At a Glance
- Tasks: Support health and safety initiatives, reduce workplace incidents, and promote a strong safety culture.
- Company: Join Scottish Water, a leader in water services with a commitment to safety and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of holiday, flexible working, and a competitive salary with performance-driven pay progression.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth and community volunteering.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety practices while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: NEBOSH General Certificate required; experience in health and safety is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 37815 - 48395 € per year.
We are looking for an experienced Health & Safety Advisor (Operational Specialist) to join our Field Operations Team, based in our offices in Aberdeen, Perth, Dundee or Elgin covering a large geographical area in the East of Scotland including the Orkney and Shetland Islands. You may also occasionally be asked to support other regions as needed.
In this role, you’ll be providing health & safety support to various groups within the Customer Water Services (CWS), playing a key role in raising safety awareness and enhancing compliance. You’ll help reduce workplace incidents and foster a strong organisational culture of Health & Safety by engaging with both our team and our partners on performance and risk management. While you’re building relationships that positively influence safety practices, you’ll ensure that effective Health & Safety skills and behaviours are deeply embedded into the way Scottish Water operates.
What you’ll do
As a Health & Safety Advisor, you’ll play a key role in meeting the legal requirements placed on Scottish Water by providing comprehensive health and safety advice and support across regional levels of the business. You’ll help to identify, evaluate, control, and monitor risks, working to implement Scottish Water’s safety standards in compliance with legislation and our strategic objectives. Your focus will be on building a strong culture of safety that extends throughout the organisation.
You’ll be responsible for researching, developing, implementing, and continuously reviewing health and safety standards and procedures. This includes promoting safe practices in areas like Energy Isolations, Working at Height, Lifting Operations, COSHH, DSEAR, Confined Spaces, Lone Working, and handling Toxic Gases. You’ll also ensure that all business functions operate within Scottish Water’s unified Health & Safety system, providing practical, cost-effective, and influential guidance based on legislation, industry best practices, and our commitment to zero harm.
In partnership with management, you’ll contribute to the development of health and safety action plans for Scottish Water and specific customer needs. This involves designing and delivering training that empowers managers and employees to understand and meet their safety responsibilities. You’ll gather feedback and provide follow-up support, enabling continuous improvement that goes beyond compliance to deliver best practices and value.
Your role will also involve auditing and reviewing Scottish Water’s safety management systems, and actively monitoring activities across operations, including our suppliers, contractors, and partners. Responding swiftly to any incidents, you’ll lead investigations to determine the root cause of accidents, helping to prevent future occurrences. Additionally, you’ll work closely with key stakeholders to strengthen health and safety performance through collaborative initiatives, site inspections, and customer liaison, fostering strong relationships built on trust and shared safety goals.
What you’ll need
You’ll need to be comfortable working independently, sometimes remotely, and have the motivation to deliver top-notch service across a wide area. You should have experience working with a diverse range of people at all levels and know how to positively influence health and safety culture here at Scottish Water.
You’ll also enjoy being part of a high-performing team and have a genuine desire to develop your skills, take on training, and learn from both internal and external coaching. We’re looking for someone with a NEBOSH General Certificate as a minimum, who can make smart, informed decisions even when things are moving fast. Experience working with key stakeholders and getting positive results is essential, too.
If you’re ready to build on your operational experience and are open to learning more about Scottish Water’s processes and practices, this role could be a great fit. You’ll need a solid grasp of health and safety legislation, and a full, clean UK driving license is a must. It would also be great if you’re aiming for a NEBOSH Diploma or have already started on it! Experience with key health and safety aspects like energy isolations, contractor management, excavations and utility avoidance, COSHH, DSEAR, permit-to-work systems, working at height, lifting operations, toxic gases, and confined spaces would be a plus.
Looking out for you
While the work we do is important, we know it’s not the only thing that matters. That’s why we make sure you have everything you need to find a good work-life balance. You’ll get plenty of time to recharge with 38 days of holiday every year (including public holidays). And you can even buy five more if you need a little extra time. You can also take paid time off to volunteer in your community.
When it comes to major life events we have family-friendly policies around adoption, maternity, and parental leave. And for the everyday? We embrace flexible working. For your future, there’s our pension (the ‘know-what-you’ll-get-when-you-retire’ kind), as well as life assurance. As for some nice extras? You can expect an annual company bonus. Not to mention access to SW Splash – handy rewards that can save you money on holidays, bills, and shopping.
The not-so-small print
This role will be a Grade 6. If you’re new to Scottish Water, you’ll join us on a salary between £37,815 - £48,395, depending on your skills and experience. Performance-driven pay progression will then allow you to move through the range to the maximum salary.
We’ll be working hybrid with the combination of working on-site, remotely from home, or at one or more of Scottish Water’s strategic Health & Safety hubs. If you’re interested in this role – or know someone else who might be - we’ll be accepting applications until midnight on 5th June 2026.
Job offers at Scottish Water are conditional, and will be confirmed on completion of our pre-employment screening, e.g. referencing, criminal record checks, license checks, etc. Screening is conducted on our behalf by a third party, and must be completed before your start date. Don’t worry - we’ll only start these checks once you’ve accepted an offer.
Health and Safety Advisor employer: Scottish Water
Scottish Water is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its employees. With a strong commitment to work-life balance, offering 38 days of holiday, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for community volunteering, employees can thrive both personally and professionally. The collaborative work culture fosters continuous learning and development, ensuring that Health and Safety Advisors are equipped with the skills and support needed to make a meaningful impact across the East of Scotland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Health and Safety Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the health and safety field. Attend industry events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals for a chat. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, whether at a networking event or an interview, make sure to highlight your experience with health and safety legislation and your NEBOSH qualifications. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've positively influenced safety culture in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! Research the company’s health and safety practices before any meeting. This way, you can discuss how your skills align with their needs and demonstrate that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their safety goals. It shows you’ve done your homework and are serious about the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After any interaction, whether it’s an interview or a casual chat, send a quick thank-you email. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your discussion. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the position!
We think you need these skills to ace Health and Safety Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Health and Safety Advisor role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially around health and safety legislation and practices.
Showcase Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for health and safety! Share examples of how you've positively influenced safety culture in previous roles. We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to understand your qualifications and experiences without having to decipher complex sentences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can process your application smoothly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Water
✨Know Your Health and Safety Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the key health and safety legislation relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with terms like COSHH, DSEAR, and permit-to-work systems. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and safety.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully influenced health and safety culture or managed risks. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewer to see your impact.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just answer questions; engage in a dialogue. Ask insightful questions about their current health and safety initiatives or challenges they face. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company aligns with your values.
✨Demonstrate Your Training Skills
Since part of the role involves designing and delivering training, be ready to discuss any training experiences you have. Highlight how you’ve empowered others to understand their safety responsibilities and how you can bring that skill to Scottish Water.
