Group EHS Manager

Based in Ashbourne, Co. Meath & established in 1950, McKeon Contech Ltd T/a McKeon Group and Hereworks is a digital-first innovator in the construction, building services and smart building sectors, specialising in the planning, management and delivery of detail-focused, high-quality projects for our clients. We operate across a range of sectors, including commercial, educational, hospitality, healthcare, pharmaceutical, industrial, and retail.

We live by our Core Values of Client Commitment, Integrity, Sustainability, Quality & Brilliance. All the team are committed to making McKeon Group & Hereworks a world leader in Construction & Technology and enjoying the journey along the way. We pride ourselves on our exceptional and motivated teams. Great care and attention go into recruitment; we want to work with high-quality, experienced people who will add to the culture, competencies and ethos.

What’s the opportunity? (Role)

The Group EHS Manager is responsible for leading the Company’s Environmental, Health and Safety function across Construction Major Works, 360 Works, Hereworks Ireland and the UK. The role is accountable for developing and maintaining a consistent Group-wide approach to Environmental, Health and Safety whilst recognising the differing operational, regulatory and client requirements of each business unit. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on operational delivery and includes responsibility for EHS strategy, management systems, compliance, environmental management, continuous improvement, the implementation of digital EHS management systems and tools and the delivery of day-to-day EHS activities across pre-construction, project delivery and business operations.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Group EHS Manager will work closely with leaders across the Group to promote a strong safety culture, support operational performance, manage risk and ensure Environmental, Health and Safety considerations are embedded throughout the business.

Reporting Relationships

Reports To: Deputy Managing Director

Direct Reports:

EHS Advisors

Member Of:

Senior Leadership Team
ESG Working Group
ISO Steering Committee

Roles & Responsibilities:

Operational EHS Delivery, Risk & Compliance

Maintain EHS policies, procedures and standards across the Group
Ensure compliance with legislation, industry standards and client requirements
Deliver operational EHS and PSCS activities across both pre-construction and live project environments, including Health and Safety Plans, site inspections, audits, incident investigations, risk assessments, training, toolbox talks, safety documentation and subcontractor compliance reviews
Support project teams in identifying, managing and reducing EHS risks throughout the project lifecycle
Promote continuous improvement through effective risk management and assurance activities

EHS Management Systems

Maintain and continuously improve the Company’s EHS Management System in compliance with ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards
Lead Integrated certification audits for the above in conjunction with the Quality Manager for ISO 9001
Lead the implementation and ongoing development of digital EHS management systems and tools

ESG

Lead the Company’s environmental management programme
Support the delivery of ESG objectives and sustainability initiatives
Promote environmental compliance, waste reduction and resource efficiency

Performance & Reporting

Monitor, analyse and report on EHS performance across the Group
Develop and maintain EHS KPIs, dashboards and reporting metrics
Identify trends, opportunities for improvement and emerging risks

Team Leadership & Development

Lead, coach and develop the EHS team
Support professional development and succession planning
Ensure resources and responsibilities remain aligned with business needs

Stakeholder Management

Act as the Group’s lead contact on EHS matters
Build effective relationships with clients, regulators and other stakeholders
Support tenders, audits and client presentations as required

Leadership and Cultural Impact

This role carries responsibility not only for leading the Group’s EHS strategy and performance, but for actively shaping a strong and positive EHS culture across the Group. The Group EHS Manager will lead by example, working in line with our Purpose Driven, People Powered and Performance Focused ethos, and modelling our Core Values of Quality, Client Commitment, Brilliance, Integrity and Sustainability.

The successful candidate will:

Provide visible leadership on EHS, setting clear expectations and promoting a culture in which health, safety, environmental responsibility and well-being are everyone’s responsibility
Model integrity, accountability and consistently high standards, positively challenging behaviours or practices that fall short of expectations
Mentor, support, and develop managers and employees to strengthen EHS capability, ownership and accountability across the Group
Encourage innovation, learning and continuous improvement, ensuring lessons and good practices are shared across the Group
Hold self and others accountable for delivering high standards of EHS performance and continually raising the bar

Benefits of joining us in the Group EHS Manager Role:

Excellent opportunity for an established EHS Manager to take the next step in their career and lead Environmental, Health and Safety across a diverse and growing Group operating as Main Contractor, Digital Building Contractor (Hereworks) and Facilities Maintenance Contractor (360 Works)
McKeon Group prides itself on its exceptional and motivated people, and you will be joining a professional, warm, welcoming and enthusiastic team
Key leadership role with the opportunity to shape EHS culture, systems and performance across multiple business units.
Opportunity to lead digital EHS transformation initiatives.
Work closely with the Senior Leadership Team and actively support the Group’s continued growth and development
Great location – beat the commute to Dublin
Pension Scheme
Income Protection and Death in Service Scheme
Membership of the Employee Assistance Programme
Ongoing professional development and support for continuing professional education
Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

Skills / Experience / Qualifications Required:

Relevant third-level qualification in Health & Safety or a related discipline
Minimum 7 years’ experience in Health and Safety in Construction, ideally with a Main Contractor
Proven experience acting as PSCS
Experience in a senior EHS leadership role
Strong working knowledge of EHS legislation and industry best practice
Experience implementing and managing ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 Management Systems
Strong strategic thinking, leadership and communication skills
Experience in influencing senior stakeholders and leading organisational change

Desired But Not Essential:

Chartered IOSH status or equivalent professional accreditation
Environmental qualification
Experience operating at a Senior Leadership Team level
Experience supporting UK operations and compliance requirements
ESG experience
EHS Training Qualifications

All Candidates Should Have:

A positive, proactive and solutions-focused attitude
A genuine passion for supporting employee wellbeing, engagement and a positive workplace culture
Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
A commitment to quality, Environmental, Health and Safety excellence, and continuous improvement across all aspects of the business
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels of the organisation
A self-motivated, enthusiastic and adaptable approach to work
The ability to influence, coach and support others in achieving positive EHS outcomes
A collaborative, team-oriented mindset with a willingness to work across functions and business units
A commitment to continuous professional development and maintaining relevant industry knowledge and certifications