At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive health and safety improvements in construction projects and foster a positive safety culture.
- Company: Scottish Water, dedicated to safeguarding Scotland’s water and environment.
- Benefits: 38 days holiday, flexible working, community volunteering time, and a bonus scheme.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and professional development in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health and safety while working on diverse construction projects.
- Qualifications: Health and safety qualifications, strong communication skills, and knowledge of construction regulations.
Operational Specialist (Health & Safety)
The Bridge
Together we are Trusted to Serve Scotland.
Health & Safety Adviser – Health & Safety Construction & Enablement Team
At Scottish Water, we look after Scotland’s most precious natural resource. From source to tap, we’re safeguarding Scotland’s reputation for refreshingly pure water and caring for our environment at the same time. If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to play a key role in protecting people and the environment, this could be the opportunity for you.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Health & Safety Advisor to join our Construction & Enablement (C&E) Team. You’ll work closely with internal stakeholders and construction partners to drive continuous improvement in health and safety performance and foster a positive safety culture across our Capital Investment Programme and operational activities. This is a hybrid role, predominantly site-based, with flexibility for home or hub working as required.
What You’ll Do
You’ll provide practical, risk‑based health and safety advice and guidance across Scottish Water’s Capital Investment Programme, ensuring compliance with current legislation, industry standards and best practice.
Working across a diverse portfolio of construction projects, ranging in size, duration and complexity, you’ll undertake client assurance activities and work closely with contractors, project teams and internal stakeholders to support the successful delivery of projects.
You’ll play a key role in helping Scottish Water meet its obligations under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM), providing expert support throughout all phases of project delivery. Building strong and trusted relationships with stakeholders, you’ll help drive improvements in health and safety performance, promote a positive safety culture and support the sharing of lessons learned from incidents and investigations.
You’ll also contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, working collaboratively with colleagues and partners to raise standards across the programme, while providing specialist input into HAZOPs, HAZCONs and other process safety assessments where required.
What You’ll Need
• Strong knowledge of the construction industry and a good understanding of the utilities sector, particularly civil engineering projects.
• Experience interpreting and applying health and safety legislation and guidance, alongside an excellent understanding of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM).
• A recognised health and safety qualification at NEBOSH General Certificate, NEBOSH Construction Certificate or equivalent level.
• Confidence communicating and building trusted relationships with contractors, colleagues and management, influencing stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes, and thriving in a fast‑paced environment.
• Analytical, capable of making informed decisions, and committed to continuous professional development while developing a strong understanding of Scottish Water’s processes and ways of working.
• Higher‑level health and safety qualifications, such as a Diploma‑level award, would be advantageous, as would knowledge of the legislative and regulatory environment in which Scottish Water operates.
• Additional qualifications or experience in root cause analysis, IOSH membership, medium‑risk confined spaces, process safety or ISO 45001 auditing would also be beneficial.
A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential, as the role involves regular travel across the Central Belt and occasional travel to other locations, including overnight stays when required. You will also be comfortable working at height or within confined spaces as part of audits and investigations, and be confident using Microsoft Office and other IT systems to support your work.
You must live in Scotland or commit to moving there within the first three months of employment and be a Scottish taxpayer.
Looking out for you
You will receive 38 days of holiday each year (including public holidays) and can purchase five additional days if needed. Paid time off to volunteer in your community is also available.
Flexible working is embraced, and family‑friendly policies cover adoption, maternity and parental leave. Our pension scheme and life assurance are provided, and you will participate in a company bonus scheme. Access to SW Splash rewards is available to help save on holidays, bills and shopping.
The not‑so‑small print
This role is Grade 6. The starting salary is £37,815, with performance‑driven progression to a maximum of £48,395.
Applications will be accepted until midnight on 15th July 2026.
We’re here to help. Ask us anything at SWRecruitment@ScottishWater.co.uk
