HSE Manager

Project Overview:

Location: Cologne, Germany

Contract Type: Freelance / Contract

Duration: 12 months

Start Date: 20/11/2026

Language: English; German highly advantageous

This is an opportunity to contribute to a complex, highly regulated project environment where health, safety and environmental standards are critical. The successful candidate will take responsibility for overseeing HSE activities on site, ensuring compliance with applicable German legislation, project requirements and industry best practices.

Candidates with experience in nuclear energy, power generation, heavy industrial construction or other highly regulated environments are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate all Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) activities throughout the project lifecycle
• Ensure compliance with applicable German HSE legislation, environmental requirements and project-specific safety standards
• Develop, implement and maintain project HSE plans, risk assessments, method statements and safe systems of work
• Conduct regular site inspections, safety audits and compliance reviews, identifying potential hazards and implementing corrective actions
• Advise project management, construction teams, subcontractors and client representatives on HSE matters
• Monitor contractor and subcontractor compliance with site safety procedures and project requirements
• Lead incident investigations, near-miss reporting and root-cause analysis, ensuring appropriate preventative measures are implemented
• Deliver site inductions, toolbox talks and safety briefings to promote a strong safety culture
• Monitor high-risk activities, including lifting operations, work at height, confined spaces, hot work and simultaneous operations
• Support emergency preparedness, environmental management and continuous improvement initiatives
• Where applicable, ensure alignment with nuclear-site requirements, radiation protection arrangements and nuclear quality and safety procedures

Candidate Requirements

• Proven experience as an HSE Manager, HSE Lead or Senior HSE Advisor on major construction, energy or industrial projects
• Previous experience in the nuclear sector or a highly regulated power generation environment is strongly preferred
• Strong knowledge of risk management, incident investigation, auditing and contractor management
• Familiarity with German occupational health and safety legislation and relevant EU requirements
• Relevant HSE qualifications, such as NEBOSH, an equivalent professional qualification, or German qualifications in occupational safety
• Fluency in English; German language skills are a significant advantage

Contract Details

• Freelance engagement on a project basis
• Site-based role in the Cologne region, Germany
• Start date, contract duration, working pattern and day rate to be agreed
• Candidates must have the appropriate right to work and provide freelance services in Germany

How to Apply

If you are an experienced HSE professional interested in supporting a major energy or nuclear-sector project in Germany, please submit your CV along with your availability, expected day rate and details of your relevant project experience.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.