Health and safety manager

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 Avantis 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!