Senior Health & Safety Advisor Houlihan & Co | Civil Engineering & Groundworks Location: Essex & Kent Salary: £50,000–£60,000 + package Contract: Full-time, permanent Reports to: Head of Health & Safety About Houlihan & Co Houlihan & Co is a growing UK civil engineering business delivering groundworks packages for main contractors across the South East. Our projects span residential and infrastructure schemes, including substructures, drainage, roads and sewers, and external works. As our business continues to grow, we’re looking for an experienced Senior Health & Safety Advisor to help drive standards, support our site teams and ensure health and safety remains at the heart of everything we do. The Role Reporting to the Head of Health & Safety, you’ll play a key role in promoting and maintaining high standards across our live projects throughout Essex and Kent. This is a hands-on, site-focused role combining regular site visits and inspections with office-based work. You’ll work closely with site managers, supervisors, operatives and our clients’ H&S teams to ensure compliance, identify risks and drive practical improvements. We’re looking for someone who is confident challenging unsafe practices, builds credibility with the workforce and understands the realities of delivering safe, productive groundworks operations. You’ll have the opportunity to make a genuine impact across the business, supporting our teams while helping to develop a positive, proactive safety culture. Key Responsibilities * Carry out regular site inspections and audits, identifying areas for improvement and providing clear, practical recommendations to the Head of Health & Safety. * Support compliance with relevant health and safety legislation, including CDM 2015, RIDDOR, LOLER and PUWER, alongside client-specific requirements. * Review RAMS, task briefings and lift plans to ensure they are suitable, practical and appropriate for the activities being undertaken. * Provide competent advice on high-risk groundworks operations, including excavations, temporary works, plant–people interface, underground services, confined spaces and lifting operations. * Assist with accident and incident investigations, root cause analysis and RIDDOR reporting, helping to identify and implement effective preventative measures. * Deliver toolbox talks and inductions, identify training needs and promote safe working practices across the workforce. * Support the Head of Health & Safety in maintaining and continually improving the company’s H&S management system, policies and procedures. * Monitor changes in legislation, regulations and industry best practice, advising the business on their practical implications. * Assist with tenders, pre-qualification questionnaires and SSIP accreditation submissions, including CHAS, Constructionline and SafeContractor. * Build strong working relationships with site teams and clients, encouraging ownership of health and safety at every level. * Promote a positive, proactive safety culture, helping to embed continuous improvement across all projects. What We’re Looking For Qualifications * NEBOSH Construction Certificate as a minimum. * NEBOSH Diploma, or currently working towards one, preferred. * Valid CSCS card. * Temporary Works Coordinator or Supervisor training/qualification desirable. * Confined spaces training desirable. Experience and Skills * Proven experience in a senior health and safety role, ideally within civil engineering or groundworks, with exposure to residential and infrastructure projects. * Strong working knowledge of CDM 2015 and the risks associated with groundworks operations. * Practical experience of site inspections, risk assessments, method statements and incident investigations. * Confident communication and influencing skills, with the ability to challenge unsafe practices constructively and build strong relationships across site teams. * A proactive, practical approach to problem-solving, with the confidence to work independently and escalate issues when necessary. * Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regularly between sites across Essex and Kent. Join Houlihan & Co and play a key role in supporting our growth, strengthening our safety standards and helping ensure everyone goes home safe at the end of the working day
Contact Details:
Houlihan & Co (Excavations) Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior H&S Advisor
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Houlihan & Co (Excavations) Ltd, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Senior H&S Advisor at Houlihan & Co (Excavations) Ltd.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Houlihan & Co (Excavations) Ltd
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
