Senior Operational SHEQ Manager

OCU; Manchester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Operational SHEQ Manager to oversee safety, health, environmental, and quality matters across various business units. This pivotal role involves ensuring compliance with internal and external regulations while promoting best practices. The successful candidate will engage with diverse teams, manage SHEQ personnel, and lead initiatives to maintain a safe working environment. With a focus on continuous improvement and stakeholder collaboration, this position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a dynamic team in the utilities sector and make a significant impact on operational excellence.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in the utilities sector, preferably power.
• Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations.
• Proficient in accident/incident investigation.

Responsibilities

• Act as the principal SHEQ contact for assigned business units.
• Monitor SHEQ performance and implement improvement actions.
• Conduct site audits and manage findings.

Skills

Communication Skills

Team Management

Problem-Solving

Negotiation Skills

Attention to Detail

Computer Literacy

Education

NCRQ Level 6

NVQ Level 6

NEBOSH Diploma

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

MS PowerPoint

MS Teams

Job description

Due to our continued success in work winning, we currently have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Operational SHEQ Manager to join us across the UK. You will assist in managing safety, health, environmental, and quality matters within OCU Energy and the wider OCU Group by providing professional advice and solutions, ensuring compliance with internal and external requirements and best practices.

This role involves responsibility for various OCU Energy business units, including (but not limited to) OCU Hornbill, OCU Integrum, OCU Modus, OCU Trenchless, OCU Evolution, and OCU Energy Major Projects. You will engage with personnel across these units to develop and implement SHEQ best practices, ensuring compliance with statutory provisions, OCU Group requirements, and relevant codes of practice. Proactive collaboration with management is essential to establish and maintain a safe working environment for all staff and third parties.

Roles and Responsibilities:

1. Act as the principal SHEQ contact for assigned business units (internal and external).
2. Build and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders.
3. Collaborate with management during project mobilization, construction, and post-construction phases.
4. Identify SHEQ resource needs, source candidates, and oversee onboarding.
5. Manage dedicated SHEQ personnel and liaise with regional SHEQ support, ensuring performance standards are met.
6. Support pre-qualification questionnaires and tender submissions.
7. Provide visible leadership, promote the OCU brand, and endorse core Group requirements.
8. Assist in planning and promoting SHEQ programs and mechanisms for implementation.
9. Support in maintaining Group ISO accreditation and related registrations.
10. Interpret and advise on OCU Group policies, procedures, and safe systems of work.
11. Ensure compliance with the Group's Integrated Management System on contracts and projects.
12. Discharge SHEQ duties efficiently and effectively as per Group policies.
13. Monitor SHEQ performance and implement improvement actions.
14. Establish data reporting mechanisms and compile SHEQ dashboards and KPIs monthly.
15. Conduct site, depot, and CDM audits, managing findings and improvements.
16. Ensure projects have suitable planned arrangements and controls.
17. Engage with customers, attend meetings, and deliver presentations.
18. Conduct contractor onboarding evaluations.
19. Investigate accidents, incidents, and near misses; propose preventative measures and report findings.
20. Manage the OCU One system for record-keeping.

Skills and Requirements:

• Excellent communication skills (spoken and written).
• Strong team management and leadership skills.
• Proactive with a mindset of continuous improvement.
• Good negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Logical thinker with problem-solving abilities.
• Organized with attention to detail and ability to work under pressure.
• Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations.
• Computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Experience in report writing and incident investigation.
• Self-motivated team player with discretion and trustworthiness.
• Professional appearance and manner.

Qualifications / Competencies:

• NCRQ Level 6 / NVQ Level 6 / NEBOSH Diploma.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in the utilities sector, preferably power.
• Experience working with live substations.
• Familiarity with management systems and NERS accreditation (preferred).
• Experience with DNO/IDNO operations.
• EUSR or CSCS health and safety certification.
• Proficient in accident/incident investigation, including root cause analysis.
• Skilled in compiling documented information and data.

OCU leads in infrastructure engineering within utilities, digital, and energy markets, working with leading power, energy transition, water, telecoms, and digital clients. We seek the best talent to join our expanding team.