Senior Health & Safety Leader – Construction Projects

VSL, a Bouygues Construction subsidiary, operates worldwide. Holders of numerous patents, VSL focuses its development on an ambitious R & D policy. VSL has four main areas of activity: the core business, stemming from VSL's patented technical innovations (prestressing, shrouds, reinforced walls, heavy lifting), bridge construction, special and geotechnical foundations, positioning on strategic markets and technical development throughout the project lifecycle. VSL is committed to diversity and is open to all talents.

We are seeking a proactive and experienced Health & Safety Manager to support VSL UK’s Health, Safety, Quality & Environmental (HSQE) function, focused on Health & Safety. The role works closely with the Head of HSQE to deliver strategic and operational health and safety leadership across VSL UK’s Head Office and project/workshop sites nationwide. The H&S Manager will contribute to the development and delivery of HSE strategy, ensure compliance with legislation and VSL standards, and help embed the culture of Zero Harm across all UK operations.

• Support development and improvement of the H&S & Wellbeing Management System.
• Ensure compliance with CPP, RAMS, and VSL internal controls.
• Coordinate safe‑work planning with clients, PC/PD, and subcontractors.
• Provide H&S input for tenders, risk assessments, and methodologies.
• Manage and support site-based H&S personnel.

• Embed the 5 Lines of Defence, 6 Major Risks, and Life‑Saving Rules into project execution.
• Promote shared vigilance and STOP‑Work authority.
• Monitor plant, equipment, temporary works, isolations, and safety systems.
• Strengthen organisational and team-level risk controls.

• Lead investigations using recognised methodologies.
• Drive transparent reporting and learning.
• Produce Learning Briefs and track corrective actions.
• Analyse safety performance data.
• Promote VSL’s Just and Fair Culture.

• Conduct inspections focusing on high‑risk activities.
• Reinforce Life‑Saving Rules through leadership presence.
• Maintain visible site engagement (“walk the talk”).

• Lead the VSL UK H&S Training Plan.
• Deliver training on major risks, Life‑Saving Rules, and emergency response.
• Support culture programmes promoting vigilance and accountability.
• Ensure competence pathways for high‑risk operations.

• Maintain compliant emergency procedures.

• NEBOSH General Certificate or equivalent Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety.
• NVQ L5 or 6 in Health and Safety (recommended).
• Experience of administering, executing, and managing H&S on Civil works and repair projects.
• Adequately experienced in a H&S management role within construction or engineering scope of works.
• Experience in developing and implementing H&S management systems.
• Experience and required skills in incident investigation and root cause analysis.
• You probably have around 10 years’ experience, with 5 years in team leadership or management.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong leadership and influencing abilities.
• Analytical and detail-oriented.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Confident in engaging with stakeholders at all levels.
• Knowledge and experience of managing and maintaining data.
• Good knowledge of Power BI, Microsoft Excel and Word applications as well as experience with managing data.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Full right to work in the UK.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Willingness to travel and regularly attend project sites throughout the UK.

• Exciting and Challenging Projects: Contribute directly to the UK’s clean energy future on a nationally significant programme.
• Career Growth: Professional development and progression within VSL and the wider Bouygues Group.
• Competitive Salary & Benefits: Comprehensive package, including pension and additional perks.
• Dynamic Team Environment: Be part of a skilled, diverse and collaborative team committed to excellence.

Interested? Apply now and let’s build the great structures of tomorrow together!