Role Overview
A leading engineering services contractor is seeking an experienced Senior Health & Safety Manager to lead all aspects of health, safety, and wellbeing on a major new-build data centre project in East London.
Operating as Principal Contractor under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, this role will be responsible for ensuring full regulatory compliance, driving a positive safety culture, and delivering industry-leading HSE performance across the project lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and implementation of the Construction Phase Plan and project-specific HSE strategies
- Ensure compliance with all relevant UK legislation including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
- Act as the senior HSE advisor to the Project Director and leadership team
- Oversee all site-based HSE personnel, including advisors and officers
- Manage and coordinate subcontractor HSE performance, ensuring alignment with company standards
- Lead incident investigations, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective actions
- Conduct regular audits, inspections, and site safety tours
- Deliver HSE reporting to senior stakeholders, including KPIs and compliance metrics
- Promote behavioural safety programmes and a proactive safety culture
- Ensure effective risk management processes including RAMS review and approval
- Liaise with external bodies such as the Health and Safety Executive and client representatives
- Support project delivery while maintaining strict adherence to safety, quality, and programme objectives
Key Requirements
Essential:
- NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent Level 6 qualification in Occupational Health & Safety)
- Chartered Membership of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (CMIOSH) or working towards
- Significant experience in a Senior HSE role on large-scale construction projects
- Proven experience working under CDM as Principal Contractor
- Strong knowledge of high-risk activities (e.g., MEP installations, lifting operations, confined spaces, temporary works)
- Experience on data centre, mission-critical, or major infrastructure projects
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
Desirable:
- Experience within engineering services / MEP contractors
- Temporary Works Coordinator or Appointed Person (Lifting) certification
- Environmental management knowledge (ISO 14001)
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