QHSE&S Manager

QHSE&S Manager

Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Kongsberg Defense US

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead QHSE standards and site security for a pioneering marine technology company.
  • Company: Join Kongsberg Discovery, a leader in underwater technology and marine innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 35 days leave, flexible working, and comprehensive health benefits.
  • Other info: Be part of a collaborative team driving innovation in marine environments.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on ocean science and sustainability while advancing your career.
  • Qualifications: Experience in QHSE management and strong communication skills are essential.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

Location: Westhill, Aberdeen, Scotland

Team: Global QHSE Team

Reporting to: Site General Manager

Functional dotted-line reporting: Vice President QHSE and Director HSE

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

People management: Individual contributor role with functional leadership responsibilities

Work arrangement: Primarily site-based in Aberdeen, with flexibility to work remotely when operational requirements allow

Travel: Occasional travel within the UK, including Bristol, and internationally, as required. Some overnight stays may be necessary.

About Us

At Kongsberg Discovery, we map the unknown and help protect the future of our oceans. As a standalone business area within the global KONGSBERG Group, we are a world leader in underwater technology, marine robotics, ocean mapping and naval surveillance. We develop advanced sensor, positioning and robotic solutions that enable customers across science, commerce and defence to understand and operate within the marine environment.

Joining Kongsberg Discovery means becoming part of a global team of specialists and pioneers developing sustainable technologies for some of the world's most complex environments from the deepest ocean trenches to space.

Kongsberg Discovery UK – Aberdeen

Our Aberdeen operation, based in Westhill at the heart of the UK's energy and marine innovation hub, plays an important role in delivering our global mission. The team provides advanced hydroacoustic, positioning and autonomous solutions for customers operating in the North Sea and international markets. Working in Aberdeen means joining a highly skilled and collaborative environment where local engineering expertise contributes to global projects and long-term impact. You will work alongside colleagues supporting the energy transition, ocean science and marine security, helping to advance what is possible beneath the waves.

About The Role

We are looking for an experienced QHSE Manager and Site Security Responsible to take a key leadership role in shaping Quality, Health, Safety, Environmental and Security standards at our UK sites. The role sits within the Global QHSE Team and is embedded in the Aberdeen site leadership structure. Reporting directly to the Site General Manager, the role has functional dotted-line reporting relationships to the Vice President QHSE and the Director HSE. You will act as the principal UK interface with the global QHSE organisation and work closely with local leadership, employees and international stakeholders. You will provide practical and strategic QHSE leadership, strengthen governance, build a positive safety and quality culture, manage operational risks and drive continuous improvement across the site. This is a high-impact role for someone who combines sound regulatory knowledge, operational judgement and the confidence to engage constructively with stakeholders at all levels. The position is primarily a functional leadership role. Direct line-management experience is not essential, but you should be comfortable leading through influence, coordination and project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

  • Maintain effective site-level QHSE and security governance in line with the company's Business Management System, policies and accountability framework.
  • Advise and collaborate with site leadership to ensure that QHSE responsibilities, risks and critical controls are clearly understood and effectively managed.
  • Act as the main UK contact for health, safety and environmental coordination, working closely with the Global QHSE Team.
  • Contribute as an active member of the Global QHSE Team, supporting global priorities, standards and continuous-improvement initiatives.
  • Translate global QHSE strategy, policies and expectations into practical and effective actions for UK operations.
  • Manage applicable certification and assurance programmes, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.
  • Coordinate and lead internal and external audits, ensuring that findings and corrective actions are addressed within agreed timescales.
  • Lead the local use of Synergi or an equivalent QHSE management system, including training, incident and case management, action tracking, reporting and dashboards.
  • Monitor compliance with relevant UK legislation, regulatory obligations and company standards, liaising with authorities or specialist advisers when required.
  • Maintain proportionate incident response, emergency preparedness and business continuity arrangements based on site-specific risk scenarios.
  • Support or lead incident and near-miss investigations, helping managers identify root causes, communicate findings and implement effective corrective actions.
  • Maintain QHSE training records and coordinate initial and refresher training requirements.
  • Develop and maintain risk-based assurance activities across Service Engineering and Operations.
  • Monitor and report key performance indicators, including accidents, near misses, total recordable incidents, energy use, waste and cost of non-quality.
  • Support environmental and sustainability objectives and identify practical opportunities for site improvement.
  • Promote employee health and wellbeing in partnership with site leadership and HR.
  • Act as the Site Security Responsible, coordinating applicable physical and information security requirements and supporting the site's compliance with ISO/IEC 27001 controls.
  • Undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the scope and seniority of the role.

What We Are Looking For

We would like to hear from candidates who can demonstrate:

  • Experience managing quality, health and safety, environmental or integrated QHSE activities within an operational environment.
  • A relevant degree, recognised professional qualification or equivalent practical experience.
  • Working knowledge of applicable UK health, safety and environmental legislation.
  • Experience implementing or improving management systems, policies and operational controls.
  • Experience coordinating audits, assurance activities, corrective actions or certification programmes.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • The ability to influence, advise and constructively challenge stakeholders at different organisational levels.
  • A structured and evidence-based approach to risk, compliance and continuous improvement.
  • Strong organisational, prioritisation and attention-to-detail skills.
  • Confidence using business systems, reporting tools and standard Microsoft Office applications.
  • Experience working effectively with operational, engineering or service-based teams.

Desirable Experience

  • Chartered or professional membership of a relevant body, such as IOSH, IEMA or CQI.
  • A recognised lead auditor or internal auditor qualification.
  • Experience with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 or ISO/IEC 27001.
  • Experience using Synergi or a comparable QHSE management platform.
  • Environmental, sustainability or carbon-management expertise.
  • Experience in engineering, marine, energy, manufacturing or technical service operations.
  • Experience supporting emergency response or business continuity planning.

You do not need to meet every desirable criterion to apply. If you bring relevant transferable experience and the motivation to make an impact, we would be pleased to hear from you.

What Success Will Look Like

In your first 6 to 12 months, success will mean that you have:

  • Built trusted relationships with site leadership, employees and the Global QHSE Team.
  • Established a clear view of the site's principal QHSE and security risks, controls and assurance priorities.
  • Maintained strong audit and certification readiness.
  • Improved the quality, timeliness and visibility of incident reporting, action close-out and management information.
  • Confirmed that emergency response and business continuity arrangements are practical, proportionate and effective.
  • Delivered a prioritised continuous-improvement plan for the Aberdeen site.

What We Offer

  • A competitive salary package, with appointment within the range reflecting your skills, experience and the value you will bring to the role.
  • 35 days' annual leave, inclusive of public holidays, supporting a healthy balance between work and personal time.
  • Employer pension contribution to support your long-term financial wellbeing.
  • A strong benefits package including Private Medical Insurance, Life Assurance, Company Sick Pay and access to a Benefits Card.
  • Flexible or hybrid working arrangements where operational requirements allow, recognising the importance of trust, autonomy and collaboration.
  • The opportunity to shape QHSE and site security practices in a visible role within an international engineering and technology organisation.
  • Meaningful work contributing to advanced technologies that support ocean science, the energy transition and marine security.

Equality, inclusion and accessibility

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and are committed to providing a fair, inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the application, assessment and interview process. Please contact [recruitment email or contact method] if you would like to discuss any support you may need.

Right to work and pre-employment checks

Any offer of employment will be conditional upon the successful candidate demonstrating their right to work in the UK. Right-to-work checks will be completed consistently for all successful candidates. Any additional screening required due to the security responsibilities of the role will be relevant and proportionate, explained in advance and handled in accordance with our candidate privacy notice.

QHSE&S Manager employer: Kongsberg Defense US

As a leading player in the Missiles and Aerostructures division, we offer an exceptional work environment in Moss where innovation meets collaboration. Our team thrives on diverse projects that not only challenge your skills but also provide ample opportunities for professional growth within a high-competence technical setting. Join us to be part of a pioneering team dedicated to developing complex products and shaping the future of mechanical design.

Kongsberg Defense US

Contact Details:

Kongsberg Defense US Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land QHSE&S Manager

Join Compliance Communities

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We think you need these skills to ace QHSE&S Manager

QHSE Management
Health and Safety Legislation
Environmental Management
ISO 9001
ISO 14001
ISO 45001
ISO/IEC 27001

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!

Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.

Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!

Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Kongsberg Defense US. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!

How to prepare for a job interview at Kongsberg Defense US

Master the Regulations

Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!

Show Your Analytical Skills

Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!

Know Your Tools

Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!

Align with Company Culture

Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Kongsberg Defense US’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!