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!