Permanent HSE Manager – East of England | Start January 2026

Shoal is excited to announce an exceptional career opportunity for a Permanent HSE Manager based in the East of England. This role is ideal for a highly experienced health, safety, and environmental professional looking to take on a senior management position within a long-term, stable civil engineering or construction environment. The position is slated to commence in January 2026, offering ample time for a smooth transition into a strategic leadership role within a committed and dynamic team.

About the Company

Shoal is a trusted partner in delivering safety management solutions across the civil construction and infrastructure sectors. With a reputation for excellence, we specialize in placing qualified Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) professionals in roles that not only challenge them but also help them develop sustainable, long-term careers. Our clients value our expertise in matching highly skilled HSE personnel with opportunities where they can make a measurable impact on workplace safety, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

As an HSE Manager at Shoal, you will have the unique opportunity to lead HSE operations on large-scale civil projects, influence safety culture, and ensure that every project is delivered to the highest safety standards. This role is particularly suited for candidates with a NEBOSH General Certificate or higher and at least five years of practical experience in civil engineering safety management.

Key Responsibilities

As the HSE Manager – East of England, your primary responsibility is to ensure that all civil projects operate in strict compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations while fostering a proactive safety culture among all stakeholders. Your duties will include, but are not limited to:

1. Leadership and Strategic HSE Oversight

  • Serve as the senior point of contact for all HSE-related matters on assigned projects.

  • Develop, implement, and monitor comprehensive HSE management systems in line with UK and EU regulations, company policies, and client requirements.

  • Provide guidance and leadership to HSE officers, supervisors, and site personnel to ensure compliance with safe work practices.

  • Collaborate closely with project managers and site teams to integrate safety into every stage of project planning and execution.

2. Regulatory Compliance

  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of UK health and safety legislation, environmental regulations, and industry standards, ensuring that all operations comply fully.

  • Ensure that all statutory reporting, permits, risk assessments, and method statements are prepared and maintained accurately.

  • Conduct audits, inspections, and reviews to verify compliance with internal and external HSE requirements.

3. Risk Assessment and Hazard Management

  • Oversee the identification, evaluation, and mitigation of workplace hazards.

  • Lead the development of risk assessments, Job Safety Analyses (JSA), and Method Statements (MS) for high-risk civil activities such as excavation, lifting operations, scaffolding, and working at height.

  • Ensure the timely investigation of incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions, and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

  • Maintain accurate and detailed records of all HSE-related incidents, audits, and inspections.

4. Training and Development

  • Organize and deliver safety inductions, toolbox talks, and ongoing HSE training programs for site personnel and contractors.

  • Mentor junior HSE staff, supporting their development and ensuring they have the skills and knowledge necessary to uphold safety standards.

  • Promote a strong safety culture through engagement, communication, and consistent demonstration of best practices.

5. Contractor and Stakeholder Management

  • Monitor contractor adherence to safety protocols and HSE procedures.

  • Work closely with clients, regulatory authorities, and internal teams to ensure full compliance across all parties involved.

  • Build and maintain strong professional relationships with all stakeholders to facilitate smooth communication and timely resolution of safety concerns.

6. Continuous Improvement and Reporting

  • Monitor and report on HSE performance metrics, identifying trends and opportunities for continuous improvement.

  • Develop and implement initiatives to enhance safety awareness and reduce the likelihood of accidents and incidents.

  • Prepare detailed reports for senior management, highlighting successes, challenges, and recommendations for improvement.

Candidate Requirements

Shoal is seeking candidates who demonstrate not only technical expertise but also leadership, strategic thinking, and a strong commitment to safety. The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications and experience:

  • Education: NEBOSH General Certificate or higher in Health and Safety (Minimum). Additional certifications such as IOSH, CSP, or a Diploma in Occupational Safety are advantageous.

  • Experience: At least 5 years of civil engineering HSE experience in the UK or European construction sector. Experience with large civil infrastructure projects is highly desirable.

  • Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of risk assessment processes, method statements, safe work practices, and regulatory compliance.

  • Leadership Skills: Proven ability to manage and mentor HSE teams, influence behavior, and instill a strong safety culture across multiple sites.

  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of preparing reports, delivering training, and interacting with diverse stakeholders.

  • Problem Solving: Ability to proactively identify potential hazards, recommend solutions, and implement corrective actions.

  • Software Skills: Familiarity with HSE management software and reporting tools is advantageous.

Why Join Shoal?

This permanent HSE Manager role offers more than just a job—it’s a career-building opportunity. Shoal is committed to creating a work environment where HSE professionals can grow, develop, and make a tangible impact. By joining our team, you will gain:

  • Long-term stability in a permanent contract with ongoing civil projects in the East of England.

  • Professional growth opportunities, including training, mentoring, and exposure to complex civil projects.

  • A collaborative and safety-focused culture, where your expertise will be valued and recognized.

  • Impactful work, where your efforts directly contribute to the safety and success of construction projects.

We understand that a strong safety culture starts with experienced professionals who are passionate about their work. At Shoal, you will be part of a dedicated team that places health, safety, and environmental excellence at the core of every project.

How to Apply

If you’re an experienced HSE professional looking to take on a stable, long-term leadership role starting in January 2026, we’d love to hear from you.

Please send your CV or message directly to:

Hannah Shirtliffe
Email: [email protected]

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