Yugo

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 – Southern EU to oversee Health, Safety & Environmental compliance and culture across South Europe sites (Spain, Italy and Portugal). Working closely with the VP Operations Southern 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 Southern EU Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) strategy and objectives, ensuring alignment with the company’s global standards and regional leadership priorities.
• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of HSE policies, procedures, and compliance frameworks across Southern European markets.
• Ensure effective governance of:

• Health & Safety strategy execution and monitoring.
• Continuous review and optimisation of HSE management systems against industry best practice and regulatory updates.
• Planning, coordination, and completion of HSE audits, inspections, and technical assessments for new openings and operating sites.
• Centralised management of all technical documentation, risk assessments, compliance records, and mobilisation requirements.

• Monitor, analyse, and report HSE performance metrics for Southern EU, providing insights and recommendations to senior leadership.

• Ensure full legal compliance across Health, Safety, Fire Safety, Environmental standards, and building operations, overseeing all risk assessments (RA), Safe Systems of Work (SSoW), and emergency preparedness plans.

Operational Delivery

• Lead and coordinate HSE audits, PRL (Occupational Risk Prevention) evaluations, snagging reviews, and technical inspections across Southern EU (Spain, Italy, Portugal, and future markets).
• Oversee the technical validation of new residences during design, construction, and pre-opening phases, ensuring adherence to operational and regulatory standards.
• Ensure consistent implementation of HSE processes, documentation, and reporting across all sites, supporting operational scalability.
• Manage incident investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective action planning, ensuring timely closure and continuous improvement.
• Ensure robust management of maintenance and safety-critical systems (electrical, HVAC, lifts, fire protection, etc.), liaising with Facilities Management and external contractors.
• Maintain strong controls over compliance requirements, ensuring timely updates of PRL/CAE documentation, emergency plans (PDA), and regulatory certifications.
• Ensure compliance with applicable national H&S legislation (e.g., Spanish PRL Law, Italian safety regulations) and alignment with EU Framework Directive 89/391/EEC and ISO 45001.

Leadership & People Management

• Influence and support residence directors, facilities teams, and site managers to strengthen HSE culture and operational excellence across all properties.
• Deliver and coordinate HSE training programmes, including safety induction, emergency response, preventive maintenance training, and contractor safety requirements.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing across the Southern EU region, promoting learning from incidents and best practice adoption.
• Present HSE performance updates, risk registers, and improvement plans to senior leadership, operational teams, and investors.
• Manage the HSE budget for Southern EU, advising on OPEX/CAPEX investments related to safety improvements, compliance, and preventive maintenance.

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 Italy and working familiarity with regulations in Spain and Portugal
• Fluent in Italian 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, Legionella training, First Aid Instructor.
• Experience using compliance platforms.
• Experience in multi-country H&S management.
• Spanish language skills.