Short Description

Function: General Counsel 

Reports to: Health, Safety and Environment Manager  

Set up: Hybrid 

Location: Lisbon, Portugal

Why we need this role

Reporting to the South-East Region Business Partner Lead the HSE Country Business Partner, and supported by the HSE Regional Business Partner (ES, PT, IT), is responsible for the day‑to‑day delivery of Health, Safety and Environmental activities within one assigned country.

The role focuses on local implementation, coordination and compliance, ensuring that Colt’s HSE policies, procedures and management systems are effectively applied at country level, in line with local legal requirements and Group standards.

This is a hands‑on, operational role, supporting employees, local management and external providers to maintain a safe, healthy and compliant working environment.

What you will do

Governance, Compliance & Assurance (Country scope only)

• Support the local implementation of Colt’s HSE governance framework within the assigned country, in line with Group and Regional standards.
• Support ongoing country compliance with ISO 14001 and ISO 45001, contributing to audit preparation and follow‑up activities.
• Undertake country‑specific HSE legal compliance assessments, maintaining accurate records of applicable legislation and obligations in line with Group methodology.
• Support corrective action tracking and follow‑up through the central HSE action management tool.
• Support maintenance of country‑specific HSE documentation in line with local legislation and the Group HSE Management System.

 

Operational HSE Support

• Provide day‑to‑day HSE advisory support to employees and managers within the assigned country.
• Support the implementation and maintenance of country risk assessment processes, including coordination with external HSE providers where applicable.
• Support emergency preparedness activities within the country, including maintaining emergency plans, coordinating testing and exercises, and supporting emergency team training.
• Support implementation of Group HSE initiatives and minimum requirements at country level.

 

Audits, Inspections & Incident Management

• Coordinate and support country HSE inspections and audit activities, including preparation, follow‑up and action closure.
• Support internal and external audits conducted within the country.
• Support and participate in HSE incident investigations, promoting a positive reporting culture and ensuring investigations and corrective actions are completed in line with Group processes.

 

Training, Culture & Communication

• Support delivery and monitoring of mandatory HSE training and e‑learning for the assigned country.
• Contribute to HSE communications, awareness campaigns and content relevant to local needs.
• Support local HSE culture and engagement initiatives in line with Group priorities.

Stakeholder & Provider Coordination

• Act as a local HSE interface with:

• Regional and Group HSE colleagues
• Employees and managers within the assigned country
• External HSE and facilities service providers
• Relevant local authorities and regulators (where applicable)
• Employee representatives and H&S Committees, in line with local regulations

Budget & Administration

• Provide input to country HSE budget planning and support tracking of agreed expenditure.
• Ensure HSE records, documentation and reporting for the country are accurate, complete and maintained on time.

What we look for

Skills & Experience

• Practical, customer‑focused approach with strong attention to detail
• Ability to work independently within a defined scope and follow established processes
• Comfortable operating in a matrix organisation and multicultural environment
• Willingness to travel within the assigned country as required
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Methodical, reliable and comfortable working with procedures and records

Person specification

• Holds the locally required H&S qualification as H&S technician (Técnico Superior de Segurança no Trabalho (TSST)).
• 1–2 years’ experience in a Health & Safety and/or Environmental role, either in‑house or with an external provider
• Knowledge or experience of ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 management systems
• Proficient in English (written and spoken)
• Confident user of Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, SharePoint)