Construction HSE Manager in Bedford

Responsible for on-site delivery and implementation of the UDX Construction Safety Program, including contractor/supplier safety performance, pre-construction coordination, site inspections/audits and technical safety guidance. Acts as the primary interface between HSE, Project Teams and Principal Contractors to ensure construction activities are planned and executed safely in accordance with UK Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) and Universal standards. Provides construction-focused safety input across design, planning and build phases to validate that works meet regulatory and corporate requirements. Manages site-based safety activities including safe systems of work, incident investigations, risk assessments and high-risk operations to ensure safe execution through to project completion and handover.

Pre-Construction Phase: Supports implementation of the UDX Construction Safety Program during pre-construction, including contractor pre-qualification and evaluation against safety performance standards. Participates in pre-construction meetings, communicating site safety expectations to contractors, designers and project teams. Reviews construction logistics, sequencing, high-risk activities and alignment with the Construction Phase Plan (CPP) to ensure safe execution planning. Supports contractor mobilisation, including inductions and verification of safe systems of work.

Design Phase: Provides construction safety input into design development, working with Principal Designers (PD) and project teams to identify buildability risks and eliminate or reduce hazards through design. Reviews design submissions and construction methodologies to ensure risks are addressed prior to execution. Participates in design coordination meetings to ensure alignment with CDM requirements and stakeholder responsibilities.

Demolition/Construction Phase: Leads on-site control of construction safety risk, working closely with Principal Contractors (PC) to ensure activities are planned, authorised and executed safely, and inspections are completed and passed. Reviews and challenges risk assessments and method statements (RAMS) and verifies safe systems of work. Oversees high-risk activities including lifting operations, working at height, temporary works and confined space entry, ensuring appropriate permit-to-work systems are in place. Conducts regular site inspections, audits, safety walks and toolbox talks to monitor compliance and reinforce safe behaviours. Intervenes where unsafe practices are identified and ensures timely implementation of corrective actions. Supports incident investigations, root cause analysis and corrective actions.

Closeout Phase: Supports construction safety closeout activities, including punch-list management and verification of completed works. Reviews and validates Health & Safety Files (H&S Files) to ensure compliance with CDM requirements for handover. Supports project post-completion reviews and lessons learned.

Program Support & Coordination: Acts as a liaison between HSE, Project Teams, Principal Contractors and Principal Designers, ensuring effective implementation of the Construction Safety Program. Supports coordination and communication across all project stakeholders to ensure alignment with safety requirements throughout the project lifecycle. Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UDX policy, procedures, training, and team member involvement activities.

Qualifications: Strong knowledge of UK construction safety legislation, including Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM), Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HASAWA), Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR) and the Building Safety Act 2022. Familiarity with CDM stakeholder responsibilities (Principal Contractor / Principal Designer). Understanding of contractor management, high-risk construction activities and safe systems of work.