Control of Works Supervisor

About the role

The University of Cambridge is seeking a Control of Works Supervisor for its Estates Division Asset Management team. The role oversees safe systems of work across one of the UK's largest and most complex operational estates, comprising over 370 buildings and 723,000m² of academic, teaching and research space. It works with over 100 companies, each with up to 10 staff visiting sites, and acts as a senior liaison between Estates, contractors and departmental stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end management of permit applications, ensuring completeness, accuracy and compliance with University and statutory safety requirements.
• Develop and maintain permit-related documentation standards, including templates and guidance notes.
• Review risk assessments and method statements (RAMS), COSHH documentation and safe systems of work.
• Manage permit-to-work processes, conduct contractor audits and coordinate LOTO.
• Deliver contractor inductions and safety briefings, and support compliance with health and safety legislation.
• Link with Health and Safety functions to promote a safe working culture and drive continuous improvement in permit and compliance systems.

Required profile

• Practical experience of health and safety management in a maintenance, facilities management, engineering or construction environment.
• Experience reviewing RAMS, permits to work, COSHH documentation and safe systems of work.
• Strong knowledge of contractor management, including pre-start audits.
• Ability to give safety briefings, toolbox talks and training to small and large groups.
• Excellent communication skills and strong organisational skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with digital systems and documentation.
• IOSH Managing Safely (or equivalent) and a sound understanding of current health and safety legislation.
• A recognised building services qualification or equivalent technical knowledge.
• A NEBOSH qualification and appointment as an Authorised Person (AP) or Authorising Engineer (AE) is advantageous.
• A full UK driving licence is essential (an EU licence is acceptable on appointment, but must be transferred to a UK licence before starting).

What we offer

• Salary of £33,951 to £39,906 per year, plus a 2.5% supplement.
• Competitive pay with automatic annual cost of living increases and service-related progression.
• Generous annual leave, flexible and hybrid working, and family-friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption and shared parental leave.
• Pension scheme with employer contribution, travel and shopping discounts, and relocation support for eligible new starters.

The position is permanent and full time, based in Cambridge. Applications are made online through the University's recruitment system, quoting reference BA51385; the closing date is 1 November 2026.