At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate contractor activities and ensure safety compliance on site.
- Company: Join dsm-firmenich, a leader in sustainable products and innovation.
- Benefits: Empowerment, recognition, growth opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that values inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety and sustainability while building your career.
- Qualifications: Background in engineering or health and safety; strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location – Thirsk, UK
Job model – On Site (Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday)
Additional Hours: Weekend or out-of-hours work by prior arrangement
The Contractor Co-ordinator is responsible for the safe planning, authorization, coordination and monitoring of contractor activities undertaken under Permit to Work (PTW) arrangements. The role ensures permitted works are carried out in line with site standards, statutory requirements and Life Saving Rules, protecting people, plant, product and the environment while minimizing disruption to site operations and GMP activities.
The site operates as a Safe Start site, and the Contractor Co-ordinator is responsible for actively promoting Safe Start principles with contractors, ensuring work is only started when risks are fully understood, controls are in place and permit conditions are clearly confirmed. The Contractor Co-ordinator is a formally appointed Permit Authority and is accountable for the effective governance and application of the Permit to Work system in accordance with site procedures and delegated authority.
Life Saving Rule Accountability
The Contractor Co-ordinator is a duty holder for the enforcement of site Life Saving Rules in relation to contractor activities. The role has the authority to stop work, suspend permits or restrict access where Life Saving Rules or their required controls are not in place, are ineffective, or are not being followed.
Applicable Life Saving Rules
- Work Permit Authorization
- Energy Isolation
- Confined Space Entry
- Working at Height
- Lifting and Hoisting
- Overriding Safety Controls
- Fire and Explosion
- Safe Working with Substances
- Transport and Warehouse Safety
Your key responsibilities:
- Manage the Permit to Work system ensuring permits are correctly scoped, authorized, briefed, suspended and closed.
- Review RAMS to ensure they reflect task scope, hazards and site conditions.
- Ensure energy isolations are identified, applied, verified and maintained.
- Develop standard procedures for routine maintenance tasks to reduce unnecessary permits while maintaining risk control.
- Challenge unsafe acts and exercise stop-work authority where required.
- Escalate unresolved safety concerns to site leadership.
Life Saving Rule Enforcement
- Ensure confined space, work at height, lifting, hot work and hazardous substance controls are in place.
- Prevent bypassing or overriding of safety systems.
- Confirm emergency arrangements prior to high-risk work.
Contractor Safety Management
- Deliver site inductions and Safe Start expectations.
- Verify contractor competence for high-risk tasks.
- Conduct inspections, audits and incident investigations.
- Maintain accurate safety and permit records and review trends.
Work Coordination & Site Interfaces
- Coordinate contractor activities with operations and GMP requirements.
- Manage simultaneous works and site interfaces.
- Control contractor movements and housekeeping.
- Support shutdowns and high-risk work periods.
GMP & Compliance
- Verify completed work against permit scope and GMP standards.
- Ensure permits are closed and isolations reinstated.
- Review standard procedures periodically to ensure ongoing suitability.
We bring:
- Empowerment to make meaningful contributions while upholding ethical standards.
- Recognition and celebration of your efforts and accomplishments.
- Being a part of an agile local team at the site.
- Opportunities for growth and advancement for those who embrace innovation and take initiative.
- Opportunity to build a career in a company supplying sustainable products.
- Dedication to creating better futures for customers, communities, people, and the planet.
- Responsibility and accountability in living company values and driving sustainable solutions.
- Supportive environment where individuals are empowered to progress and contribute to meaningful change.
You bring:
- Background in engineering, maintenance, operations or health and safety.
- Familiarity with developing or reviewing standard operating procedures for maintenance tasks.
- Knowledge of PTW systems, RAMS, isolations and CDM Regulations.
- Confident communicator able to challenge unsafe behaviour.
- Engineering or health and safety qualifications.
About dsm-firmenich
At dsm-firmenich, we don’t just meet expectations – we go beyond them. From elevating health to making fortified food and sustainable skincare, the impact of your work here will be felt by millions – every single day. Whether it’s fragrance that helps you focus, alternative meat that’s better for the planet, or reducing sugar without losing flavour, this is where you help shape the future of nutrition, health, and beauty for everyone, everywhere.
And while you’re making a difference, we’ll make sure you’re growing too. With learning that never stops, a culture that lifts you up and the freedom to move across businesses, teams, and borders. Your voice matters here. And your ideas? They’re essential to our future. Because real progress only happens when we go beyond, together.
Our application process
Interested in this position? Please apply on-line by uploading your resume in English via our career portal (www.dsm-firmenich.com/careers).
Inclusion, belonging and equal opportunity statement
At dsm-firmenich, we believe being a force for good starts with the way we treat each other. When people feel supported, included, and free to be themselves, they do their best work – and that’s exactly the kind of culture we’re building. A place where opportunity is truly equal, authenticity is celebrated, and everyone has the chance to grow, contribute, and feel they belong. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we’re serious about making our hiring process as fair and inclusive as possible. From inclusive language and diverse interview panels to thoughtful sourcing, we’re committed to reflecting the world we serve. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds — no matter your gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you, you. And if you have a disability or need any support through the application process, we’re here to help.
Agency Statement
Please note this is a direct search led by dsm-firmenich. We only accept applications from candidates, not from agencies nor subject to agency’s fees, percentages or similar.
Contractor Co-ordinator (Permitted Works & Life Saving Rule Control) employer: dsm-firmenich
At dsm-firmenich, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and empowering work culture in Thirsk, UK. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous learning opportunities and the chance to contribute to meaningful projects that impact health and sustainability. Join us to be part of an agile local team where your voice matters, and your contributions are recognised and celebrated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contractor Co-ordinator (Permitted Works & Life Saving Rule Control)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. 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 role thoroughly. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. This will help you articulate your experience and skills effectively when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and ready to contribute to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Contractor Co-ordinator (Permitted Works & Life Saving Rule Control)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Contractor Co-ordinator role. Highlight your experience with Permit to Work systems and any relevant health and safety qualifications. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about safety and contractor management. Share specific examples of how you've enforced safety rules or managed contractor activities in the past.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Contractor Co-ordinator, you'll need to communicate effectively with various teams. In your application, highlight instances where you've successfully challenged unsafe behaviours or coordinated complex tasks with multiple stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our career portal! It's the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at dsm-firmenich!
How to prepare for a job interview at dsm-firmenich
✨Know Your Permits
Familiarise yourself with the Permit to Work (PTW) system and its requirements. Be ready to discuss how you would manage permits, ensuring they are scoped, authorised, and closed correctly. This shows you understand the core responsibilities of the Contractor Co-ordinator role.
✨Safety First!
Prepare to talk about your experience with safety protocols, especially the Life Saving Rules mentioned in the job description. Think of specific examples where you enforced safety measures or challenged unsafe practices. This will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a confident communicator, you’ll need to convey complex information clearly. Practice explaining technical concepts related to engineering or health and safety in simple terms. This will help you stand out as someone who can effectively engage with contractors and site teams.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect situational questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Prepare examples of how you've handled high-risk situations or managed contractor activities in the past. This will illustrate your ability to coordinate effectively while prioritising safety and compliance.
