Safety and Compliance Manager in Whitstable

Location: Newcastle or Whitstable (occasional European travel)

Salary: Up to £65,000 per annum

Organisation Type: Consulting

Contract Type: Permanent

About the Role:

I am currently working with a consultancy who are looking to bring on board a Safety and Compliance Manager. They are a specialist consultancy providing commissioning, verification, testing, MEP validation, and specialist electrical services to the global data centre industry. Working from early project stages through to completion, it ensures all critical infrastructure is fully tested, verified, and operational across hyperscale and COLO/IBX data centres.

Expertise spans HV commissioning, generators, electrical infrastructure, cabling, busbars, and mechanical systems, with a strong track record delivering complex, mission-critical projects. Known for a collaborative, integrated approach that prioritises safety, efficiency, and performance excellence, the business works primarily with major global end clients and leading data centre operators.

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Manager of Safety & Compliance to lead the organisation’s safety, regulatory, and governance frameworks. This role is responsible for developing and overseeing integrated management systems across quality, environmental, health and safety, business continuity, and information security, ensuring ongoing certification to international standards. Working closely with leadership and operational teams, the role drives a strong safety and compliance culture, proactively manages risk, and supports continuous improvement to protect people, operations, and organisational reputation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the company’s health and safety function, ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation, standards, and ISO requirements.
• Provide strategic guidance on H&S initiatives, including risk management, ISO compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Support data centre commissioning projects by reviewing and verifying critical infrastructure systems.
• Conduct risk assessments and site inspections for new or existing data centre sites, ensuring adherence to client and internal H&S standards.
• Collaborate with client-side construction H&S teams to ensure seamless integration and compliance.
• Maintain and develop H&S policies, procedures, and documentation, identifying opportunities to simplify processes while maximizing compliance and efficiency.
• Mentor and train junior staff in H&S best practices, promoting a safety-focused culture across the organisation.
• Provide regular reports and updates to senior management on H&S performance, compliance, and risk management.
• Act as the primary point of contact for H&S matters with clients and regulatory bodies.
• Attend site visits as required (typically monthly or ad hoc for incidents/new sites) and support H&S activities across Europe.
• Ensure all travel and site activities are conducted safely and in line with company and client policies.

Person Specification:

• Degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Health, Risk Management, Engineering, or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• NEBOSH National General Certificate (essential); NEBOSH Diploma or in progress (required).
• Professional membership with IOSH (GradIOSH or working toward Chartered status is advantageous).
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to influence and embed a culture of safety and accountability.
• Strong background in health & safety, compliance, or integrated management systems (essential).
• In-depth knowledge of ISO frameworks, regulatory requirements, and compliance auditing (required).
• Experience managing multiple accreditations beyond ISO standards (highly desirable).
• Knowledge of environmental sustainability, information security, or business continuity planning (desirable).
• Proven experience leading health & safety or multidisciplinary compliance functions.
• Strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and a proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.

If you are interested in finding out more about this role and put yourself forward, please apply or reach out to Mason.Buckby@hserecruitment.co.uk