Health and Safety Manager

The Opportunity

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Health & Safety Manager to join a growing construction main contractor.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Health & Safety professional looking to take ownership of the Health & Safety function within a business where they can have a genuine influence on standards, systems, and culture.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the Health & Safety Manager will play a key role in developing and maintaining the company's Health & Safety strategy, ensuring compliance across multiple construction projects and supporting operational teams in delivering consistently high standards.

This is a hands-on management position, suited to someone who is confident operating on construction sites, engaging with site teams and subcontractors, while also being comfortable working at a strategic level with senior management.

The Role

As Health & Safety Manager, you will take responsibility for overseeing Health & Safety across the company's construction operations.

You will act as the key point of contact for Health & Safety matters, providing leadership, direction, and challenge where required. The role will involve a combination of site-based activity, auditing, policy development, risk management, training, investigation, and management reporting.

You will be expected to build strong relationships throughout the business and develop a culture where Health & Safety is viewed as a fundamental part of successful project delivery rather than simply a compliance requirement.

Key Responsibilities

Take overall responsibility for the company's Health & Safety function and standards.
Develop, implement, and continually improve Health & Safety policies, procedures, and management systems.
Carry out regular site inspections and Health & Safety audits across multiple construction projects.
Identify hazards, unsafe practices, and areas of non-compliance and ensure appropriate corrective action is implemented.
Provide professional advice, guidance, and challenge to site managers, project managers, employees, and subcontractors.
Monitor compliance with UK Health & Safety legislation, construction regulations, company procedures, and industry best practice.
Review and monitor RAMS, risk assessments, method statements, and other project Health & Safety documentation.
Lead or oversee the investigation of accidents, incidents, near misses, and dangerous occurrences.
Identify root causes and ensure appropriate corrective and preventative actions are implemented.
Produce clear and professional Health & Safety reports for senior management.
Monitor Health & Safety performance, trends, and key performance indicators.
Develop and deliver Health & Safety training, briefings, toolbox talks, and awareness initiatives.
Support site teams with emergency planning and high-risk activities.
Monitor and manage subcontractor Health & Safety performance.
Keep up to date with changes in legislation and ensure the business responds appropriately.
Support external audits, inspections, and Health & Safety accreditation requirements.
Report significant Health & Safety risks and performance issues directly to the Managing Director.
Drive continuous improvement and help develop a strong, proactive Health & Safety culture across the organisation.
About You

We are looking for an experienced Health & Safety professional with a strong background within the construction industry.

You will ideally be someone who enjoys being visible and involved within the business rather than operating purely from a desk. You will have the confidence to engage with people at all levels, from site operatives and subcontractors through to senior management, and be comfortable challenging poor standards when necessary.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:

Previous experience in a Health & Safety management or senior Health & Safety role within construction.
Strong knowledge of UK Health & Safety legislation and construction regulations.
Experience working across multiple construction sites.
A proven track record of carrying out Health & Safety inspections and audits.
Experience developing and implementing Health & Safety policies and procedures.
Experience investigating accidents, incidents, and near misses.
Strong knowledge of RAMS, risk assessments, and construction risk management.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
The confidence to influence, challenge, and engage with employees, contractors, and senior management.
Strong report-writing, organisational, and administrative skills.
A practical and commercially aware approach to Health & Safety.
The ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
Competence with Microsoft Office.
Qualifications

Essential:

NEBOSH General Certificate or NEBOSH Construction Certificate.
Relevant construction Health & Safety experience.
CSCS Health & Safety-related card appropriate to the role.
Full UK Driving Licence.
Desirable:

NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent higher-level Health & Safety qualification.
IOSH membership.
Experience supporting or maintaining Health & Safety accreditations.
What We're Looking For

This role would suit a Health & Safety Advisor ready to take the next step into management, as well as an experienced Health & Safety Manager looking for greater ownership and influence.

You will be proactive, confident, approachable, and commercially aware, with the ability to establish credibility quickly across both site and management teams.

Most importantly, you will be someone who can lead Health & Safety rather than simply advise on it.

O’Neill and Brennan values diversity and promotes equality, All individuals will be treated in a fair and equal manner and in accordance with the law regardless of gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation