At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead health and safety initiatives on a major construction project, ensuring zero harm.
- Company: Join VSL/Bouygues Construction, a leader in creating safe work environments.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with strong leadership opportunities and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in safety standards while working on impactful projects.
- Qualifications: NEBOSH certified with significant experience in high-risk construction environments.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Health & Safety Manager to lead health, safety, and wellbeing delivery across the Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer project. Reporting directly to the Project Director, you will play a key leadership role in driving a zero harm / accident-free environment, ensuring compliance with CDM 2015, UK legislation, and VSL safety standards across all phases of the works. This is a hands-on leadership role within a technically complex and high-risk construction environment.
Main Responsibilities
- Planning, Management & Coordination
- Lead implementation and continuous improvement of the Construction Phase HSE Plan and VSL Safety Management System
- Coordinate safe systems of work across all project activities and subcontractors
- Provide HSE input into construction methodologies, planning activities, and sequencing
- Review and approve RAMS to ensure they are suitable and fit for construction
- Support operational teams in delivering safe and compliant works across all packages
- Risk Management & Compliance
- Embed the 5 Lines of Defence, 6 Major Risks, and Life‑Saving Rules into project execution
- Promote shared vigilance and STOP‑Work authority
- Monitor plant, equipment, temporary works, isolations, and safety systems
- Strengthen organisational and team-level risk controls
- Review of Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS), ensuring they meet VSL & LTC standards and are “Fit for Construction”
- Monitor compliance with VSL & LTC standards for excavation, lifting operations, working at height, plant and equipment, hazardous substances, and temporary work
- Manage key project risks including: Work at height, Lifting operations and heavy plant, Excavations and piling, Temporary works and structural stability
- Ensure compliance with CDM 2015, UK legislation, and internal HSE procedures
- Strengthen risk controls across all stages of project delivery
- Promote a proactive behavioural safety culture and workforce accountability
- Incident Investigation & Improvement
- Lead incident investigations and root cause analysis
- Ensure full RIDDOR compliance and accurate reporting
- Drive close-out of corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives
- Monitor and analyse HSE performance trends and KPIs
- Site Safety, Inspections & Engagement
- Conduct regular site inspections, audits, and behavioural safety observations
- Maintain a visible on-site presence within operational areas
- Engage with site teams, subcontractors, and stakeholders to reinforce safety expectations
- Support workforce engagement initiatives and positive safety behaviours
- Training, Communication & Culture
- Deliver inductions, toolbox talks, and workforce safety briefings
- Promote Zero Harm principles and a positive project safety culture
- Support development of HSE awareness and competency across project teams
- Emergency Preparedness
- Ensure effective emergency preparedness arrangements are maintained on site
- Support project audit readiness and compliance inspections
- Assist with preparation and completion of the Health & Safety File during project handover
Candidate profile
- Education & Experience
- NEBOSH Certificate or Diploma (or equivalent)
- Significant experience within complex construction, structural, or infrastructure projects
- Strong background working within temporary works and heavy lifting environments
- Proven experience managing high-risk construction activities including WAH, lifting operations, excavations, and piling
- Strong capability in incident investigation and risk management
- Typically 10+ years’ construction HSE experience
- Typically 5+ years in leadership or management positions
- Personal Attributes
- Strong leadership and influencing capability
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
- Analytical and detail-oriented approach
- Ability to drive behavioural safety and workforce engagement
- Strong reporting and data analysis capability (Power BI, Excel)
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
- Full UK right to work
- Full UK driving licence
VSL/Bouygues Construction is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse working environment where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. A copy of our Equal Opportunities Policy is available upon request.
Health & Safety Manager (2 Year FTC) in Birmingham employer: Bouygues Construction SA
At VSL/Bouygues Construction, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises health, safety, and employee wellbeing. As a Health & Safety Manager, you will not only lead critical safety initiatives on the Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer project but also benefit from extensive professional development opportunities in a supportive environment that champions zero harm principles. Join us in a role where your expertise will directly contribute to a safer construction landscape while working alongside passionate professionals in a high-stakes, rewarding setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Health & Safety Manager (2 Year FTC) in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the construction and health & safety sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their safety standards and recent initiatives. We want you to show them that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about their mission and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to risk management and incident investigation. We suggest using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you articulate your experience clearly and effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We recommend mentioning something specific from your conversation to show your enthusiasm and reinforce your fit for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Health & Safety Manager (2 Year FTC) in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Health & Safety Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in construction and safety management, especially any hands-on leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your background aligns with our project needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about health and safety in construction. Share specific examples of how you've driven safety initiatives in the past. Remember, we love a good story that showcases your skills!
Showcase Your Qualifications:Don’t forget to mention your NEBOSH Certificate or Diploma and any other relevant qualifications. We’re looking for someone with solid credentials, so make sure these stand out in your application. It’s all about showing us you’ve got what it takes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and you’ll be set!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bouygues Construction SA
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the CDM 2015 regulations and any relevant UK legislation. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the rules, but that you can apply them in a practical setting.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in high-risk environments before. Think about specific situations where your leadership made a difference in safety outcomes. This will help you illustrate your capability to drive a zero harm culture.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be ready to discuss how you’ve used data analysis tools like Power BI or Excel to monitor HSE performance trends. Highlighting your analytical approach will demonstrate your ability to make informed decisions based on data.
✨Engage with Real Scenarios
Think of real-life incidents you’ve investigated and be prepared to walk through your process. Discussing your approach to root cause analysis and corrective actions will show your depth of experience and commitment to continuous improvement.
