At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical and safety strategy for a dynamic academic department.
- Company: Join Lancaster University’s innovative Environment Centre team.
- Benefits: Enjoy a vibrant campus, competitive benefits, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent career progression and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on teaching and research while promoting safety and wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Degree-level knowledge and experience in health and safety management required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Lancaster University is seeking an exceptional and motivated individual to join the Lancaster Environment Centre (LEC) as a Senior Departmental Technical Manager and Health & Safety Officer. This is a unique opportunity to lead the technical and safety strategy of a large, complex academic department. You will provide strategic leadership to LEC's technical team, ensuring the availability of high-quality technical expertise for world‑class teaching and research.
Working closely with the LEC Director and senior colleagues, you will:
- Lead and manage technical staff, supporting development and performance
- Oversee technical resources and facilities to meet teaching and research needs
- Provide expert health and safety advice and promote a positive safety culture
- Lead the development of robust safety systems, including emergency planning, audits, inspections, and incident investigation
- Develop and monitor safe systems of work, including for off‑site activities
- Contribute to strategic planning as a member of the LEC Leadership Group
You will play a central role in enabling cutting‑edge teaching and research while embedding safety, wellbeing and operational excellence across all activities. This is a full‑time, indefinite post, with an expectation of at least four days per week on campus. The role is offered at Grade 7 or Grade 8, depending on experience. Candidates appointed at Grade 7 will be supported to progress to Grade 8 through a structured development plan.
Qualifications
We are looking for a proactive, organised, and collaborative leader with strong communication and influencing skills and a robust technical and safety background. You will demonstrate:
- Degree‑level (or equivalent) knowledge in a relevant scientific or technical discipline
- Significant experience managing health and safety in a complex environment
- Expertise in risk assessment, COSHH, and safe systems of work
- Experience leading and developing technical teams (essential at Grade 8)
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Commitment to wellbeing and continuous professional development
A recognised health and safety qualification (e.g. NEBOSH General Certificate or equivalent) is essential for Grade 8 and desirable for Grade 7.
Benefits
Our Bailrigg campus provides a vibrant working environment set within beautiful green parkland, with excellent on‑site facilities including a sports centre, shops, cafés, a library and childcare. We offer a wide range of employee benefits and opportunities to connect through staff networks, clubs and groups.
Departmental Technical Manager and Safety Officer employer: Lancaster University
Lancaster University is an outstanding employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work environment at the picturesque Bailrigg campus. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to structured growth opportunities while leading a dedicated technical team in a role that prioritises safety and wellbeing. Enjoy excellent on-site facilities and a culture that encourages collaboration and connection through various staff networks and activities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Departmental Technical Manager and Safety Officer
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like Lancaster University.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like Lancaster University and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Departmental Technical Manager and Safety Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at Lancaster University.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. Lancaster University will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Departmental Technical Manager and Safety Officer at Lancaster University. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancaster University
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at Lancaster University, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show Lancaster University that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
