The Role: Health & Safety Manager

Sector: Property Management

Salary: £55,000–£60,000 + car/car allowance
Location: Kent Based + Travel

We are working withan established Property Management group who are strengthening their health and safety function for the education sector. We’re seeking an experienced, proactive Health & Safety Manager to provide competent advice and practical support across FM, Projects and operational teams on occupied school sites.

You’ll help schools and trusts improve safety and compliance while building our overarching H&S framework, policies, assurance arrangements and future accreditation strategy.

Key responsibilities

• Provide competent H&S advice to FM, Projects and operational teams.
• Support schools through inspections, audits and risk reviews; produce clear, prioritised action plans with owners and deadlines.
• Prepare and review risk assessments, method statements, safe systems of work and contractor controls.
• Advise on contractor competence, site arrangements and practical application of CDM duties.
• Support accident, incident, near-miss and dangerous-occurrence investigations; identify root causes and monitor corrective actions.
• Advise on emergency planning, fire safety, asbestos, legionella, safeguarding interfaces and other occupied-site risks.
• Deliver briefings, toolbox talks and proportionate H&S training.
• Escalate serious or imminent risks immediately and maintain an auditable record of advice, decisions and actions.
• Develop strong knowledge of specialist education environments (labs, fume cupboards, LEV, D&T machinery, kilns, art equipment, specialist gas, sports/play equipment, pools, kitchens, stages, lighting rigs, plant rooms).
• Help schools identify appropriate inspection, testing, servicing and risk-management arrangements for specialist equipment and coordinate specialist advice where needed.
• Develop and maintain a structured H&S management system, including policies, procedures, templates, reporting and escalation routes.
• Establish consistent audit, inspection, incident-reporting, action-tracking and performance-monitoring systems (including client platforms such as Know My Building).
• Provide meaningful performance reports, trends and assurance information to senior management.
• Identify training and competency needs and support an appropriate programme.
• Prepare the business for future accreditations and management standards (e.g. ISO 45001) and support tenders/PQQs with accurate H&S evidence.

Essential qualifications and experience

• Demonstrable experience in a health and safety management or advisory role.
• Direct experience within both primary and secondary school environments.
• Recognised H&S qualification such as NEBOSH General Certificate (or equivalent)
• Practical knowledge of UK health and safety law and its application in occupied premises.
• Experience of audits, inspections, risk assessment, contractor control and incident investigation.
• Ability to translate legislation and guidance into clear, proportionate, practical advice.
• Strong communication and influencing skills with headteachers, business managers, site teams, contractors and senior leaders.
• Competence in professional reports, policies, management information and action tracking.
• Full UK driving licence, willingness to travel and ability to obtain an enhanced DBS check.