HSE Manager

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

Job summary

Darwin Engineering in Cologne seeks an experienced freelance HSE Manager to oversee health, safety and environmental activities on a major project in a highly regulated environment. You will lead HSE planning,现场 inspections, risk assessments and incident investigations on site.

Fluency in English is required; German language skills are a significant advantage. This long-term contract offers 12 months on a nuclear/regulatory style project with on-site work in the Cologne region, starting

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an HSE Manager, Lead or Senior Advisor on major construction or industrial projects.
• Experience in nuclear sector or highly regulated environments preferred.
• Strong knowledge of risk management, incident investigation and contractor management.
• Familiarity with German HSE legislation and EU requirements.
• Fluency in English; German language skills are a significant advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate all HSE activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure compliance with German HSE legislation and project safety standards.
• Develop and maintain HSE plans, risk assessments, method statements and safe systems of work.
• Conduct site inspections, safety audits and compliance reviews.
• Advise management, teams, subcontractors and clients on HSE matters.
• Monitor contractor compliance with safety procedures and project requirements.
• Lead incident investigations, near-miss reporting and root-cause analysis.
• Deliver site inductions, toolbox talks and safety briefings.
• Monitor high-risk activities and support emergency preparedness and environmental management.
• Align with nuclear-site requirements where applicable.

Skills

HSE management

risk assessment

incident investigation

auditing

contractor management

leadership

english fluency

german advantageous

Education

NEBOSH or equivalent

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


• 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