Interim Health & Safety Manager

Interim Health & Safety Manager
3 month contract
Immediate Start 
Inside IR35 (PAYE via umbrella)
£350-400 per day 
Current DBS is REQUIRED. 

A large further education college in the West Midlands is seeking an experienced and confident Interim Health & Safety Manager to provide immediate leadership and continuity across its health and safety function.

The organisation requires someone who can hit the ground running, take ownership of the function and provide clear direction with minimal supervision.

This is a hands-on management position rather than a purely advisory role. The successful candidate will oversee health and safety arrangements across the college environment, manage operational risks and ensure appropriate standards are maintained during the transition to a permanent appointment.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the health and safety function, providing visible leadership and direction.
• Oversee existing health and safety arrangements and ensure key risks are appropriately managed.
• Provide professional support, supervision and guidance to the existing H&S team.
• Ensure responsibilities and workloads are allocated appropriately, in line with individual competence and experience.
• Support the development of less experienced team members.
• Identify areas requiring improvement and take appropriate action to strengthen H&S management.
• Provide reassurance and confidence to senior stakeholders through effective H&S leadership.
• Maintain oversight of operational risks across a diverse estate, including specialist teaching and workshop environments.

Key Risk Areas
The organisation has several risk operational and teaching environments. The interim manager will need to quickly familiarise themselves with these areas and ensure appropriate controls and oversight are in place.

These include:

• Construction activities, including brickwork and plastering.
• Motor vehicle workshops.
• Science laboratories.
• General estate and facilities management.
• Learner-facing health and safety risks.
• Team competence, supervision and development.

Candidate Requirements
We are looking for a senior, qualified Health & Safety professional with the experience and confidence to step into an interim management position and operate autonomously from day one.

Essential:

• Relevant Health & Safety qualification, ideally NEBOSH Diploma level or equivalent.
• Significant experience managing or leading a Health & Safety function.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Ability to work independently, make decisions and take ownership with minimal supervision.
• Experience managing operational risks across a complex environment.
  
  

Desirable:

• Experience within further education, education, schools, universities or a similar complex environment.
• Experience overseeing a diverse estate with specialist teaching facilities, workshops and higher-risk activities.
• Experience supporting and developing an existing H&S team.

Additional Requirement:

• A current DBS is essential.
• Candidates registered with the DBS Update Service are preferred to help facilitate a quick start.
  
  

The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be a credible and approachable H&S leader who can quickly establish themselves, assess the current arrangements and provide stability to the organisation's health and safety function.

They must be comfortable taking responsibility, supporting an existing team with varying levels of experience and ensuring that health and safety is managed effectively across a diverse operational and educational environment.

If any questions please contact frida.carr@hserecruitment.co.uk.