HSE Manager

Darwin Recruitment; Köln; On-site; EUR 111,000 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

Darwin Recruitment is seeking an experienced HSE professional for a freelance, site-based role in the Cologne region, Germany. You will lead Health, Safety and Environmental activities on a major project, ensuring compliance with German legislation and industry standards.

Start date 20/11/2026 with a 12-month duration and day-rate negotiations. The role targets professionals with nuclear/regulatory experience and strong risk-management skills.

Qualifications

• Experience as HSE Manager or Senior HSE Advisor on major projects.
• Nuclear sector or highly regulated energy environment preferred.
• Strong knowledge of risk management and incident investigations.
• Familiar with German OHS legislation and EU requirements.
• Fluency in English; German a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate all HSE activities across the project lifecycle.
• Ensure compliance with German HSE law, env requirements and safety standards.
• Develop and maintain HSE plans, risk assessments and safe work methods.
• Conduct site inspections, audits and reviews; implement corrective actions.
• Advise management, teams, subcontractors and clients on HSE matters.
• Monitor contractor safety and project requirements.
• Lead incident investigations and root-cause analysis.
• Deliver site inductions and toolbox talks to promote safety.
• Align with nuclear-site requirements and radiation protection where applicable.

Skills

HSE management

Risk assessment

Incident investigation

Contractor management

Auditing

Education

NEBOSH qualification

German occupational safety qualifications

Job description

Location: Cologne, Germany
Contract Type: Freelance / Contract
Duration: 12 months
Start Date: 20/11/2026
Language: English; German highly advantageous

This is an opportunity to contribute to a complex, highly regulated project environment where health, safety and environmental standards are critical. The successful candidate will take responsibility for overseeing HSE activities on site, ensuring compliance with applicable German legislation, project requirements and industry best practices.

Candidates with experience in nuclear energy, power generation, heavy industrial construction or other highly regulated environments are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate all Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) activities throughout the project lifecycle
• Ensure compliance with applicable German HSE legislation, environmental requirements and project-specific safety standards
• Develop, implement and maintain project HSE plans, risk assessments, method statements and safe systems of work
• Conduct regular site inspections, safety audits and compliance reviews, identifying potential hazards and implementing corrective actions
• Advise project management, construction teams, subcontractors and client representatives on HSE matters
• Monitor contractor and subcontractor compliance with site safety procedures and project requirements
• Lead incident investigations, near-miss reporting and root-cause analysis, ensuring appropriate preventative measures are implemented
• Deliver site inductions, toolbox talks and safety briefings to promote a strong safety culture
• Monitor high-risk activities, including lifting operations, work at height, confined spaces, hot work and simultaneous operations
• Support emergency preparedness, environmental management and continuous improvement initiatives
• Where applicable, ensure alignment with nuclear-site requirements, radiation protection arrangements and nuclear quality and safety procedures

Candidate Requirements

• Proven experience as an HSE Manager, HSE Lead or Senior HSE Advisor on major construction, energy or industrial projects
• Previous experience in the nuclear sector or a highly regulated power generation environment is strongly preferred
• Strong knowledge of risk management, incident investigation, auditing and contractor management
• Familiarity with German occupational health and safety legislation and relevant EU requirements
• Relevant HSE qualifications, such as NEBOSH, an equivalent professional qualification, or German qualifications in occupational safety
• Fluency in English; German language skills are a significant advantage

Contract Details

• Freelance engagement on a project basis
• Site-based role in the Cologne region, Germany
• Start date, contract duration, working pattern and day rate to be agreed
• Candidates must have the appropriate right to work and provide freelance services in Germany