Applicants require a minimum of 5 years’ post-graduate EHS experience within manufacturing, construction, electrical, engineering, or similarly complex industrial environments with at least 2 years operating at manager or head-of-function level with multi-site responsibility.
Location: Multi site role Clondalkin / Cherry Orchard Dublin (HQ Based) | Nottingham, UK (1 day every month or two)
Standard Hours: Permanent & Fully On-Site role. 37 hrs/wk · Mon–Thu 07:30–16:30. Fri Early finish at 13:00
Reports To: Factory Development Director & Production Directors
Direct Reports: 4
Workforce Scope: 550+ employees
Overview: Davenham Switchgear, a Legrand Group company, is seeking a Head of Environmental, Health & Safety who leads by example and earns influence through engagement and credibility. This is first and foremost a people leadership role for someone who gives respect on the floor as readily as they do in the boardroom, and who understands that lasting safety culture is built through trust, approachability, consistency and genuine engagement rather than policy and practice alone.
This role is for somebody who thrives working across both sites to embed ownership of safety into every level of the business from line managers and operatives through to the shop floor. A solid grounding in manufacturing or electrical environments is essential; you will need to live the experience of the people you are working alongside.
The role requires a blend of hands-on delivery and strategic thinking. You will be comfortable rolling your sleeves up walking the lines, supporting your team and being a visible, present force across our business- while equally capable of stepping away to shape the longer-term direction, lead an 18-month improvement plan, and represent EHS at a senior level within the Legrand Group network. Neither hat can be worn at the expense of the other.
Strategic EHS Leadership
- Own and drive an 18-month EHS improvement plan, setting measurable targets and tracking progress against KPIs.
- Translate group-level EHS strategy into practical, site-level programmes that achieve sustainable improvement.
- Serve as the senior EHS authority for all Davenham sites, acting as the primary escalation point for incidents, regulatory matters and complex risk decisions.
- Build and maintain a safety culture that places accountability with line managers and operatives coaching teams to own risk rather than delegate it upward.
Group Reporting & Global EHS Initiatives
- Act as the principal point of contact for Legrand Group EHS reporting, ensuring timely, accurate and consistent data flows to the group.
- Represent Davenham in global EHS forums, working groups and benchmarking exercises within the Legrand network.
- Align local EHS policies and practices with group standards and escalate deviations appropriately.
- Prepare and present EHS performance reports, dashboards and trend analyses to senior leadership and the group.
Standards, SOPs & Training
- Author and maintain a comprehensive library of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for EHS activities across both sites.
- Develop robust incident response SOPs, including immediate notification protocols, root-cause investigation frameworks, and corrective action tracking.
- Create Risk Assessment Methodology (RAM) guidance and templates that enable line managers and supervisors to produce quality risk assessments independently.
- Design and deliver targeted EHS training programmes including inductions, toolbox talks, incident investigation training and manager-level capability development.
- Review and continuously improve subcontractor safety documentation, on-boarding and compliance standards.
Regulatory Compliance - Ireland & UK
- Ensure full compliance with health, safety and environmental regulations in both jurisdictions, including required notifications to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) in Ireland and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK.
- Monitor legislative changes across both countries and implement necessary updates to policy and practice.
- Compile, manage and maintain all Safety Files and legal documentation to the required standard.
- Oversee the work permit system and ensure consistent application across all activities and contractors.
People Leadership & Cultural Ownership
- Line manage, mentor and develop the EHS Team and Safety Committee setting clear objectives and supporting their professional growth.
- Coach and influence managers across Production, Engineering and Operations to take genuine ownership of EHS in their areas.
- Develop and sustain visible EHS leadership including regular site presence, safety walks, and structured behavioural safety engagement.
- Champion a just and learning-focused approach to incidents and near-misses.
Operational EHS & Site Management
- Conduct site inspections and compliance audits across Dublin and Nottingham, identifying and resolving non-conformances.
- Ensure safe conditions for commissioning teams and project/installation activities, including subcontractor oversight.
- Maintain control of PPE stock levels, first aid supplies and safety-critical equipment inspections (MEWPs, harnesses, teleporters, fire extinguishers, etc.).
- Oversee job handover procedures, ensuring continuity and compliance during transitions.
Factory Development & Capital Projects
- Partner with Engineering and Production on factory development and capital investment projects, integrating EHS requirements from the earliest design stages.
- Lead EHS input into HAZOP/risk reviews, method statements and construction phase plans for site development works.
- Support the organisation's growth ambitions by ensuring that new processes, layouts and equipment meet the highest safety standards before commissioning
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
Essential
- Minimum 6 years post-graduate EHS experience, with significant exposure to a manufacturing, electrical engineering, or similarly complex industrial environment.
- 2+ years of demonstrable experience operating at a senior or head-of-function level, with accountability across multiple sites or jurisdictions.
- Proven track record of developing and implementing strategic EHS plans and driving cultural change.
- Strong knowledge of Irish health & safety legislation (Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005) and working knowledge or leadership of others who have UK H&S law (HSWA 1974, CDM, LOLER, PUWER, etc.).
- Experience producing and overseeing Method Statements, Risk Assessments and Safety Files.
- Demonstrated ability to build EHS ownership and capability in non-EHS line managers.
- Experience with group/corporate EHS reporting within a large, multi-national organisation.
- Full Irish driving licence and personal transport; willingness to travel to Nottingham regularly.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health & Safety
- Membership of IOSH (or equivalent professional body) -desirable.
Desirable
- Experience in low-voltage switchgear, electrical panel manufacturing or a related electrical discipline.
- Familiarity with Legrand Group or equivalent multi-national EHS governance frameworks.
- Experience supporting factory build-out or significant capital expansion projects.
- Competence in environmental management (ISO 14001) in addition to safety management systems (ISO 45001).
KEY COMPETENCIES
- Strategic planning & execution
- Influencing without authority
- People development & coaching
- Stakeholder management
- Cross-cultural and cross-border working
- Data-driven decision making
- Risk assessment & hazard identification
- Incident investigation (root cause / CAPA)
- SOP authoring & document control
- Regulatory compliance (IE + UK)
- Training design & delivery
- Group EHS reporting & KPI management
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: €75,000.00-€90,000.00 per year
Application question(s):
- Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status to work in the republic of Ireland or UK?
- Are you satisfied this is an onsite position with occasional travel to the UK?
Work authorisation:
Work Location: In person
