H&S & Asbestos Service Manager - Req24651

Job Title – H & S & Asbestos Service Manager

Salary - £43,421.00 - £46,464.00

Hours – 37 hours per week

Contract – Permanent

Location - Leeds Building Services – LS14 1NZ

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

Leeds Building Services (LBS) is the in-house service provider for construction, repairs and maintenance works across the Council. The service currently delivers Responsive Repairs, Maintenance and Planned Works to Council Houses across various parts of the City and Council Assets across 800 sites including Schools, the Civic Estate, Offices, Sports and Leisure Centres and Children’s Homes across the Authority.

As a Service Manager you will:

• Assist the H & S, Asbestos & Business Support Snr Service Manager to develop and deliver strategic business improvement plans focussing on a range of activities which will deliver value for money services to customers and contribute to the delivery of Council priorities.
• Ensure the organisation are compliant and registered with all appropriate bodies to discharge the required services e.g., asbestos (UKAS), ISO14001, ISO45001 etc.
• Ensure that an appropriate auditing and monitoring regime is in place to provide evidence that the Council is taking proportionate steps to manage risks and ensure employees are kept up to date with appropriate standards and delivering the highest level of standards.
• To undertake daily line management duties of staff within the team in accordance with all council policies and procedures ensuring that staff records are maintained using the appropriate documentation and associated guidance.
• Ensure the organisation has suitable and sufficient rick assessments in place for all activities undertaken.

About the Role:

This is a great opportunity to move into a vibrant and forward-thinking environment supporting the delivery of a diverse range of construction services. This role will appeal to you if you have a genuine interest in the delivery of public services and a commitment to continuous improvement and delivery of a high-quality service. Examples of the type of work involved:

• Responsible for financial resources within the service area working within financial regulations and council policies.
• Develop and maintain appropriate systems to monitor and control costs and achieve financial and performance KPI’s to ensure that quality and value for money can be demonstrated in the delivery of the service.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with other Council Directorates, external partners, and agencies, to deliver contracts and ensure effective investment is achieved.
• Provide clear direction, visible leadership and motivational management to create a high-performance culture which drives continuous improvement, organisational change and efficiencies whilst delivering service priorities.
• Deputise for the H&S, Asbestos & Business Support Snr Service Manager as appropriate on an ad-hoc basis for duties commensurate with the grade.

In addition, ideally you will have a proven track record of working as part of a dedicated team and be effective in managing competing priorities and workloads, responding quickly and appropriately to changing needs and be able to demonstrate excellent organisation and influencing skills. Our teams are proactive, highly skilled, self-motivated and actively seek opportunities to deliver. 

What we offer you: 

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements.
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further.

For more information about our benefits please see the benefits section of our jobs page. www.leeds.gov.uk/jobs

How to apply

Apply for this job online. Please complete the online application form.

Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application. 

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Leeds City Council is ranked 70 on the Stonewall Equality Index 2023. We are also an Age friendly employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident leader Mindful employer and a Disability Confident leader.

All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.

This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.

Job Description

Job Purpose: To successfully lead a team that are responsible for supporting the business in meeting the standards imposed by H & S Legislation, Approved Codes of Practice and Council Policies. To lead the critical and highly regulated service areas of H&S and Asbestos.

To achieve high levels of efficiency, cost effectiveness and quality, ensuring maximum performance in accordance with the targets, standards, and policies of the Council. To ensure overall value for money is achieved through the effective management of resources.

Responsibilities

• Assist the H & S, Asbestos & Business Support Snr Service Manager to develop and deliver strategic business improvement plans focussing on a range of activities which will deliver value for money services to customers and contribute to the delivery of Council priorities.
• Ensure the organisation are compliant and registered with all appropriate bodies to discharge the required services e.g., asbestos (UKAS), ISO14001, ISO45001 etc.
• Ensure that an appropriate auditing and monitoring regime is in place to provide evidence that the Council is taking proportionate steps to manage risks and ensure employees are kept up to date with appropriate standards and delivering the highest level of standards.
• To undertake daily line management duties of staff within the team in accordance with all council policies and procedures ensuring that staff records are maintained using the appropriate documentation and associated guidance.
• To ensure that contractors are working safely and in accordance with Health & Safety legislation including the responsibilities under the CDM regulations 2015.
• To have an excellent understanding of CDM 2015.
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.  
• Ensure the organisation has suitable and sufficient rick assessments in place for all activities undertaken.
• Responsible for financial resources within the service area working within financial regulations and council policies.
• Develop and maintain appropriate systems to monitor and control costs and achieve financial and performance KPI’s to ensure that quality and value for money can be demonstrated in the delivery of the service.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with other Council Directorates, external partners, and agencies, to deliver contracts and ensure effective investment is achieved. 
• Provide clear direction, visible leadership, and motivational management to create a high-performance culture which drives continuous improvement, organisational change and efficiencies whilst delivering service priorities.
• Deputise for the H&S, Asbestos & Business Support Snr Service Manager as appropriate on an ad-hoc basis for duties commensurate with the grade.
• Provide suitable interpretation and technical advice to Senior Management, Managers, staff, and other stakeholders in relation to Health and Safety and the Management of Asbestos 
• Develop and implement rigorous and effective business processes to drive forward service improvements.
• Maintain a high level of personal effectiveness and uphold and promote the values of Leeds City Council.
• Lead on the planning, co-ordination and delivery of asbestos surveying and removal works.
• Lead on all H&S related activity.
• Ensure that effective business continuity and risk management procedures are in place.
• To ensure all activities are delivered in accordance with all legal and regulatory requirements and in line with the Council’s policies and procedures. 
• To effectively manage the performance of staff and quality of work produced and respond appropriately to performance issues through a coaching style of management, providing both high challenge and high support.
• To carry out and oversee quality staff appraisals, team talks and 1-2-1s within the team ensuring that these are effectively documented. To ensure that staff feel motivated and engaged in the values, vision, and direction of the service, and to promote the values of the Council through appropriate behaviour and professionalism.
• To ensure effective, positive, and open relationships with staff and trade union representatives in the working environment.
• To ensure that all colleagues and subcontractors are working to achieve the business and service plan.
• To be responsible for investigating and resolving escalated complaints regarding the service in accordance with the Councils Complaints Policy.
• To take responsibility for and contribute to Health and Safety Management in line with LCC policies and procedures and relevant legislation.
• Safeguarding all forms of certification and reporting any loss, theft, or misuse in line with LCC information governance standards.
• To participate in appraisal, training, and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills.
• To improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and development programmes.
• To work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice.
• Contribute to the overall ethos, work, and aims of the service by attending relevant meetings, training days/events as requested.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g., child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality, and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, and promoting the values, standards and equal opportunities of Leeds City Council. 
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment or victimisation and any form of abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and this role will be expected to work within these parameters.
• The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.

Qualifications:

• Degree, HNC or HND Level qualification in relevant service area or equivalent relevant demonstrable experience.
• NEBOSH Diploma or Min Level 5 Diploma in Occupational Safety & Health.
• Will hold relevant asbestos related qualifications (e.g., P405) or be willing to achieve within 6 months.
• A full driving license is essential for this role.

Essential requirements: It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post. Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements.

Skills Required

• Ability to provide visible effective leadership, direction and coordination regarding resources, workloads, processes, and projects.
• Ability to identify and implement culture change programmes, improve service quality and support a culture that drives up standards and performance.
• Ability to produce necessary H&S documentation e.g., risk assessments, Construction Phase Plans, Method statements etc.
• Sound commercial understanding with the ability to assess profitability and identify areas for improvement/efficiency.
• Ability to make a contribution to the strategic direction of the Directorate, Division, and service/functions.
• Ability to create a performance framework and culture that provides high efficiency and high-quality outputs that link to Council priorities.
• Ability to deliver training to a wide range of audiences.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to resolve potential conflict and to gain cooperation and trust.
• Ability to develop productive working relationships that command respect, trust, and confidence.
• Strong customer care focus and ability to communicate effectively with customers, staff, contractors, and elected members face to face, over the phone and in writing.
• Ability to manage a service with competing priorities whilst delivering on a range of service objectives and adapting to changing circumstances.
• Ability to use IT applications (Word & Excel) and management information systems.
• Ability to produce work of a high standard with attention to detail, whilst meeting often tight deadlines.
• Ability to work across service boundaries to achieve objectives and outcomes.
• Ability to use own initiative to develop solutions to complex issues and problems to ensure effective delivery of the service.
• Able to work flexibly across different work locations and areas as appropriate.  

Knowledge Required

• A good understanding of asbestos regulations.
• An in-depth knowledge of Health & Safety legislation including the responsibilities under the CDM regulations 2015.
• A good understanding of behavioural change programmes and techniques to encourage a H&S culture.
• A sound understanding of social housing and government policy including current issues affecting the sector.
• A good commercial knowledge and an understanding of modern methods of procurement and procurement legislation and procedures as well as effective contract management procedures
• A working knowledge of construction methods and practices.
• An understanding of the role of Elected Members within the Council and the community
• An understanding of the diverse needs of communities and neighbourhoods 
• An understanding of and commitment to equality and diversity in terms of both employment and service delivery 
• A detailed knowledge of key strategic plans including the Vision for Leeds and City Priority Plans
• An awareness of Asbestos related issues and responsibilities
• An understanding of HR Policies including improving attendance and disciplinary procedures
• An understanding of the Council values and a commitment to embed them into ways of working.

Experience Required

• Experience of working within a Health and Safety environment
• Experience of successful management/leadership of a central service that supports all areas of the business such as Health and Safety, Business Administration, Asbestos Management, Stores.
• Experience of leading, coaching, and motivating teams and individuals
• Experience of managing in a political environment and working on politically sensitive issues
• Experience of working effectively with internal and external partners to contribute to strategic partnerships/programmes and deliver cross service projects to achieve positive outcomes partners.
• Experience of problem solving, individually and in a group setting
• Experience of managing and controlling budgets and achieving budgetary targets
• Experience of managing and developing staff to achieve objectives and outcomes.
• Experience of successfully presenting complex information to a range of audiences
• Experience of producing information for tender documents including design, specification, pricing, and performance

Essential Behavioural & Other Characteristics

• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of 
• Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon.
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities. 
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade. 
• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council. 
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.

Desirable Requirements: It is desirable that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post. Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates.

Skills Required

• To manage procurement exercises to achieve excellent results.

Knowledge Required

• A recognised Management Certificate
• A relevant project management qualification
• Membership of a professional body e.g., CMIOSH at minimum graduate level or equivalent.

Experience Required

• Experience of procurement of both large and small contracts within the public sector.
• Experience of operational management within the public and/or private sector.