DCS Norway AS (Part of CTS Group)

Vaasa, Ostrobothnia, Finland

HSE Site Manager

Job ID JOB-005-0000261

Department: HSE Reports To: Project Director

1. Purpose of the Role The HSE Site Manager is a critical project delivery role responsible for establishing, implementing, and managing the full Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Management System across DCS Norway project sites. The role exists to ensure that all construction and commissioning activities are executed in full compliance with applicable legislative frameworks, client requirements, and the company's QHSE standards with the ultimate objective of achieving zero harm.

The HSE Site Manager will be the primary on-site accountable person for all safety, health, and environmental matters, operating as both a technical authority and a visible safety leadership presence throughout the project lifecycle.

This role is not a passive compliance function. The HSE Site Manager is expected to proactively identify risk, drive a site culture where safety is non-negotiable, and build the systems and habits that protect the workforce, the client, and DCS Norway's license to operate.

Note: DCS Norway operates a competence-based resource model. While this job description defines the primary function of the role, individuals are expected to contribute across other engineering and project functions based on their competencies and the needs of the business.

2. Key Responsibilities

HSE Management System Establishment & Implementation

• Establishing the complete Project HSE Management System at site mobilization, aligned with DCS Norway corporate standards and applicable client and regulatory requirements.
• Developing, implementing, and maintaining the site HSE and security management plan, covering all phases of construction and commissioning activity.
• Ensuring all HSE policies, plans, and procedures are effectively implemented, regularly reviewed, and fit for purpose across all active work fronts.
• Maintaining a complete and auditable HSE documentation register throughout the project lifecycle, including plans, risk assessments, method statements, training records, and incident files.

Risk Management & Hazard Control

• Identifying, assessing, and managing construction hazards across all site activities, with particular focus on high-risk work including high-voltage installations, working at height, confined space entry, and heavy lifting operations.
• Reviewing and approving Construction Phase Plans, RAMS, and task-specific risk assessments submitted by subcontractors and site teams.
• Conducting regular site safety patrols and inspections on a scheduled and ad hoc basis.
• Establishing and operating the Permit to Work (PTW) system across all high-risk activities.

Health, Welfare & Occupational Health

• Managing occupational health requirements across the site workforce.
• Ensuring adequate welfare facilities are provided and maintained.
• Monitoring workforce fitness-for-work and managing fatigue risk.

HSE Training & Competency

• Planning, scheduling, and delivering the site HSE induction program for all personnel.
• Establishing and executing the ongoing site HSE training program, including toolbox talks, method statement briefings, emergency drill exercises, and role-specific competency training.
• Maintaining a complete training and certification matrix for all site personnel.

Emergency Preparedness & Incident Management

• Developing and implementing a comprehensive site Emergency Response Plan (ERP) prior to commencement of construction activities.
• Coordinating and delivering emergency response drills.
• Acting as the primary on-site responder and coordinator in the event of a significant incident.
• Conducting thorough incident and near-miss investigations, establishing root causes, and implementing effective preventive countermeasures.

Regulatory Compliance & Stakeholder Engagement

• Maintaining current and comprehensive knowledge of applicable HSE legislation and ensuring site activities remain in full compliance.
• Acting as the primary point of contact for HSE-related interactions with local regulatory authorities, client HSE representatives, and third-party auditors.
• Reporting HSE performance status to the Project Director and Site Manager on a regular schedule.
• Supporting the preparation and submission of all statutory notifications and regulatory filings.

3. Required Qualifications & Competencies

Education:

• Degree or diploma in Health & Safety, Environmental Management, Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Proficiency and working knowledge of OHSAS 18001:2007 / ISO 45001:2018 and ISO 14001 standards.
• First Aid at Work certification (or equivalent).

Experience:

• Minimum 10 years of hands-on HSE management experience on high-voltage substation or electrical infrastructure construction projects up to 400 kV.
• Minimum 10 years in an HSE Management System-relevant role, with direct accountability for site safety outcomes.
• Demonstrable track record of managing HSE on large-scale substation, transmission, or heavy electrical facilities projects.
• Practical experience establishing HSE management systems and emergency response plans.
• Proven experience operating within European HSE legislative frameworks.
• Experience managing diverse, multi-national site workforces including subcontractor personnel.

Technical Skills:

• In-depth understanding of Nordics HSE legislative frameworks.
• Expertise in hazard identification, risk assessment, and method statement review for high-voltage electrical construction environments.
• Proficiency in Permit to Work systems, including design, implementation, and audit.
• Competent in producing professional HSE reports, statistics, and management presentations.
• Working knowledge of environmental management requirements relevant to construction and electrical infrastructure projects.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills:

• Visible safety leadership presence able to set the tone on site.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail and rigor in documentation and record-keeping.
• Self-motivated and able to operate with a high degree of autonomy.
• Flexible and pragmatic approach to working hours.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.

4. Strategic Performance Metrics (KPIs)

• HSE Management System fully implemented and operational within 30 days of mobilisation.
• 100% Permit to Work compliance for all high-risk activities with zero bypassed procedures.
• All HSE inductions, toolbox talks, competency training, and certification renewals completed on schedule.
• All incidents and near-misses investigated within agreed timelines with corrective actions tracked to closure.
• Emergency response plans implemented, communicated, and tested prior to project commencement.
• Full compliance with local legislation, client requirements, and corporate HSE standards, with zero regulatory non-conformances.

5. Health Safety & Environmental

• Comply with all applicable health, safety, and environmental legislation, regulations, and company procedures.
• Integrate safety-by-design principles into all engineering and project activities.
• Participate in risk assessments and hazard identification activities relevant to the role.
• Report safety concerns, incidents, and near-misses in accordance with company HSE procedures.
• Support the development and maintenance of a positive safety culture within the team and across projects.
• Ensure compliance with the company Integrated Management System (IMS) covering quality, safety, and environmental standards.

6. Replacement Policy In case of absence of less than one month, the HSE Site Manager will be replaced by the most senior qualified HSE professional available on site, designated in advance by the Project Director. For absences exceeding one month, a temporary or permanent replacement will be appointed by senior management.

Required Skills

Desired Skills

Certifications