At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead health and safety initiatives in a cutting-edge research environment.
- Company: Join a prestigious, globally renowned academic institution.
- Benefits: Enjoy 36 days annual leave, hybrid working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on world-class research while promoting safety.
- Qualifications: Degree in Occupational Health & Safety and strong management experience required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional development and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are partnering with a globally renowned, research-intensive institution to appoint a Deputy Health & Safety Manager within one of its largest and most technically complex departments. This is a rare opportunity to join a prestigious academic environment at an exciting time of transformation, supporting cutting-edge research, advanced laboratory facilities and a vibrant community of academics, researchers and students.
The Role
Reporting to the Departmental Safety Manager, you will play a key leadership role in ensuring that research, teaching and operational activities are delivered safely, compliantly and without disruption. You will:
- Support the development and delivery of the departments health, safety and environmental strategy
- Provide expert legal and technical advice across a complex research environment
- Deputise for the Health & Safety Manager when required
- Lead on statutory compliance across specialist laboratories and technical facilities
- Oversee contractors and ensure remedial actions are completed in a timely manner
- Develop, implement and maintain safety management systems and procedures
- Deliver scheduled audits and inspections, providing constructive feedback to academic leads
- Support safety inductions and engagement initiatives
- Help drive a positive, proactive safety culture across the department
This is a broad and visible role combining operational delivery with strategic influence.
The Environment
The department hosts approximately 1,000 staff, researchers and students and operates within a newly developed, state-of-the-art research facility. Activities span multiple specialist research themes and involve high-value equipment, technical workshops, laboratory environments and public engagement spaces. Safety here is not just compliance; it is fundamental to enabling world-class innovation.
About You
You will be an experienced Health & Safety professional who thrives in complex, stakeholder-rich environments. Essential criteria include:
- Degree-level qualification in Occupational Health & Safety (e.g. NEBOSH Diploma) or working towards
- Significant experience managing health & safety systems
- Strong audit and inspection background
- Experience supervising contractors and service providers
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Confidence engaging with senior academics, technical specialists and operational teams
- Ability to balance the needs of research excellence with safe working practices
You will be organised, pragmatic and able to influence at all levels.
What's on Offer
Permanent contract, 36 days annual leave (inclusive of public holidays), generous pension scheme, hybrid working approach (role dependent), structured professional development and learning opportunities, extensive wellbeing and staff benefits package, relocation support (where applicable).
The organisation is strongly committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes flexible working discussions.
Why Apply?
This is not a routine compliance role. It offers the chance to:
- Support internationally recognised research
- Influence safety strategy within a large academic department
- Work in a modern, purpose-built research environment
- Develop your career within a prestigious institution
Deputy Health & Safety Manager in Cambridge employer: Maxwell Stephens Ltd
Contact Detail:
Maxwell Stephens Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Health & Safety Manager in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the institution and its safety culture. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects and challenges. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Deputy Health & Safety Manager. Highlight your leadership skills and how you've successfully managed health and safety systems in complex environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Health & Safety Manager in Cambridge
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. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've improved safety systems or led successful audits. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon unless it’s necessary. Make it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Maxwell Stephens Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest health and safety regulations relevant to the research environment. Familiarise yourself with NEBOSH standards and any specific compliance requirements that might come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous roles in managing health and safety systems. Have specific examples ready that highlight your audit experience, contractor supervision, and how you've influenced safety culture in past positions.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, this role involves working closely with academics and technical specialists. Be ready to demonstrate your communication skills by engaging with the interviewers, asking insightful questions about their safety strategies, and showing genuine interest in their research environment.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Health & Safety Manager, you'll need to lead initiatives and influence others. Prepare to share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, particularly in complex environments, and how you can bring that experience to their department.