Venue Health & Safety Manager

Job Purpose

• Manage the overarching health and safety requirements for the QEII Centre, a 27,000-square-meter venue spanning 10 floors, including 3 basement levels.
• Support the smooth operation of 400 annual events, including Conferences, Exhibitions, Government, Graduations, and 25% CDM-compliant events requiring spot checks on RAMS and build processes.
• Liaise with clients and ensure QEII website is kept up to date re key documents and support mechanisms
• Provide continuous health and safety oversight for maintenance, security, cleaning and catering contractors and from a building perspective 18 passenger/goods lifts, 6 plant rooms, 3 cooling towers, 3 ammonia chillers, and 3 boilers.
• Work within budget constraints and oversee health and safety-related purchasing.
• Uphold the Centre’s values and operating principles in all tasks.

Core Responsibilities:

Policy and Training: To collaborate with the Venue Operations Director to maintain the Centre’s Health & Safety Policy. Ensure all staff complete required H&S training and that records remain up to date.

Event Documentation and Compliance: Conduct Spot checks on event documentation to ensure compliance with risk assessments and safety guidelines. Perform physical inspections during event set up, execution and breakdown, addressing non-compliance promptly and ensuring follow-up actions.

Expert Support: Serve as the primary H&S resource for Event Managers and Ops Team, providing expertise and guidance.

Construction Design and Management: (CDM) Ensure CDM regulations are met and educate clients and Event Managers on their obligations and those of the venue.

Risk Assessment and Guidance: Develop Pro forma risk assessments and safety guides for inclusion on the QEII website.

Incident Management and Emergency Preparedness: Act as the Incident controller, overseeing emergency procedures and business continuity plans.Lead initiatives related to fire safety and water hygiene including legionella control.

Site Inspection: Conduct daily site walkarounds to inspect fire exits; event spaces; plantrooms and sub-contractor compliance.

Contractor Audits: Audit contractor activities, including, maintenance, cleaning, and catering operations to ensure adherence to H&S standards.

Permit Management: Issue high-risk work permits (e.g. working at height; confined spaces; electrical work and oversee compliance.

Incident Reporting and Investigation:Manage the Centre’s online incident reporting system ensuring all incidents, accidents and near misses are investigated, documented, and resolved.

First Aid and Ergonomics:Manage first aid provisions, including training for first aiders. Oversee staff Display Screen Equipment (DSE) risk assessments.

Regulatory Compliance: Partner with the Operations team to maintain compliance with maintenance and health and safety legislation. Ensure all relevant documentation is current and properly archived.

Security Oversight: Conduct regular checks on security systems, process, and service delivery.

Legislation and Policy Updates:Stay informed of legislative developments and industry best practices in health and safety.Advise on necessary policy amendments and provide guidance to ensure continued compliance.

Key Skills and Attributes:

• Strong knowledge of H&S regulations, CDM requirements, and risk management.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to lead emergency responses and implement business continuity measures.
• Proactive approach to identifying and resolving safety issues.
• Competence in managing incident reporting systems and producing clear documentation.

The above is not exhaustive and other duties not outlined may form part of the employees’ job description.

Person Specification

Experience:

• Proven experience and expertise in health and safety, particularly within events or hospitality settings.
• Ability to create and implement H&S plans, policies, risk assessments, and strategy.
• Strong customer service orientation with a commitment to delivering the highest level of service standards.
• Exceptional attention to detail combined with excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• In depth knowledge of fire safety systems and procedures.
• Experience in managing security service providers and a solid understanding of physical security protocols.
• Outstanding communication skills, both verbal and written, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office and event management software.

Technical Skillsand Qualifications:

• Health and Safety degree (ideal) or suitable qualification(s)
• Membership of IOSH or other body.

Behaviours

We will assess you against these behaviours during the selection process.

• Leadership– Motivating team leader (although this role does not have line management responsibility, there is a requirement to lead on H&S, incident control and work across all teams providing robust advice and challenge as necessary.
• Working Together– Collaboration and engagement with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders.
• Managing a Quality Service– Encouraging and maintaining a culture of safe working practices.
• Communicating and Influencing– Negotiating, diplomacy, discretion
• Making Effective Decisions– Problem solving and challenging.

The role is expected to be working in the office, five days a week.