Job Description

Company Overview

Carmichael and Baxter are a leading, UK-wide provider of specialist groundworks and civil engineering services. With a strong reputation built on trust and quality, Carmichael and Baxter Groundworks delivers complex projects in bulk earthworks, industrial-scale concrete flooring, deep drainage, and foundations.

This role provides a unique opportunity to work across two dynamic, integrated businesses. The Health and Safety Advisor will be responsible for all H&S matters for Carmichael and Baxter Groundworks and its sister company, Industrial Services. This dual-company remit involves supporting a wide range of projects, from major civil engineering works to specialist installation, construction, and maintenance contracts, often delivering a seamless turnkey service for key clients.

Our key sectors include:

Chemical Manufacturing Ministry of Defence (MOD) Agriculture Haulage and Logistics Commercial House Building

Role Summary

We are seeking a proactive, hands-on, and qualified Health and Safety Advisor to join our team. The primary purpose of this role is to champion a positive and robust safety culture across all sites and operations for both companies.

You will be the competent person providing practical, expert advice and support to site management and operatives. Your focus will be to ensure compliance with all relevant UK health and safety legislation (HSE), policies, and client-specific standards, proactively identifying risks and implementing effective control measures. This role is approximately 60% site-based and 40% office-based.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Health & Safety (Both Companies)

Site Inspections & Audits: Conduct regular and thorough H&S inspections and audits across multiple, geographically diverse sites to monitor compliance and drive continuous improvement. Risk Assessment: Develop, review, and assist site teams in implementing suitable and sufficient Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) for all site activities. Legislative Compliance:Act as the competent advisor on all H&S matters, ensuring the business (and its sites) remains fully compliant with UK legislation, including CDM 2015*, COSHH, LOLER, PUWER, and Working at Height regulations.
Incident Investigation: Lead or support the thorough investigation of all accidents, incidents, and near-misses. Identify root causes and produce high-quality reports with actionable recommendations to prevent recurrence. Training & Inductions: Develop and deliver engaging in-house H&S training, toolbox talks, and site-specific inductions.

Groundworks-Specific Duties (Carmichael & Baxter Groundworks)

Provide specialist advice on high-risk groundworks activities, including deep excavation(shoring, trenching), temporary works, utility strikes (service avoidance), and vehicle/pedestrian interface management (banksman operations). Ensure all heavy plant and machinery operations are compliant, with relevant checks and competent operators. Monitor environmental controls related to earthworks, such as dust suppression and correct waste disposal.

Industrial Services-Specific Duties (Carmichael & Baxter Industrial Services)

Provide specialist advice on risks associated with "turnkey" installation, construction, and maintenance projects, particularly on high-hazard sites (e.g., chemical manufacturing, MOD). Develop and review RAMS for activities potentially including confined space entry (for drainage/tanks), hot works, and lifting operations. Manage and review COSHH assessments for a wider range of industrial substances. Liaise with client H&S teams on industrial sites to ensure seamless integration of safety procedures.

Management & Reporting

Assist in the development, maintenance, and promotion of the company's ISO 45001 management system. Compile and analyse H&S statistics (e.g., LTI, near-misses) to identify trends and report on performance to senior management. Support the pre-qualification (PQQ) and tender process by providing necessary H&S documentation and information.

Essential

NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety. NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety. Proven experience in a dedicated H&S Advisor role within the construction, civil engineering, or groundworkssectors. A valid CSCS card (relevant to the role, e.g., AQP or PQP). Full UK Driving Licence and willingness to travel nationwide, with occasional overnight stays. Strong knowledge of UK H&S legislation, particularly CDM 2015*.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence staff at all levels, from site operatives to senior directors.

Desireable

Experience in the industrial, chemical, or manufacturing sectors. IOSH Membership (TechIOSH working towards GradIOSH, or GradIOSH). Formal qualification in environmental management (e.g., NEBOSH Environmental, IEMA). Experience with ISO 45001, 9001, and 14001 management systems (auditing or implementation). A relevant temporary works qualification. First Aid at Work qualification.

Person Specification

Pragmatic & Solutions-Focused: You understand the difference between a "paper-based" and a "practical" safety system and can apply legislation in a sensible, proportionate way. Resilient & Confident: Able to have challenging conversations, stop unsafe work, and hold your ground to ensure safety is the priority. Proactive & Hands-On: You are visible on-site, not just in the office. You lead by example and actively engage with the workforce. Organised & Self-Motivated:Capable of managing a busy, multi-site diary and prioritising tasks effectively. Collaborative: You build strong, positive relationships with project teams, clients, and subcontractors, working withthem to achieve safe outcomes.

What We Offer

Competitive Salary (dependent on experience and qualifications). Company Vehicle. Company Pension Scheme. Opportunity for professional development and further training. A varied and challenging role working across two successful companies.
Carmichael and Baxter Groundworks is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and do not condone any form of discrimination based on age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

We recognise the value that a diverse and inclusive workforce brings, and we strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to join us at Carmichael and Baxter Groundworks.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Ability to commute/relocate:

Cupar KY15: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person