Job Description: Assistant Manager Health and Safety – Kurunegala
We are looking for a responsible and detail-focused Assistant Manager – Health and Safety to join our operations in Kurunegala. This role involves managing and enforcing health and safety standards, conducting inspections, and ensuring compliance with national regulations and internal protocols. You will support operational leadership by maintaining a safe working environment and fostering a culture where health and safety are treated as a daily responsibility rather than a checklist.
This position is ideal for someone who understands the practical realities of workplace safety, knows how to apply regulations without overcomplicating them, and can work constructively with people at all levels of an organization.
Position Summary:
As the Assistant Manager – Health and Safety, you will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing effective health and safety programs across our Kurunegala site. Your role will require collaboration with department heads, front-line staff, and external stakeholders to identify risks, investigate incidents, and implement controls that reduce the likelihood of harm.
This is not a desk-bound role. You are expected to be regularly present in operational areas, observing, guiding, and following up. You should be capable of balancing regulatory knowledge with on-ground practicality. Strong documentation skills, integrity in reporting, and the ability to speak up when necessary are essential to succeed in this role.
Key Responsibilities:
- Monitor the implementation of health and safety policies, programs, and procedures across all departments.
- Conduct regular risk assessments, safety inspections, and audits, and follow up with corrective and preventive actions.
- Report safety concerns, violations, near-misses, and incidents to senior management with clear documentation and factual analysis.
- Support accident investigations, ensuring timely root cause identification and follow-up on recommendations.
- Keep all health and safety records updated, including inspection logs, incident reports, training attendance, and regulatory submissions.
- Provide training and awareness programs to employees on workplace safety practices, emergency procedures, and compliance standards.
- Ensure all safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, PPE, alarms, and first aid supplies, is maintained and accessible.
- Work with external agencies such as the Department of Labour, Fire Department, and relevant health authorities during audits or compliance checks.
- Stay informed of changes in local safety laws, regulations, and standards relevant to operations in Kurunegala.
- Participate in safety committee meetings and support company-wide health and safety campaigns.
Required Qualifications:
- A diploma or degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience in an industrial, manufacturing, or logistics environment with a focus on workplace safety.
- Recognized certification in health and safety management (such as NEBOSH, IOSH, or equivalent).
- Working knowledge of Sri Lankan health and safety regulations and inspection protocols.
- Familiarity with safety risk assessment tools, incident reporting software, and MS Office applications.
- Proven experience in conducting safety training sessions and incident investigations.
- Ability to write clear reports, maintain accurate records, and communicate findings effectively.
- Good verbal and written communication skills in Sinhala and English.
Preferred Attributes:
- Experience working with regulatory authorities or coordinating compliance inspections.
- Strong observational skills and the confidence to call out unsafe practices in a professional, non-confrontational manner.
- Practical understanding of emergency response planning and fire safety.
- A calm and focused approach during crisis or incident situations.
- Ability to work independently and prioritize competing responsibilities with minimal supervision.
- Willingness to take responsibility for both routine and urgent health and safety matters.
- Familiarity with ISO 45001 standards is an advantage but not mandatory.
Work Conditions:
- Full-time role based in Kurunegala, with routine presence on-site and in operational areas.
- Standard working hours apply, but availability outside of hours may be required during safety incidents or audits.
- Must be comfortable working in industrial or high-activity environments (such as factories, warehouses, or construction areas).
- Occasional travel to company sites in nearby regions or for external training.
- A reasonable level of physical activity, including walking, climbing stairs, and wearing personal protective equipment, is required.
What We Expect From You:
- A strong commitment to ensuring the health and safety of all employees, contractors, and visitors to the site.
- A willingness to act promptly when risks are identified, and to escalate issues when necessary.
- Attention to detail and accuracy when documenting inspections, incidents, and follow-ups.
- A practical and respectful approach when communicating safety rules and coaching others.
- Reliability in managing schedules, responding to reports, and meeting regulatory timelines.
- Ability to balance compliance with common sense, especially in fast-paced or high-pressure environments.
What You Can Expect From Us:
- A structured, transparent work environment that prioritizes safety across all operations.
- Support from leadership and cross-functional teams in implementing safety initiatives.
- Access to professional development opportunities, including industry-recognized training and certification support.
- Competitive salary, along with travel allowances and performance-based incentives.
- Opportunities to take part in regional safety campaigns and knowledge-sharing platforms.
- A clear reporting structure and regular feedback on your contributions to the site’s safety performance.
Who Should Apply:
This role is well suited for professionals who:
- Have practical experience in enforcing workplace safety policies and responding to incidents.
- Take initiative and stay focused, even when daily work is repetitive or challenging.
- Can speak with confidence, remain calm in emergencies, and follow procedures with precision.
- Understand the importance of working relationships in safety management and can motivate others to follow best practices.
- Live in or around Kurunegala and are familiar with local labor and safety regulations.
Whether you’re currently in a safety officer role and ready to step up, or you have prior experience in managing safety programs and want to work closer to your community, we encourage you to apply.
Application Process:
To apply, please send your updated CV along with a brief cover letter describing your interest in this role and relevant experience. Applications can be submitted via email to the contact listed in this job posting. Be sure to include at least two professional references and indicate your current or expected salary.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an initial phone interview followed by an on-site discussion and site visit. All applications will be handled in strict confidence.
Final Word:
Health and safety isn’t just about procedures and paperwork. It’s about people. If you believe in building safer workplaces through clear rules, daily diligence, and direct action, we welcome your application.
We’re not looking for someone who only follows the book—we’re looking for someone who understands why the book exists and how to apply it responsibly. If that sounds like you, let’s talk.