Colas Ltd are a UK subsidiary of the global Colas Group, which operates in over 50 countries worldwide and employs over 55,000 people including over 1500 in the UK across multiple sites. We are specialists in highways construction and have been involved in large-scale UK and international construction projects within the highways, airfields, and marine sectors as well as offering highways maintenance services and manufacturing our own innovative surfacing products. We hold a 'Gold Investor in People' award for continuously developing and rewarding our employees, offering excellent career potential.
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We have an exciting opportunity for a SHEQ Manager to join our teams supporting the Cheshire West and Chester contract within the Asset & Maintenance business unit. As a key member of the Safety, Health, Environment and Wellbeing (SHE) team, you will provide leadership, support and expert advice to management and employees across Colas Ltd. The role is focused on ensuring compliance with legislation, company and group policies, while driving continuous improvement in SHE performance. Based in Chester, CH2 4EX. The position requires regular travel to operational sites to support the A&MS workstream.
You will play an active role in supporting the business through regular engagement with managers, clients, partners and operational teams, contributing to meetings and providing practical SHEQ guidance. The role includes offering emergency response advice, conducting site inspections and engaging in face-to-face safety conversations to reinforce a strong safety culture. You will monitor and review SHEQ data, including event reporting and investigations, identifying trends and influencing improvements. A key aspect of the role involves carrying out internal audits against ISO standards and National Highway Sector Schemes, while supporting operational teams in completing their own inspections and ensuring corrective actions are effectively implemented. You will promote best practice across the organisation and contribute to the development and continuous improvement of integrated management system documentation, including policies and procedures. In addition, you will support the delivery of SHEQ campaigns and training initiatives, attend One Colas Safety meetings, and work closely with business leads to embed SHE principles across the workstream. The role also includes undertaking any additional duties as required by the Associate Director – SHEQ
The ideal candidate will ideally have a strong technical background in Highways, Utilities and building Construction also, supported by at least an HNC or equivalent qualification, along with a solid understanding of Safety, Health and Environmental practices within the highways or construction sector. You will hold a NEBOSH General Certificate and either Chartered Membership of IOSH or Practitioner Membership of IEMA.
With a minimum of five years’ experience in SHE management, including audit and compliance functions, you will demonstrate a clear understanding of management systems such as ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 50001 and National Highway Sector Schemes. Strong communication skills are essential, enabling you to effectively engage with a wide range of stakeholders and influence positive behavioural and cultural change across the business. A UK driving licence is essential for this role.
Here at Colas, we offer a great total compensation package, including:
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A competitive salary package
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40 hour working week
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Our Colas Pension Scheme has combined contributions of up to 10%
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Life Assurance Scheme which is x4 basic salary
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25 days annual leave per year + Public Holidays
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Holiday Purchase & Selling Scheme
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Hybrid Working Scheme (dependent on the role)
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Family-Friendly Benefits, including Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay
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Opportunities to study towards a fully funded Professional Qualification
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Ongoing personal / professional development
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Discounts on car leasing, holidays, cinema tickets, restaurants and much more through our online employee benefits portal
At Colas, our culture is guided by four core values: Respect, Commitment, Pioneering, and Sharing. These values shape how we work, collaborate, and grow together. We believe that respect is the foundation of every relationship. By treating others as we wish to be treated, we foster fairness, transparency, and inclusion within our teams and with our clients, communities, and partners. Commitment means dedicating ourselves fully to everything we do. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to make a meaningful impact. With a pioneering spirit, we prioritise bold innovation over blind ambition. We welcome new ideas, invest in our people, and work to deliver sustainable infrastructure solutions that shape the future. Through sharing, we build trust and solidarity, encouraging collaboration and growth at all levels of the business.
Colas Ltd is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that mirrors the communities we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you want a workplace where your voice is valued and your potential is developed, Colas is the right choice.
Note to Recruitment Agencies
In line with our Company Policy, Colas Ltd has a preference for direct hiring and we will reach out to our PSL (Preferred Suppliers List) agencies if the role is eligible for release. We do not accept speculative CVs from agencies. If a speculative CV is sent, no fee will be applicable.
