EHS Lead Cork

Morgan McKinley; Cork; On-site; EUR 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary Up to €80,000

Company Vehicle / Pension

Performance Bonus

Career Growth

Job summary

Morgan McKinley is seeking a Senior EHS Manager / Senior Health & Safety Lead in Cork to oversee environmental, health and safety strategy and culture across active sites in the region.

The role reports to Board/Senior Management and leads a team of 4 EHS Advisors, ensuring compliance with Irish/EU safety legislation and ISO standards. Attractive salary and benefits accompany this senior appointment.

Qualifications

• Degree/Higher Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5-7+ years of health and safety experience within construction.
• Proven leadership experience with EHS teams.
• IOSH membership (GradIOSH or CMIOSH preferred).

Responsibilities

• Drive and continuously improve Health, Safety, and Environmental strategy and safety culture.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of 4 EHS Advisors.
• Maintain ISO 45001 / ISO 14001 systems and regulatory compliance.
• Advise project managers and senior leadership on EHS matters.
• Oversee site safety audits and incident investigations.
• Oversee safety inductions, toolbox talks, and training programs.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Driving license

Education

Degree/Higher Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety

Job description

Job Title: Senior EHS Manager / Senior Health & Safety Lead

Location: Cork City & County

Salary: Up to €80,000 + Company Vehicle + Pension + Performance Bonus

About the Company

We are a leading, established Main Contractor headquartered in Cork with a reputation for delivering high-quality, complex projects across Ireland. Our diverse portfolio spans hotels, educational facilities, large-scale residential developments, warehousing, and commercial fit-outs.

We place the highest priority on the health, safety, and well-being of our people, sub-contractors, and the wider community. We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Health & Safety Lead to oversee our environmental, health, and safety strategy and continue driving a proactive, positive safety culture across the business.

Role Overview

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced operator looking to step into a senior strategic and advisory position.

Reporting directly to the Board / Senior Management, you will oversee overall company EHS standards, compliance, and systems. You will lead and mentor a dedicated team of 4 EHS Advisors and support staff, ensuring high standards are maintained across all active sites in Cork and the wider region.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Drive and continuously improve the company-wide Health, Safety, and Environmental strategy and safety culture.
• Team Management: Lead, mentor, and manage a team of 4 EHS Advisors, providing guidance, conducting reviews, and supporting their professional development.
• Compliance & Systems: Maintain and improve ISO standard management systems (ISO 45001 / ISO 14001) and ensure compliance with all relevant Irish and EU safety legislation.
• Advisory Role: Act as the primary technical advisor to project managers, site managers, and executive leadership on all EHS matters.
• Audits & Inspections: Conduct regular site safety audits across various project sectors (commercial, residential, educational, industrial).
• Incident Management: Oversee investigation procedures for any safety incidents, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Training & Onboarding: Oversee company-wide safety induction programs, toolbox talks, and specialized training programs.

Key Requirements & Qualifications

• Education: Degree/Higher Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety or a related discipline.
• Experience: Minimum 5-7+ years of health and safety experience within the construction industry, ideally with a main contractor.
• Leadership Experience: Proven track record of managing, leading, or mentoring a team of EHS advisors/officers.
• Sector Knowledge: Experience across diverse construction sectors, including commercial fit-out, large-scale residential, schools/education, or warehousing.
• Certifications: Professional membership of IOSH (GradIOSH or CMIOSH preferred).
• Skills: Strong communication, negotiation, and leadership skills with the ability to influence positive cultural change at all levels of the organization.
• Full clean Irish/EU driving license.

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary: Up to €80,000 (commensurate with experience).
• Company Vehicle: Fully maintained company car or van / car allowance.
• Performance Bonus: Annual performance-related bonus scheme.
• Pension Scheme: Employer-contributed pension plan.
• Career Growth: Key leadership role within an established, growing contractor with direct influence over company strategy and culture.
• Continuous Development: Support for ongoing professional development and training.