Associate Director - Environment, Health & Safety

Posted Mar 5, 2026

Cork, Ireland

Associate Director - Environment, Health & Safety (EHS)

Ireland Full-time Permanent
Location: Munster (Cork or Limerick preferred)

An established, high-performing General Building contractor is seeking an exceptional Associate Director of Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) to lead its EHS function across Ireland. This is a rare opportunity for a senior EHS professional to shape strategy, elevate culture, and drive transformational improvements within a major organisation delivering complex, large-scale projects.

If you are a proven EHS leader who thrives on influence, operational excellence, and championing a culture where people truly come first, this role offers the platform to make a lasting impact.

The Role

As Associate Director EHS, you will serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for setting the strategic direction, governance framework, and performance standards for all EHS activity across the Irish business.

You will lead a dedicated EHS team, ensuring consistent implementation of best-in class safety systems, regulatory compliance, and proactive risk management across multiple project environments. The role combines high-level strategy with hands on leadership - ideal for someone who can inspire, influence, and deliver.

Key Responsibilities Strategic EHS Leadership

• Develop and implement a high-performing EHS strategy aligned to business growth and long term goals.
• Embed a strong, positive, and proactive safety culture across all sites and functions.
• Ensure compliance with Irish/EU legislation and ISO standards (ISO 14001 & ISO 45001).
• Provide senior level guidance on EHS risks, opportunities, and continuous improvement.

Risk, Assurance & Audit Oversight

• Lead the company wide EHS audit programme, including internal and external audits.
• Conduct site inspections and ensure rigorous implementation of corrective actions.
• Analyse emerging trends, identify risks, and introduce preventative measures.
• Represent the organisation during client audits, escalations, and governance forums.

Performance Reporting & Organisational Influence

• Prepare and present high quality monthly reports on incidents, compliance, and EHS performance.
• Manage the EHS budget and provide strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Drive clear standards, accountability, and transparent performance communication.

Training, Competency & Cultural Development

• Develop EHS training programmes and ensure their delivery across all levels of the organisation.
• Create and maintain a robust training matrix in partnership with HR.
• Mentor and support Project Managers in RAMS preparation and EHS compliance.
• Champion initiatives that strengthen wellbeing, engagement, and workforce competence.

Legislation, Documentation & Best Practice

• Stay ahead of regulatory changes and industry developments, communicating updates proactively.
• Maintain all policies, procedures, and SOPs to the highest standards of clarity and compliance.
• Drive consistency, simplicity, and effectiveness in EHS processes and documentation.
• Lead serious incident investigations, ensuring root cause analysis and effective corrective actions.
• Liaise with insurers, legal advisors, and loss adjustors where required.
• Implement systems for lessons learned, proactive reviews, and prevention strategies.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the EHS team to deliver excellence across all projects.
• Ensure adequate EHS support and site coverage in line with business needs.
• Foster a collaborative, empowered, high performance environment.

What You Bring

• 10+ years' EHS experience within the construction industry.
• Minimum 5 years' senior EHS leadership experience across multiple sectors.
• Degree/Diploma in EHS, Engineering, Construction Management, or equivalent.
• Expert knowledge of EHS legislation, standards, audits, investigations, and critical controls.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills.
• Proven success in building and leading high-performing EHS teams.
• A proactive, solutions driven mindset with strong organisational capability.
• Ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining exceptional standards.
• Company vehicle or car allowance
• Company pension
• Life assurance
• Enhanced annual leave
• Coverage of professional membership fees
• Employee referral incentives
• Employee recognition programme
• Ongoing training & development
• Company sponsored social events

Why This Role Stands Out

This is more than an EHS management job - it is a strategic leadership position with autonomy, influence, and the support to deliver meaningful change. You will be shaping the culture, systems, and performance of a major organisation, while leading a team and contributing directly to business success.

If you're ready to lead with purpose, elevate industry standards, and build something exceptional, we would love to hear from you.