Health and safety manager

🔒 Confidential Employer
Posted 20 March 2026
LOCATION
Cardiff
TYPE
Full-time
LEVEL
Mid-Senior level
CATEGORY
Health and Safety
This employer holds a UK Home Office sponsor license — sponsorship for this specific role is at the employer’s discretion

SKILLS

Health and Safety Management Risk Assessment Incident Investigation Safety Training Regulatory Compliance Shipbuilding Communication Leadership

FULL DESCRIPTION

Overview

  • Collaborate closely with project management, engineering, construction, and subcontractor teams to ensure uncompromising health and safety performance across all phases of ship construction.
  • Drive a culture of safety, risk prevention, and well-being for a multicultural workforce engaged in high-profile maritime projects.
  • Ensure compliance with Chinese, international regulatory standards and client requirements throughout the shipyard environment.
  • Deliver proactive safety outreach, communication, and training, actively supporting continuous improvement in all safety practices.

Key Responsibilities

- Develop, review, and update health and safety plans, procedures, and risk assessments tailored for new build vessel construction at the Chinese shipyard. - Lead site-based safety audits, inspections, and accident/incident investigations, driving rapid resolution and effective root cause analysis. - Champion the identification and mitigation of hazards relating to steelwork, outfitting, fabrication, heavy lifting, hot work, and confined spaces. - Manage day-to-day health and safety performance; track KPIs, disseminate best practices, and ensure accurate reporting to stakeholders and regulatory authorities. - Provide clear, proactive health and safety guidance to all personnel, contractors, and visitors – promoting inclusivity and team engagement in safety initiatives. - Deliver comprehensive safety induction and ongoing training to a diverse, international workforce, ensuring language and cultural considerations are addressed. - Support emergency response planning, drills, and incident management for the shipyard site, fostering robust preparedness at all times.

Essential Qualifications and Skills for Health and Safety Managers – Shipyard & Marine Construction

- Proven experience (5 + years) as a Health and Safety Manager, or similar role in shipbuilding, marine, offshore, or heavy industry environment. - Relevant HSE qualifications, such as NEBOSH Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, additional maritime or China-specific certifications are advantageous. - Thorough knowledge of shipyard hazards, regulatory frameworks (including UK, Chinese, and/or international standards), and practical risk management techniques. - Strong leadership, communication, and influencing skills – able to work effectively in multicultural, multilingual environments and with diverse stakeholder groups. - Exceptional organisational, analytical, and reporting abilities. - Experience delivering safety training, toolbox talks, and incident investigations within construction or shipbuilding settings. - English language proficiency (written and spoken) is desirable; Mandarin or previous working experience in China is highly desirable. - Preparedness for on-site presence at the Chinese shipyard, with flexibility to travel as project schedules require.

Personal Attributes – Our Ideal Health and Safety Manager

- Approachable, proactive, and assertive safety advocate who leads by example. - Committed to inclusion, fairness, and respect for colleagues of all identities. - Open-minded, adaptable to new ways of working and diverse cultures. - Resilient under pressure, solutions-oriented, and passionate about continuous improvement in safety performance. - Drives engagement and collective responsibility for a safe, healthy work environment.

How to Apply – Health and Safety Manager (New Build Vessels, China Shipyard)

If you are ready to deliver industry-leading health and safety outcomes as part of a pioneering new build team, we welcome your application. At [Employer hidden — view at passion-project.co.uk] Group, we value all perspectives and encourage candidates of any gender, background, or identity to apply – we are committed to building a genuinely inclusive team.

Join us in defining exceptional safety standards for international shipbuilding and be part of the next generation of maritime innovation in China!

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