At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical and safety strategy for a dynamic academic department.
- Company: Lancaster University, a vibrant institution with a commitment to impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a beautiful campus, excellent facilities, and diverse employee benefits.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in teaching and research while promoting safety and wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Degree-level knowledge and experience in health and safety management.
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 post, fixed term for 12 months, 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.
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.
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. As an institution, we are committed to making a positive economic, cultural, societal, and environmental impact.
Senior Departmental Technical Manager and Safety Officer in Lancaster employer: Lancaster University
Lancaster University is an outstanding employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work environment at our Bailrigg campus, surrounded by beautiful green parkland. We prioritise employee wellbeing and professional development, providing numerous benefits and opportunities for staff to engage in networks and clubs, all while contributing to impactful teaching and research in a collaborative atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Departmental Technical Manager and Safety Officer in Lancaster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Lancaster University or in similar roles. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Lancaster Environment Centre's recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around health and safety management. We want to see how you handle real-life scenarios and your approach to problem-solving.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows us that you’re enthusiastic about the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Departmental Technical Manager and Safety Officer in Lancaster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in health and safety management. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Senior Departmental Technical Manager and Safety Officer at LEC.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a technical team, don’t forget to include examples of your leadership experience. We’re looking for proactive and collaborative leaders who can inspire and develop their teams.
Highlight Your Technical Expertise:Be sure to mention your degree-level knowledge and any relevant qualifications, like NEBOSH. We want to know about your background in risk assessment and safe systems of work, so make it clear!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancaster University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge and health and safety regulations. Familiarise yourself with the latest practices in risk assessment and COSHH, as well as any relevant legislation. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led and developed technical teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your ability to manage staff effectively and contribute to a positive safety culture.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don't just wait for questions to be thrown at you; engage with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about the department's current projects or safety initiatives. This shows that you're proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Wellbeing
Highlight your dedication to wellbeing and continuous professional development. Share any relevant training or qualifications you've pursued, like the NEBOSH General Certificate. This will align with their values and demonstrate that you’re serious about fostering a safe and supportive environment.
