HSE Manager

Our client, a global energy leader at the forefront of the energy transition, is rapidly expanding its renewable generation capacity, targeting 100 GW by 2030. In the UK, the onshore solar portfolio is accelerating, with multiple projects entering construction in 2026 alongside a broader pipeline across development, construction and operations.
We are seeking a senior, highly experienced HSE Manager to provide functional leadership, strategic advice and operational assurance across the UK onshore renewables portfolio. This is a pivotal role, managing multiple concurrent projects and acting as a trusted HSE authority to project teams and senior leadership.
 
The Role
Reporting to the Head of HSE, you will be accountable for ensuring the consistent implementation of company HSE expectations and UK statutory compliance across the UK Solar and Onshore portfolio. This is a working manager role with no direct line management responsibility. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, you will shape HSE strategy, influence decisionmaking and drive continuous improvement in HSE culture and performance. The postholder will personally deliver the full scope of responsibilities, working directly with project teams, contractors and functional stakeholders. You will lead, coach and challenge delivery teams, embedding robust HSE practices into project execution and providing independent assurance across the project lifecycle. This role is expected to shape outcomes, not simply monitor compliance.
 
Key Responsibilities
·Functional Leadership & Portfolio Oversight
Provide functional HSE leadership across the UK onshore renewables portfolio, leading, coaching and coordinating site HSE Supervisors and ensuring consistent application of H3SEQ standards across all projects.
Act as a senior HSE authority to project and senior leadership, constructively challenging decisions where required to ensure safe and compliant delivery.
 
·CDM Subject Matter Expertise
Act as the CDM subjectmatter lead for UK Solar projects, providing authoritative advice, constructively challenging duty holders, and ensuring effective design risk management and CDM 2015 compliance throughout the project lifecycle.
 
·Operational Assurance
Lead and assure the safe execution of works, including review and approval of risk assessments, HIRAs, tender evaluations, Construction Phase Plans (CPPs), HSE plans, inspection and test plans, kickoff meetings and safety standdowns. Ensure contractors and delivery partners consistently meet company and statutory HSE expectations.
 
·Incident Management & Learning
Lead and oversee incident investigations using formal root cause analysis methodologies. Ensure corrective and preventive actions are effectively implemented and lessons learned are shared through the corporate lessonslearned process.
 
·Performance Monitoring & Continuous Improvement
Own and drive HSE performance monitoring and reporting across the portfolio. Analyse trends, identify systemic risks, and advise senior management on targeted performance improvement actions.
 
·Audit, Risk & Compliance Assurance
Plan, lead and coordinate internal and external audits. Participate in HSE risk evaluations and technical reviews, providing independent assurance of compliance with company standards and UK statutory requirements.
 
Candidate Profile
We are looking for a senior HSE professional with a proven track record of operating autonomously in complex, assetintensive project environments and across multiple concurrent projects.
 
Mandatory Requirements
·Degreequalified in Health & Safety (or equivalent) with substantial relevant experience in a senior HSE role with portfoliolevel responsibility.
·Strong working knowledge of UK Health & Safety legislation, with particular depth in CDM 2015 regulations and design risk management across the project lifecycle.
·Experience within onshore renewables, solar or comparable construction environments, with a solid understanding of development, design and construction activities.
·Proven ability to lead, coach and coordinate site HSE Supervisors, ensuring consistent application of HSE standards and company safety practices.
·Demonstrated capability in contractor HSE management, including review of CPPs, HSE plans, tender evaluations and assurance of safe execution.
·Strong influencing skills, with the ability to challenge senior stakeholders constructively and lead without direct authority.
·Excellent written and spoken English. French language capability is a distinct advantage, but not essential.
 
Why Join?
This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in delivering some of the UK's most significant onshore renewable projects. You will join a growing renewables organisation where HSE is expected to shape decisions and outcomes, not simply provide oversight - and where your expertise, judgement and leadership will directly influence project success.