Health and safety manager in Cardiff

Collaborate closely with project management, engineering, construction, and subcontractor teams to ensure uncompromising health and safety performance across all phases of ship construction. Drive a culture of safety, risk prevention, and well-being for a multicultural workforce engaged in high-profile maritime projects. Ensure compliance with Chinese, international regulatory standards and client requirements throughout the shipyard environment. Deliver proactive safety outreach, communication, and training, actively supporting continuous improvement in all safety practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, review, and update health and safety plans, procedures, and risk assessments tailored for new build vessel construction at the Chinese shipyard.
• Lead site-based safety audits, inspections, and accident/incident investigations, driving rapid resolution and effective root cause analysis.
• Champion the identification and mitigation of hazards relating to steelwork, outfitting, fabrication, heavy lifting, hot work, and confined spaces.
• Manage day-to-day health and safety performance; track KPIs, disseminate best practices, and ensure accurate reporting to stakeholders and regulatory authorities.
• Provide clear, proactive health and safety guidance to all personnel, contractors, and visitors – promoting inclusivity and team engagement in safety initiatives.
• Deliver comprehensive safety induction and ongoing training to a diverse, international workforce, ensuring language and cultural considerations are addressed.
• Support emergency response planning, drills, and incident management for the shipyard site, fostering robust preparedness at all times.

Essential Qualifications and Skills for Health and Safety Managers – Shipyard & Marine Construction

• Proven experience (5+ years) as a Health and Safety Manager, or similar role in shipbuilding, marine, offshore, or heavy industry environment.
• Relevant HSE qualifications, such as NEBOSH Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, additional maritime or China-specific certifications are advantageous.
• Thorough knowledge of shipyard hazards, regulatory frameworks (including UK, Chinese, and/or international standards), and practical risk management techniques.
• Strong leadership, communication, and influencing skills – able to work effectively in multicultural, multilingual environments and with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Exceptional organisational, analytical, and reporting abilities.
• Experience delivering safety training, toolbox talks, and incident investigations within construction or shipbuilding settings.
• English language proficiency (written and spoken) is desirable; Mandarin or previous working experience in China is highly desirable.
• Preparedness for on-site presence at the Chinese shipyard, with flexibility to travel as project schedules require.

Personal Attributes – Our Ideal Health and Safety Manager

• Approachable, proactive, and assertive safety advocate who leads by example.
• Committed to inclusion, fairness, and respect for colleagues of all identities.
• Open-minded, adaptable to new ways of working and diverse cultures.
• Resilient under pressure, solutions-oriented, and passionate about continuous improvement in safety performance.
• Drives engagement and collective responsibility for a safe, healthy work environment.

How to Apply – Health and Safety Manager (New Build Vessels, China Shipyard)

If you are ready to deliver industry-leading health and safety outcomes as part of a pioneering new build team, we welcome your application. At Avantis Group, we value all perspectives and encourage candidates of any gender, background, or identity to apply – we are committed to building a genuinely inclusive team. Join us in defining exceptional safety standards for international shipbuilding and be part of the next generation of maritime innovation in China!