H&S Manager Northern EU

Key Objectives of the Role

Yugo is the trusted name for student housing, globally. Every day we connect young people to opportunities and students to amazing spaces. Here at Yugo, we like to do things differently. It's about people, planet, and passion.

We are currently on the hunt for an experienced HSE Manager - Northern EU to oversee Health, Safety & Environmental compliance and culture across North Europe sites (Germany, Austria, France and Poland). Working closely with the VP Operations Northern Europe and the Senior VP Operations Europe this role will shape, deliver, and continuously improve the HSE strategy, ensuring compliance with legislation, ISO standards, and company policies.

We are looking for a strategic yet hands-on leader who can set direction while engaging directly with site teams to embed a proactive, student-focused safety culture. This role is both operational and strategic, requiring the ability to analyse HSE data, influence leadership, and coach frontline teams.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Objectives

• Define and deliver the North EU HSE strategy and goals, in collaboration with senior leadership.
• Lead the development and implementation of HSE policies, procedures, and compliance frameworks, ensuring alignment with global standards and legal requirements.
• Ensure the effective delivery of:
• Health & Safety strategy development and execution.
• Ongoing review and improvement of HSE management systems against industry best practice.
• Scheduling, monitoring, and completing audits to ensure compliance with legislation and company policies.

• Development and maintenance of centralised HSE information repositories and mobilisation processes.

• Monitor and analyse HSE performance data, reporting key metrics to VP North EU and Senior VP Europe, and using insights to drive improvement.

• Ensure robust legal compliance across Health, Safety, Fire, and Environmental areas, managing all risk assessments (RA) and safe systems of work (SSoW).

Operational Delivery

• Lead and coordinate internal and external audits, certification renewals, and quality reviews, ensuring corrective actions are completed on time.
• Drive consistency in application of HSE processes and systems, promoting standardisation and scalability.
• Oversee incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action planning.
• Ensure all compliance requirements are captured, tracked, and reported to a high standard.
• Partner with Facilities Management and other operational teams to ensure HSE considerations are embedded in project mobilisation and day-to-day operations.
• Ensure compliance with the EU Framework Directive 89/391/EEC and national occupational health and safety regulations across Northern Europe (Germany, Austria, Poland and France), in alignment with ISO 45001 standards.

Leadership & People Management

• Lead, coach, and influence site managers and operational teams to continuously improve HSE performance and culture.
• Champion a learning environment by facilitating HSE training, "train-the-trainer" programmes, and knowledge-sharing forums.
• Present HSE performance, risks, and improvement plans to senior leadership, site teams, and the company board.
• Manage the HSE budget, advising on OPEX/CAPEX spend required to mitigate HSE risks.

What else?

This job description serves as a guideline and is not intended to be exhaustive. Additional responsibilities may be assigned from time to time. This is a client-facing, operational role requiring flexibility in working hours, travel, and the ability to meet tight deadlines. Frequent travel across Spain, Italy and Portugal is required.

Key Skills & Capabilities

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills (able to engage with young residents and staff).
• Confidence working with regulators, emergency services, and technical contractors.
• Ability to influence and coach non-HSE specialists.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret compliance data and risk trends.
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
• Cultural awareness and ability to work effectively across multiple countries.

___

Experience and Knowledge

Essential:

• Bachelor's degree in health & safety, Engineering, Risk Management, Facilities Management, or a related field.
• Recognised HSE qualification (e.g., Master QHSE, NEBOSH, Responsable HSE, or equivalent).
• Minimum 3 years' experience in H&S roles within PBSA, residential property, hospitality, or facilities management.
• Strong understanding of fire safety, building compliance, and residential accommodation safety.
• Knowledge of H&S legislation for France and working familiarity with regulations in Germany, Austria, and Poland.
• Fluent in French and English.
• Proven experience conducting audits, risk assessments, and incident investigations.
• Willingness to travel frequently across the region.

Desirable:

• Additional certifications: ISO 45001/14001 Lead Auditor, SSIAP, Legionella training, First Aid Instructor.
• Experience using compliance platforms.
• Experience in multi-country H&S management.
• German language skills.