HSE Manager (Whenuapai)

About the Role
McConnell Dowell is looking for an experienced Project HSE Manager to support our Whenuapai Project in Auckland.

This is a key leadership role responsible for coordinating and overseeing health, safety and environmental management across the project. You’ll work closely with project management, site teams and HSE personnel to ensure our systems are implemented effectively, risks are managed proactively and the highest standards of HSE performance are maintained.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation and ongoing management of HSE systems across the Whenuapai Project.
• Provide advice and support to Project Managers, Project Engineers and HSE personnel on HSE plans, procedures and project requirements.
• Ensure project HSE plans and systems align with McConnell Dowell’s Integrated Management System and Project Execution Manual.
• Review project specifications and ensure relevant HSE requirements are incorporated into project delivery.
• Monitor HSE performance, prepare monthly reports and analyse trends, identifying areas for improvement and opportunities to recognise good performance.
• Support tender submissions with HSE management plans, technical advice and strategic input.
• Participate in project risk assessments and develop appropriate risk controls.
• Conduct site inspections and audits of McConnell Dowell and subcontractor activities.
• Carry out internal audits covering risk compliance, Project Management Plans, Construction Execution Plans and project systems.
• Lead or support investigations into significant or recurring HSE issues and work with site teams to implement corrective actions.
• Monitor audit findings and HSE actions to ensure they are closed out promptly and lessons learned are shared.
• Support the planning, implementation and maintenance of project HSE systems.
• Assist with group audits, accreditation requirements and the management of non-conformances, observations and improvement opportunities.
• Engage with clients on HSE performance, initiatives and delivery expectations.
• Support the training, mentoring and development of project personnel to strengthen HSE capability and accountability.

About You
You’ll be an experienced HSE professional with a strong background in construction and major projects. You’ll be confident working with project teams, influencing decisions and turning HSE requirements into practical solutions that support safe and successful project delivery.
You’ll ideally bring:

• At least 6 years’ experience in HSE or environmental management within the construction industry.
• Experience working on major projects and involvement in early contractor involvement (ECI).
• A strong understanding of New Zealand health and safety legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, relevant regulations and Approved Codes of Practice.
• Experience implementing and maintaining HSE management systems across construction projects.
• Proven capability in audits, risk assessments, incident investigations and corrective action management.
• Strong reporting, analytical and documentation skills.
• Confidence influencing project management teams and engaging with clients, subcontractors and site personnel.
• The ability to mentor and develop junior HSE staff.
• A proactive, hands-on approach and the ability to take the lead on project HSE requirements.
• Experience delivering site training and supporting the implementation of HSE systems.

Qualifications & Certifications

• Tertiary qualification in Health and Safety, Engineering or an equivalent discipline.
• ICAM or equivalent formal incident investigation training.
• ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems Auditor qualification or equivalent.

Don’t tick all the boxes but still keen?
We know that great people come from all kinds of backgrounds. If you have transferable skills, a great attitude, and the drive to contribute to a high-performing project—we want to hear from you.
  
About Us
McConnell Dowell – Creative Construction
Our purpose is Providing a Better Life. We do that by delivering infrastructure that connects, supports and sustains communities—and by providing career opportunities that help our people grow.
From city-shaping transport to remote energy and water projects, we’ve successfully delivered complex infrastructure across New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific and Southeast Asia for over 60 years.
  
Why Join Us?
The work you’ll do will have a positive, lasting impact on communities—and on your career. Our diverse projects and supportive culture offer plenty of development opportunities. With some of the best minds in the industry, we’ll help you set and reach your personal and professional goals.
We actively celebrate diversity and individuality. In a team culture that’s low on ego and high on support, you’ll be encouraged to bring your ideas and make an impact. We’re big enough to deliver legacy projects and agile enough for your voice to matter.
  
So, join us, be you, and help us create better together. Apply now!
We are an equal opportunity employer. People of all ages, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities and cultures are strongly encouraged to apply.
Please note: All successful applicants must have valid work rights for New Zealand and/or Pacific Islands and pass a satisfactory pre-employment medical, including drug and alcohol testing.
This role is being sourced through McConnell Dowell directly. We are not accepting applications via external recruitment agencies.