit compliance in the field
- Quality and effectiveness of risk controls
- Interface management between concurrent activities
- Drive continuous improvement of Permit processes and digital systems
Contractor & Subcontractor HSE Control
- Ensure all contractors:
- Understand and comply with project HSE and PtW requirements
- Have clearly defined HSE responsibilities and accountabilities
- Monitor contractor performance through:
- Inspections, audits, and KPI tracking
- Intervention where standards fall below expectation
- Provide clarity on HSE control vs responsibility (client, contractor)
Assurance, Audit & Compliance
- Develop and execute a risk-based HSE Assurance Programme, including:
- Site inspections
- System audits
- Contractor audits
- Ensure compliance with:
- UK legal requirements (HSWA, CDM, environmental legislation)
- Client and our standards
- Lead readiness and mobilisation reviews for construction activities
Incident Management & Learning
- Ensure robust systems for:
- Incident and near miss reporting
- Investigation and root cause analysis
- Corrective and preventive actions
- Lead investigation of high-potential and significant incidents
- Ensure lessons learned are embedded across contractors and site teams
Team Leadership & Competence
- Lead and develop:
- Site HSE team
- Permit to Work team
- Training & competence programmes
- Ensure:
- Adequate resourcing for site risk profile
- Competence of personnel performing safety-critical roles
- Ongoing coaching and leadership development
- Provide functional leadership aligned to UK HSE strategy
Stakeholder & Interface Management
- Act as the primary HSE interface on site with:
- Client HSE representatives
- Contractors and subcontractors
- Project and construction leadership
- Align site execution with:
- Project HSE strategy
- Client objectives and expectations
- Influence decision-making to balance:
- Safety
- Schedule
- Operational efficiency
Key Objective Outcomes
- Achieve full compliance with Permit to Work requirements
- Demonstrate effective contractor HSE control
- Maintain audit-ready HSE systems and legal compliance
- Drive measurable improvements in:
- Safety culture
- Leading indicators (interventions, inspections)
- Risk reduction
Decision Making and Authority
- Full authority over:
- Site HSE systems and performance
- Permit to Work system and approvals framework
- HSE team and permit team structure and capability
- Provides independent professional judgement on:
- Work stoppage where risk is unacceptable
- Contractor performance and compliance actions
- HSE risk acceptance (ALARP basis)
Internal & External Interfaces
- Internal:
- Project Director & PMT
- Construction Manager
- Engineering & Procurement teams
- Regional HSE Leadership
- External:
- Client HSE representatives
- Regulators (as required)
- Contractors and subcontractors
Qualifications:
- Experience in major construction / energy projects
- Strong knowledge of:
- UK legislation (HSWA, CDM)
- ISO 45001 / ISO 14001
- Proven experience:
- Leading site HSE delivery
- Managing contractor interfaces
- Implementing HSE systems from mobilisation through execution
- Heavy industrial / high-hazard project experience
- Desirable:
- Chartered or working toward IOSH membership
- Experience within a similar EPC environment
- Permit to Work systems and control of work
- Strong leadership and influencing skills
- Contractor assurance and control expertise
- Deep understanding of control of work / Permit systems
- Incident investigation and root cause analysis
- Ability to translate strategy into site execution
- Strong communication across all organisational levels
Locations
Senior HSE Manager in Cheshire, Chester employer: Airswift
Heidelberg Materials is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where safety and environmental stewardship are at the forefront of our operations. As a Senior HSE Manager, you will benefit from a culture that prioritises employee growth through continuous training and development opportunities, while also enjoying the unique advantage of working on major construction projects in a collaborative team setting. Our commitment to health, safety, and environmental excellence ensures that you will play a pivotal role in shaping a positive safety culture and driving meaningful change on site.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior HSE Manager in Cheshire, Chester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its HSE practices. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their projects and how you can contribute to their safety culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around UK legislation and HSE management systems. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior HSE Manager in Cheshire, Chester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in HSE management, especially in relation to UK legislation and ISO standards. We want to see how your background aligns with the specific requirements of the Senior HSE Manager role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Senior HSE Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Use your application to share examples of how you've successfully led teams and influenced safety culture on site. We love seeing real-life stories that showcase your impact!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make your achievements stand out. We appreciate clarity and want to quickly understand your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes tracking your application easier for both you and us.
How to prepare for a job interview at Airswift
✨Know Your HSE Legislation
Make sure you brush up on UK legislation like HSWA and CDM 2015. Being able to discuss how these laws apply to the role will show that you're not just familiar with the regulations, but that you can also implement them effectively on site.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've provided visible HSE leadership in past roles. Think about specific situations where you influenced safety culture or managed a team through challenging circumstances. This will highlight your ability to lead and engage others.
✨Showcase Your Risk Management Experience
Be ready to discuss your experience with risk assessment and management. Share specific instances where you identified hazards and implemented controls, especially in high-risk environments. This will demonstrate your proactive approach to safety.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don't forget that interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's HSE culture and expectations. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
