Deputy Health and Safety Manager

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic safety practitioner to join our small team as deputy to the Departmental Safety Manager (DSM). The role holder will assist the DSM in supporting academics, researchers, managers, staff, students, and others to understand and fulfil their health and safety responsibilities. The role holder will also report on health and safety to the Head of Department.

Under the leadership of the DSM, you will be providing guidance on safety management and risk control, supported by people with expertise in managing risks from biological materials, chemicals, and radiation. As the Department is large with a variety of significant risks, we are seeking someone with demonstrable experience of managing health and safety in a multi-site, multi-disciplinary environment, with a good track record of improving safety systems and culture. There is scope for development and career progression in the department for an enthusiastic, hardworking individual, and training will be provided.
You will be educated preferably to degree level or equivalent in a scientific discipline. You will also have demonstrable knowledge of health and safety management systems and standards, a proven track record of dealing with all aspects of health and safety, experience of providing training and coaching, and an understanding of how to successfully merge good safety practice with good research and teaching. Experience of working in a scientific research environment would be an advantage but is not essential.
You will be able to communicate well with all levels of staff and students, deal with changing demands, solve problems, and organize your work priorities based on risks. You will be keen to learn, self-motivated and able to work well independently and as part of a small team, taking the lead in risk control where necessary.
The successful applicant will be required to complete training provided by the University Safety Office and become fully familiar with the significant risk issues in the Department.
First interviews will be held on 27th May 2026.
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The Department of Physics (Cavendish Laboratory) is one of the best-performing departments at the University and in the UK. The Cavendish Laboratory conducts cutting edge physics research and high-level teaching of undergraduate and postgraduate students. We achieve excellence by working to provide an inclusive, safe, and healthy work environment as well as recruiting the best people to carry out and support teaching and research.