Company Overview
ODS (O'Dwyer Steel) is a leading structural steel engineering and fabrication business serving industrial, commercial, offsite and modular sectors across Ireland and the UK. We deliver a full service from design and fabrication to finishing and on-site installation, operating under CE marking to EN 1090 and ISO-certified management systems.
Position Overview
The Health & Safety Manager owns the company's safety management system across three manufacturing facilities and construction sites. You will lead ISO 45001–aligned processes, risk assessments and training; ensure robust RAMS and permits; and coach managers and crews to deliver zero-harm performance. Working with Operations, Project Management, Quality and HR, you will drive proactive safety culture, legal compliance and continual improvement.
Key Responsibilities
* H&S management system:
Maintain the ISO 45001 system; keep policies, procedures and audits up to date across workshop and site operations.
* RAMS & planning:
Lead risk assessments and approve project-specific RAMS, lift plans and temporary works interfaces.
* Compliance:
Ensure compliance with Irish Safety, Health and Welfare at Work regulations and (for UK projects) CDM; maintain the legal register.
* Performance plan:
Set annual H&S targets and KPIs (leading/lagging), reporting monthly to leadership with actions.
* Inspections & audits:
Carry out workshop/site inspections and internal audits; manage NCR/CAR close-out.
* Training & briefings:
Own the training matrix (Safe Pass, Manual Handling, Abrasive Wheels, MEWP, WAH, Slinger/Signaller, First Aid); deliver inductions and toolbox talks.
* Incidents & learning:
Investigate incidents/near-misses (root cause), issue reports and lessons learned; manage statutory reporting.
* Subcontractors:
Pre-qualify, onboard and monitor subcontractors; verify RAMS, competencies and insurances.
* Permits to work:
Manage hot works, confined spaces, live services, lifting and other permits; verify controls.
* Design for safety:
Participate in design/constructability reviews (craneage, access, sequencing) to eliminate risks at source.
* Interfaces:
Support quality and environmental processes where they interact with safety (coatings, welding/fumes, waste, noise/vibration).
* Culture:
Lead visible safety engagement on sites; recognise good practice and enforce standards consistently.
Skills and Experience (Required)
* NEBOSH Diploma (or NISO/NEBOSH equivalent) and IOSH membership (GradIOSH/CMIOSH).
* 5+ years' Health & Safety leadership in construction or manufacturing; structural steel/industrial projects strongly preferred.
* Strong knowledge of ISO 45001, Irish SHWW Regulations and practical site controls (WAH, lifting, hot works, traffic).
* Proven experience writing/approving RAMS, chairing safety briefings and coaching supervisors/crews.
* Confident in incident investigation and corrective action management.
* Excellent communication and influencing skills; able to build a proactive safety culture.
* Competent IT user (MS Office); comfortable with digital H&S reporting tools/dashboards.
* Right to work in Ireland; full, clean driving licence; regular travel to sites across IE/UK.
Desirable
* ISO 45001 Lead Auditor qualification.
* Temporary Works awareness and exposure to lifting operations/lift planning.
* Experience aligning H&S with EN 1090 fabrication controls and QA documentation.
* PSCS/PSD(P) experience or training; UK CDM familiarity for UK projects.
What We Offer
* Competitive salary and benefits.
* Influential role shaping H&S across landmark industrial and modular projects.
* Investment in professional development and relevant certifications.
* Supportive team culture and modern, ISO-certified management systems.