Design Construction Safety Assurance Lead in Bridgwater

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Design & Construction Safety Assurance Lead to support one of the UK's largest and most significant infrastructure projects at Hinkley Point C (HPC).

Working as part of the Client Health & Safety team, you will support the Head of Health & Safety (Client) in providing effective health and safety assurance across the HPC Project and its associated off-site infrastructure.

A key focus of the position will be providing assurance around Principal Designer and designer responsibilities under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015), particularly in relation to design risk management and the development and completeness of the Health & Safety File.

This opportunity would suit an experienced construction or engineering health and safety professional with strong CDM knowledge and exposure to Principal Designer and/or design risk management activities. You do not necessarily need to have done every aspect of the position previously; candidates with the right foundations, a willingness to develop and flexibility to travel across project locations are encouraged to apply.

Working Pattern

The role operates Monday to Friday for 40 hours per week, with a hybrid working arrangement expected to include:

• Minimum 2 days per week at Hinkley Point C
• Approximately 2 days per week at other HPC-associated locations, which may include Aztec West, Gloucestershire and other project sites
• Approximately 1 day working from home
• Regular travel between project locations will therefore be an important part of the position

Key Responsibilities

You will:

• Lead risk-based Client assurance of Principal Designer and designer arrangements, with particular focus on CDM 2015 compliance, design risk management and effective coordination.
• Provide assurance around the development, quality and progressive completion of the Health & Safety File throughout construction, commissioning and handover.
• Support assurance of the Client's wider duties under CDM 2015, including appointments, organisational capability, pre-construction information and duty-holder performance.
• Plan and undertake health and safety audits, reviews and inspections across HPC and associated off-site activities.
• Assess both health and safety management arrangements and their practical implementation at the point of work.
• Provide conventional construction health and safety assurance, focusing particularly on significant project risks and contractor arrangements.
• Support off-site and associated development projects, which may include warehouses, offices, park-and-ride facilities, compounds, substations and other infrastructure.
• Work collaboratively with the Client, Principal Designer, Principal Contractor, designers, project managers and Contract Partners.
• Provide professional and constructive challenge where required and escalate significant health and safety concerns appropriately.
• Use assurance findings, performance information and lessons learned to support continuous improvement across the project.
• Undertake other appropriate duties aligned with your professional skills, experience and competence.

About You

We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate:

• NEBOSH Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, or an equivalent Level 6 health and safety qualification.
• Appropriate professional membership of IOSH, with Chartered status or progression towards Chartered status desirable.
• Approximately 5+ years' relevant health and safety experience within construction, engineering, infrastructure or another comparable project environment.
• Strong working knowledge and practical application of CDM Regulations 2015.
• Experience working within, alongside or providing assurance of a Principal Designer function.
• Good understanding of designer duties and design risk management throughout the project lifecycle.
• Practical understanding of identifying, eliminating, reducing, managing and communicating foreseeable risks through design.
• Understanding of the purpose, development and management of the Health & Safety File.
• Experience undertaking health and safety audits, inspections, reviews or other assurance activities.
• Strong practical construction health and safety knowledge and confidence assessing activities in the field.
• Experience of contractor management, engagement and assurance.
• Ability to interpret legislation, standards, procedures and management arrangements and assess how effectively they are implemented.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including producing clear assurance reports.
• Confidence to constructively challenge stakeholders while maintaining positive working relationships.
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities and operate effectively across multiple projects and locations.
• Ability to influence stakeholders at different levels without direct line-management authority.

The Person We're Looking For

While relevant experience is important, we are also interested in candidates who have a strong foundation in CDM and Principal Designer scopes and are keen to further develop their expertise. You should be proactive, willing to learn and comfortable travelling between HPC and associated project locations. Candidates who demonstrate strong potential and the appropriate core health and safety knowledge may have the opportunity to further develop into the role.