Health And Safety Manager in Brentwood

GNS Communications Ltd. is a versatile construction contractor offering services in civil engineering, network build and maintenance, installations, as well as design, planning, and surveying. The company prides itself on delivering high-quality projects, leveraging its wide-ranging expertise within the construction and telecommunications sectors. By integrating innovation with industry knowledge, GNS Communications Ltd. consistently meets and exceeds client expectations.

The Health and Safety Manager will manage Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality policies and procedures to help the business deliver its objectives in a safe and proficient manner. They will ensure a Health and Safety first culture is observed, and monitor compliance through regular audits and competency checks. The Health and Safety Manager will have overall responsibility for Health and Safety across the business.

• Create and drive a safety culture across the business, promoting a culture of safety awareness through communication, training sessions, and workshops.
• Develop new and improve existing health and safety processes throughout the business.
• Ensure health and safety compliance throughout the business.
• Create and lead training for health and safety requirements.
• Identify training requirements, ensuring full compliance.
• Manage health and safety team (team of auditors).
• Responsibility for the implementation, development and improvement of the Company Management System relating to Safety, Health, Environmental & Quality.
• Create and maintain health and safety policy, procedures, RAMS etc.
• Assist in protecting GNS from external liabilities and workplace accidents by identifying operational and workplace risks and hazards.
• Promote safe working practices and ensure procedural compliance, by setting high expectations and leading by good example.
• Work with all staff to ensure risk assessments are prepared and reviewed as necessary and assist with their preparation if necessary.
• Support the Managers/Directors in the production, review and implementation of the relevant Project Management Plans and Safety, Health Environmental & Quality documentation.
• Ensure that monthly/quarterly Health & Safety inspections are conducted.
• Lead investigations into near misses, incidents, accidents and strikes, making recommendations where appropriate and implementing corrective actions.
• Liaise with client representatives in relation to health and safety management.
• Maintain accurate records of health and safety activities, including training sessions, incident reports, and inspections.
• Production of weekly/monthly reports capturing the health and safety issues and proactively making recommendations for improvements.
• Maintenance and development of procedures and policies to achieve ISO 9001: 14001: 45001.
• Leading the onboarding of Contractors and critical suppliers.
• Any other duties commensurate with the accountabilities for the role.

• Previous experience in a similar role in Telecoms, Water or Electric industry.
• NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent Level 6 qualification in Occupational Health and Safety).
• Proven Leadership: Extensive experience in a senior H&S role, specifically managing a team of auditors or health and safety professionals.
• ISO Management: A track record of developing, implementing, and maintaining integrated management systems (IMS) to ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 standards.
• Culture Change: Demonstrated experience in driving a safety culture rather than just policing compliance—moving a business from reactive to proactive.
• Incident Investigation: Expert-level experience in conducting root-cause analysis for near misses and accidents, including the implementation of effective corrective actions.
• Contractor Management: Experience in the onboarding and auditing of third-party contractors and complex supply chains.
• Risk Management: Deep expertise in drafting and reviewing RAMS (Risk Assessments and Method Statements) for diverse operational environments.
• Legal Fluency: Up-to-date, comprehensive knowledge of UK Health and Safety legislation and environmental regulations.
• Training Delivery: Ability to design and lead engaging training workshops for both frontline staff and senior management.
• Data Reporting: Proficiency in producing high-level monthly safety reports, using KPIs and data to identify trends and recommend strategic improvements.
• Influencing Skills: The ability to engage with everyone from site-level staff to Board Directors to ensure H&S is a priority.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to record-keeping and audit trails to protect the business from external liabilities.
• Resilience: The confidence to halt unsafe operations and challenge established old ways of working.
• Solution-Oriented: A pragmatic approach to safety that supports business proficiency and objectives without compromising on welfare.