Senior Health and Safety Lead
Location: Central London (hybrid, c.3 days on site)
Salary: £72,000 per annum + package
Reporting to: Head of People Operations
Organisation: Global charitable foundation with large HQ, public museum, library and events spaces
Contract: Permanent, full-time

We’re searching for a forward-thinking Senior Health and Safety Lead to modernise how HandS is delivered across a complex Central London estate: a large corporate head office plus public-facing spaces (museum, library and conference/events). This is a hands-on leadership role with one direct report (HandS Advisor) where you’ll set strategy, implement a systems-led operating model (moving away from paper/manual and ad-hoc F2F), and ensure visitors, colleagues and contractors go home safe every day.

Why this role matters

- The organisation is moving at pace to digitise and automate HandS (training, risk assessments, incident reporting, audits, dashboards).
- There’s an immediate 10-point action plan to land and contractor management to tighten across a live, visitor-rich environment.
- From 2026, a major building upgrade programme will benefit from your early input on risk, design, CDM and operational readiness.

What you’ll do

- Strategy and governance: Own the HandS strategy across office and public spaces; set policy, standards and reporting that scales.
- Systems implementation: Lead the shift from paper/manual/F2F to digital, systemised processes (e.g., LMS/e-learning for training; structured risk assessment/permit/incident workflows; audit and KPI dashboards).
- Operational leadership: Be visible on site; investigate incidents; manage corrective actions; ensure event safety and crowd/visitor risk is well controlled.
- Big-building operations: Partner with FM/Property on a large multi-storey office (permits to work, contractor control, PTW/LOTO, CDM touchpoints, building services interfaces).
- Public-space safety: Oversee HandS for dynamic exhibitions/projects and the day-to-day museum/library/conference activity, balancing access, experience and safety.
- Audits and assurance: Own the audit framework; plan and conduct inspections; track actions to close; present performance to leadership.
- Training and culture: Deliver engaging, systems-enabled training and refreshers; coach leaders; build a proactive safety culture.
- People and budgets: Coach and develop your HandS Advisor; plan budgets; procure smartly; evidence value and impact.

What you’ll bring
Essentials

- NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent).
- Proven senior HandS leadership spanning large corporate office buildings and public-facing environments (e.g., museums/heritage, venues, retail, charity).
- Demonstrable implementation of HandS systems (not just end-user): selection, rollout, adoption, and measurement.
- Strong incident investigation, audit/assurance, and data-led reporting to senior stakeholders.
- Gravitas and influence able to set direction and roll up your sleeves when needed.

Nice to have

- IOSH membership (desirable, not essential).
- Experience across contractor management, CDM/client duties and major works in live environments.
- Prior leadership of small teams and HandS budgets.

Working pattern
Hybrid: typically ~3 days on site in Central London. Flexibility is important, occasional out-of-hours or event coverage will be part of the role.
Rewards and support

- £72,000 base + comprehensive package
- Purpose-driven environment with a blend of historic and contemporary spaces
- Direct impact modernising HandS and shaping a flagship estate upgrade

For further infromation please contact nathan.turley@hserecruitment.co.uk