At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Permit Office team and ensure safe contractor operations at a world-class research campus.
- Company: Join the Wellcome Genome Campus, a leader in scientific research and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a prestigious team driving continuous improvement in safety and operations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on groundbreaking research while ensuring safety and compliance.
- Qualifications: Strong background in Engineering or Construction with permit-to-work experience required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
Location: Saffron Walden
We are seeking an experienced and proactive Permit Office Manager to lead our Permit Office operations at the Wellcome Genome Campus in Saffron Walden. This is a site-based leadership role, integral to ensuring the safe, compliant, and efficient delivery of all contractor activities across a world-leading scientific research campus.
If you have a strong background in Engineering, Construction or M&E, with deep knowledge of health & safety, CDM and permit-to-work systems, this is an exceptional opportunity to lead a critical function supporting complex maintenance and project activity.
What You'll Be Doing
- Leadership & Operational Management
- Leading and managing the Permit Office team to deliver an efficient, compliant Permit Office operation.
- Overseeing the preparation, authorisation, issuance, execution and close-out of all permits and control certificates.
- Ensuring all contractors are correctly inducted and compliant with WGC policies and CDM requirements.
- Managing staffing levels for escorting and assisting systems across the campus.
- Chairing or supporting weekly/monthly permit review meetings.
- Compliance, Auditing & Risk Management
- Promoting and driving a positive safety culture across the Wellcome Genome Campus.
- Conducting on-site safety and performance audits of contractors and subcontractors.
- Ensuring the suitability and sufficiency of all Construction Phase Plans (CPPs) in collaboration with Estates & Facilities colleagues.
- Monitoring health & safety documentation, challenging gaps or unsafe practices where necessary.
- Maintaining a live campus map showing all active permits and transfers of control.
- System Ownership & Continuous Improvement
- Taking full ownership of the electronic Permit to Work software system.
- Managing system uptime in collaboration with IT providers and leading on system improvements.
- Developing the contractor onboarding process to improve safety and operational efficiency.
- Proactively identifying improvement opportunities, ensuring WGC remains compliant, innovative, and efficient.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Acting as a key liaison between Facilities Management teams, visiting contractors, principal contractors, and internal stakeholders.
- Ensuring work is delivered safely, efficiently, and without unnecessary delays.
- Supporting Contractors through inductions and system processes as needed.
What We're Looking For
- Essential Qualifications & Skills
- Strong background in Engineering, Construction or M&E with proven permit-to-work experience.
- Excellent knowledge of UK Health & Safety legislation, CDM regulations and risk management.
- Experience managing statutory compliance on a complex site.
- Strong understanding of QHSE systems.
- Solid IT skills (Outlook, Word, Excel) and experience with systems such as Aconex, Buzzsaw or similar.
- Experience managing or overseeing large and small projects.
- Proven leadership, organisational and motivational skills.
- Experience carrying out H&S audits and reviews.
- NEBOSH General/Construction Certificate (or equivalent).
- Desirable
- Formal qualification in Engineering, Construction or M&E.
- AP appointment in areas such as working at height, confined spaces, hot works, electrical, LOTO, pressure systems, etc.
- Membership of IOSH, APS, CIOB, RICS.
Essential Experience Required
- Strong communication skills, able to work confidently with operational teams, managers and senior stakeholders.
- Able to lead the permit system end-to-end and support contractors without compromising safety.
- Experience reviewing safety documentation, challenging poor practices, and ensuring compliance.
- Demonstrated ability to support project delivery safely, on time, and within budget.
- Experience monitoring and improving safety and permit systems.
Desirable Experience
- Experience managing high volumes of permits across multiple projects.
- Ability to identify high-risk areas and communicate risks clearly to contractors.
- Strong auditing experience, able to identify trends and escalate concerns appropriately.
Personal Attributes
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Collaborative and personable working style.
- Strong leadership and a solutions-focused mindset.
- Confidence in challenging unsafe or non-compliant activity.
- Innovation, attention to detail and a drive for continuous improvement.
- A results-driven approach with commitment to delivering safe, efficient operations.
You'll be at the heart of a high-profile, high-complexity site where safety, precision and compliance are paramount. Your work will directly support the vital research and scientific breakthroughs happening every day at the Wellcome Genome Campus. This is a fantastic opportunity to shape, lead and continuously improve the Permit Office function in a dynamic, prestigious environment.
Permit Office Manager employer: WPS
At the Wellcome Genome Campus in Saffron Walden, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that prioritises safety and compliance. As a Permit Office Manager, you will not only lead a dedicated team but also play a crucial role in supporting groundbreaking scientific research, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development in a prestigious environment. Our commitment to continuous improvement and employee well-being makes us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Permit Office Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy to reach out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their projects and values, especially around health & safety and compliance. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on showcasing your leadership skills and experience in managing permit systems, as these are key for the Permit Office Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining us at the Wellcome Genome Campus and contributing to our mission of supporting groundbreaking research.
We think you need these skills to ace Permit Office Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in Engineering, Construction, or M&E. We want to see how your background aligns with the Permit Office Manager role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant skills and achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a leadership role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to manage teams effectively. Share examples of how you've led projects or teams in the past, especially in relation to health & safety and compliance.
Highlight Your Compliance Knowledge:We’re looking for someone with a solid understanding of UK Health & Safety legislation and CDM regulations. Make sure to mention any relevant qualifications, like your NEBOSH certificate, and provide examples of how you’ve ensured compliance in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at the Wellcome Genome Campus.
How to prepare for a job interview at WPS
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of health & safety legislation, CDM regulations, and permit-to-work systems. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're the right fit for the Permit Office Manager role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you managed compliance or improved operational efficiency. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the Permit Office team effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially around safety audits and compliance challenges. Prepare to discuss how you would handle high-risk situations or improve existing processes, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since stakeholder engagement is key, think about how you can communicate effectively with various teams. Be ready to share your experiences in liaising with contractors and internal stakeholders, highlighting your collaborative approach.
