HSE Site Manager in Cottbus

HSE Site Manager – Contract Position

Location: Cottbus, Germany

Contract: Contract

Working Pattern: Monday–Friday, 40 hours per week

Start: ASAP

Duration: Until 31 December 2027, with potential extension to 1 May 2028

The Opportunity

Spencer Ogden is currently seeking an experienced HSE Site Manager to support a major energy infrastructure project in Cottbus, Germany.

This is a site-based position within an active construction environment, where you will take a leading role in coordinating Health, Safety and Environmental activities across contractors and key project stakeholders.

The successful candidate will have strong knowledge of German HSE legislation and regulatory requirements, together with proven experience working on construction, energy or infrastructure projects in Germany.

You will be expected to work independently on site, providing HSE leadership, monitoring compliance, supporting contractors and ensuring that appropriate risk controls are implemented across project activities.

Key Responsibilities

HSE Leadership & Coordination

• Act as the primary HSE contact on site.
• Support the implementation of project HSE requirements across all activities.
• Support contractors with RAMS, risk assessments, toolbox talks and monthly safety meetings.
• Coordinate with contractors, project stakeholders and client representatives where required.
• Promote a strong safety culture across the project.

German Legal & Regulatory Compliance

Support compliance with applicable German legislation and regulatory frameworks, including:

• Arbeitsschutzgesetz
• Baustellenverordnung
• DGUV Vorschriften
• Gefahrstoffverordnung
• Betriebssicherheitsverordnung

Coordination with Statutory Roles

• Work closely with the appointed SiGeKo.
• Support implementation of the Safety and Health Plan (SiGePlan).
• Assist with the clear allocation of HSE responsibilities across project parties.
• Ensure site activities remain aligned with statutory and project requirements.

Risk Management & RAMS

• Review contractor risk assessments and method statements.
• Support the implementation and verification of appropriate control measures.
• Monitor high-risk activities, including:
  • High-voltage electrical works
  • Isolation procedures
  • Lifting operations
  • Work at height
  • Excavation and buried services
• Identify potential risks and ensure appropriate mitigation measures are implemented.

Site Monitoring & Compliance

• Conduct regular HSE inspections, audits and safety walks.
• Identify non-conformances and support the implementation of corrective actions.
• Intervene where unsafe conditions or practices are identified.
• Escalate significant HSE risks and compliance concerns appropriately.

Incident Management

• Support the reporting and investigation of incidents and near misses.
• Contribute to root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Monitor corrective actions through to completion.
• Maintain accurate HSE documentation and records.

Contractor Management

• Monitor contractor compliance with project HSE requirements.
• Support contractor competency, training and site induction processes.
• Monitor and report on contractor HSE performance.
• Provide guidance and support to contractors to ensure safe working practices.

Environmental Management

• Support implementation of environmental controls across the site.
• Monitor waste management and spill prevention measures.
• Ensure appropriate handling and storage of hazardous substances.

Emergency Preparedness

• Support implementation of the site Emergency Response Plan.
• Participate in emergency preparedness exercises and response activities.
• Assist with maintaining site readiness for emergency situations.

Key Deliverables

• Implementation and maintenance of a compliant project HSE system.
• Coordination and review of contractor risk assessments and method statements.
• Regular HSE inspections, audits and safety reporting.
• Incident and near-miss reporting and action tracking.
• HSE performance reporting.
• Evidence of compliance with applicable German legislation and project requirements.

Essential Experience

• Proven experience in an HSE role on German construction, energy or infrastructure projects.
• Strong knowledge of German HSE legislation and regulatory frameworks.
• Good understanding of Arbeitsschutzgesetz, Baustellenverordnung and DGUV Vorschriften.
• Proven experience working with contractors within a construction environment.
• Experience working alongside a SiGeKo.
• Fluent German and English language skills.
• Strong understanding of risk assessments, RAMS and site safety management.
• Ability to work independently within a busy project environment.

Desirable

• Qualification as a Fachkraft für Arbeitssicherheit (SiFa) or equivalent.
• Previous experience on major energy infrastructure, power generation, electrical or industrial construction projects.
• Experience managing HSE activities across multiple contractors.

Key Competencies

• Structured and systematic approach to HSE management.
• Strong communication and stakeholder coordination skills.
• Excellent understanding of legal and compliance requirements.
• Ability to operate independently and make sound decisions on site.
• Strong documentation and reporting skills.
• Proactive approach to identifying and managing HSE risks.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with contractors and project stakeholders.

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