At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Permit Office team and ensure safe contractor operations at a prestigious research campus.
- Company: Join WPS, part of the Wates Group, with over 129 years of expertise in the built environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a commitment to sustainability and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on scientific breakthroughs while ensuring safety and compliance.
- Qualifications: Strong background in Engineering or Construction with permit-to-work experience required.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 € per year.
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 elevate concerns appropriately.
Personal Attributes We’re Looking For a Permit Office Manager With
- 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.
Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant’s criminal record or the details of any disclosed offences. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks.
Permit Office Manager in Saffron Walden employer: WPS
At WPS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the prestigious Wellcome Genome Campus in Saffron Walden. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our Gold Investors in People recognition, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement while ensuring a strong focus on safety and compliance. Join us to be part of a purpose-driven team that values sustainability, inclusivity, and the well-being of our employees, all while supporting groundbreaking scientific research.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Permit Office Manager in Saffron Walden
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering and construction sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their safety culture and compliance standards. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Think of examples where you've successfully managed teams or improved processes. Being able to articulate these experiences will set you apart during interviews and show you’re ready to lead the Permit Office.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at the Wellcome Genome Campus. Let’s get you that Permit Office Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Permit Office Manager in Saffron Walden
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 experiences!
Show Off Your Leadership Skills:Since this role is all about leading a team, we’d love to hear about your leadership style and any past experiences managing teams. Share specific examples of how you’ve motivated others and driven compliance in previous roles.
Highlight Your Safety Knowledge:Given the importance of health & safety in this position, make sure to emphasise your knowledge of UK Health & Safety legislation and CDM regulations. We’re looking for someone who can confidently challenge unsafe practices, so let us know how you’ve done this before!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
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 not just familiar with the basics but have a deep understanding of what’s required in this role.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Think about times when you’ve had to motivate others or resolve conflicts. This will demonstrate your ability to manage the Permit Office team effectively and ensure compliance across the board.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to safety audits or contractor management. Practise how you would handle these scenarios, focusing on your problem-solving skills and commitment to safety. This will help you stand out as someone who can think on their feet.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would communicate with various stakeholders, from contractors to internal teams. Be prepared to discuss your approach to building relationships and ensuring smooth operations. Highlighting your communication skills will show that you can be an effective liaison in this role.
