Health and Safety manager

Title: Health and Safety Manager

Reports to: Head of HR

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: Full-time – 35 Hours pw - Mon - Fri 9am to 5pm

Location: The Society operates a hybrid working model with a combination of remote and in-person (Dublin 4 office) working

Office Days: Office attendance days are Wednesday & Thursday

Who we are

Every three minutes, someone in Ireland hears the words ‘You’ve got cancer’. At the Irish Cancer Society, we understand the physical, emotional and financial impact a cancer diagnosis brings. And we are determined to do everything we can to help.

As Ireland’s leading cancer charity, we work across every area of cancer – from prevention and early detection, through to end-of-life care. We make a positive impact for people affected by cancer every day: investing in lifesaving and life-changing research; providing practical, financial and emotional supports; and driving improvements in public cancer services.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and highly capable Health & Safety Manager to lead and oversee all aspects of Health & Safety across the Irish Cancer Society.

This is an extremely diverse, fast-paced and hands-on role, with responsibility for ensuring a consistently high standard of all Health & Safety requirements across a wide and varied operational environment, including our Head Office, retail shops, Daffodil Centres, Services, events and fundraising activities nationwide.

The successful candidate will provide expert Health & Safety advice and guidance to Colleagues, Managers, Heads of Departments, Directors and the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) in all our departments ensuring that Health & Safety is embedded into our day-to-day operations and culture.

You will take ownership of the Society’s Health & Safety framework, including policies, risk register, procedures, risk assessments, audits, training, inspections, incident management, emergency preparedness and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Health & Safety Management

- Lead the development, implementation and ongoing review of Society’s Health & Safety strategy, policies, procedures and programs.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant Irish Health & Safety legislation, regulations, codes of practice and industry standards.
- Act as the Society’s subject matter expert and principal source of Health & Safety advice and guidance.
- Provide practical, proportionate and solutions-focused Health & Safety advice to managers and colleagues across the Society.
- Develop and maintain a strong Health & Safety culture, promoting personal responsibility and awareness at all levels.
- To support and implement all requirements within the Charity Regulatory Standards.
- Keep up to date with changes in legislation, guidance and best practice and ensure these are reflected in Society’s policies and procedures.
- Create and implement relevant H&S policies and procedures where gaps are identified.
- Update and ensure that all current policies are in line with current legislation and are the right fit for the Society’s diverse needs.

Risk Assessments & Safety Statement

- Lead, implement and oversee the Society’s risk assessment program (including H&S etc.)
- Develop, review and update risk assessments across all areas of the Society.
- Ensure appropriate risk assessments are in place for offices, retail shops, Daffodil Centres, service environments, events, activities, equipment and other operational environments.
- Maintain and regularly review the Society's Safety Statement and associated documentation.
- Ensure appropriate control measures are identified, implemented, monitored and reviewed.
- Provide advice and support to managers in completing and implementing risk assessments.

Internal Audits, Inspections & Compliance

- Develop and implement a structured program of internal Health & Safety audits and inspections.
- Conduct regular audits across Head Office, retail shops, warehouse, Daffodil Centres and other Society locations.
- Identify areas of non-compliance and work with relevant managers to develop and implement corrective actions.
- Maintain appropriate records of audits, inspections, actions and follow-up activity.
- Monitor compliance and report key Health & Safety risks, trends and performance to senior management.
- Support the Society in preparing for and responding to external inspections, audits and regulatory requirements.

Fire Safety & Emergency Preparedness

- Take responsibility for the Society's fire safety framework.
- Ensure appropriate fire risk assessments are completed, reviewed and maintained.
- Develop, review and maintain fire safety policies, procedures and emergency evacuation arrangements.
- Ensure appropriate fire safety measures, equipment, signage and emergency arrangements are in place across all locations.
- To ensure that all records relating to fire safety, maintenance, training and incidents are maintained and kept up to date on the system.
- Coordinate and oversee regular fire drills and evacuation exercises.
- Review the effectiveness of drills and ensure any identified actions are followed through.
- Provide guidance and training to Fire Wardens and relevant colleagues.
- Ensure appropriate arrangements are in place for emergency situations, including evacuation and business continuity considerations.

Incident & Accident Management

- Support other depts in relation to procedures for the reporting, investigation and management of Health & Safety accidents, incidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences.
- Lead or support investigations into significant Health & Safety incidents and identify appropriate corrective and preventative actions.
- Monitor Health & Safety incident trends and provide recommendations to reduce the Society’s risk.
- Ensure appropriate reporting and escalation requirements are met.
- Liaise with relevant external bodies and stakeholders where required.

Training & Awareness

- Identify Health & Safety training requirements across the Society.
- Develop and coordinate appropriate Health & Safety training programs.
- Work with managers to ensure mandatory Health & Safety training is completed and maintained.
- Support with all induction H&S Training including Manual Handling.
- Support the development of Health & Safety awareness among employees and volunteers.
- Provide appropriate Health & Safety briefings, workshops and guidance to managers and teams.
- Ensure Health & Safety training records are maintained and monitored.

Contractor & Third-Party Management

- Provide Health & Safety guidance in relation to contractors, suppliers and other third parties.
- Ensure RAMS (Risk Assessments and method statements) are in place before any relevant works begin.
- Ensure appropriate Health & Safety requirements are incorporated into contractor arrangements where applicable.
- Support managers in assessing contractor Health & Safety competence and compliance.
- Monitor Health & Safety arrangements relating to contractors working on any Society premises or at events.

Retail Shops, Service Settings, Daffodil Centres & Events

- Provide Health & Safety leadership supporting the managers across the Society's retail shop network, service settings, Daffodil Centers, events and fundraising activities to manage Health & Safety appropriately.
- Ensure appropriate risk assessments and safety procedures are in place for the unique risks associated with retail, community and healthcare-related environments.
- Provide Health & Safety advice and support for fundraising activities, campaigns and charity events.
- Assess Health & Safety requirements associated with events and activities and ensure appropriate controls are implemented.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers and event organizers to ensure safe working practices are maintained.
- Undertake site visits and inspections across the Society's diverse operational locations.

Governance & Reporting

- Prepare regular Health & Safety reports, dashboards and updates for senior management and relevant governance forums.
- Provide and prepare regular updates to our ARC (Audit and Risk Committee) as and when required.
- Maintain accurate Health & Safety records and documentation.
- Monitor key Health & Safety performance indicators and identify trends and areas for improvement.
- Develop and maintain an effective Health & Safety action plan.
- Provide expert advice to senior leaders on significant Health & Safety risks and emerging issues.
- Support Incident Management Group and lead on the H&S Committee
- Provide weekly and monthly updates to the Head of HR.

Continuous Improvement

- Continually review the effectiveness of Health & Safety systems, policies and procedures.
- Identify opportunities to improve Health & Safety standards, processes and organizational culture.
- Benchmark the Society’s practices against relevant legislation and recognized best practice.
- Lead Health & Safety projects and initiatives as required.

About You

We are looking for an experienced Health & Safety professional who can operate confidently at both strategic and operational levels.

You will be comfortable working across a complex organisation with multiple locations, different working environments, employees, volunteers, events and competing priorities.

You will be a confident communicator who can build effective relationships with people at all levels, while also having the technical knowledge and professional credibility to challenge where necessary.

Essential Experience & Qualifications

- Minimum 5 years' experience working at Health & Safety Manager level within a complex organization.
- Previous Multi-Site H&S Support and Management essential.
- Significant experience managing Health & Safety across multiple locations and/or diverse operational environments.
- Strong knowledge of Irish Health & Safety legislation and regulatory requirements.
- Demonstrable experience in developing and implementing Health & Safety policies, procedures and systems.
- Previous experience working in the Charity Sector desirable
- Extensive experience in conducting and managing workplace risk assessments.
- Experience of developing and conducting internal Health & Safety audits and inspections.
- Strong knowledge and practical experience of fire safety, emergency evacuation procedures and fire drills.
- Experience in accident, incident and near-miss investigation.
- Experience developing and delivering Health & Safety training and awareness programs.
- Strong report writing, analytical and organizational skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and advise stakeholders at all levels.
- Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

- NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety or equivalent qualification is highly desirable.
- An equivalent Level 8 or Level 9 qualification within the National Framework of Qualifications in Occupational Health & Safety / Health & Safety or a related discipline will also be considered.
- Membership of a recognized professional Health & Safety body is desirable.

Key Competencies

Technical Expertise: Strong technical knowledge and practical application of Health & Safety legislation, risk management, fire safety and workplace safety.

Leadership & Influence: Able to influence managers and colleagues and promote a positive Health & Safety culture without relying solely on authority.

Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex Health & Safety requirements in a clear and practical way.

Organisation & Prioritisation: Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple projects, locations and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Problem Solving: Practical and solutions-focused approach to identifying risks and developing proportionate controls.

Attention to Detail: Strong attention to detail, particularly in relation to compliance, documentation, risk assessments and audits.

Relationship Building: Able to build strong working relationships with employees, managers, volunteers, contractors and senior stakeholders.

Our Commitment

We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for our employees, volunteers, service users and visitors.

The Health & Safety Manager will play a central role in ensuring that Health & Safety remains an integral part of how we operate and deliver our services.

This is a role for an experienced Health & Safety professional who enjoys variety, responsibility and making a tangible difference across a complex and purpose-driven organisation.

The closing date for applications is Friday the 10th of November 2026

Please note all CVs are logged through a third-party system for processing

The Irish Cancer Society is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment for all employees. We know that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

WE DO NOT REQUIRE THE ASSISTANCE OF AGENCIES

Some of our benefits:

- 23 days Annual Leave a year or Pro Rata equivalent, plus public holidays, Good Friday and Christmas Eve (if it falls on a working day)
- Service Days - Additional days awarded to reflect long service with the Society.
- Sick Pay Scheme (following Probationary period)
- Flexitime
- Defined Contribution Pension Scheme - new starters will join the pension from the date of commencement of employment with the Society. The current contribution rate ranges from a contribution of 3%, 5% or a maximum of 8% of basic salary.
- Group membership for VHI and HSF (health plans)
- Bus/Rail Ticket Scheme and Cycle to Work Scheme
- Death In Service Benefit (from commencement of employment)
- Paid Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity, Adoptive, Force Majeure and compassionate Leave)
- Learning and Development Programmes
- Educational Assistance (Study and Examination Leave)
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Optional Flu vaccine provided