Head of Health and Safety

An established and growing construction services business is looking to appoint a Head of Health & Safety to support its continued expansion across the UK and Europe.

The organisation works alongside leading contractors and developers, supporting the delivery of large scale construction and commercial projects. With a diverse portfolio of projects and a growing international presence, the business provides a range of specialist operational services to the construction industry.

Having experienced significant growth in recent years, the company is continuing to invest in its people, operational capabilities and management structure. This appointment represents an important addition to the senior leadership team, offering the successful candidate the opportunity to take ownership of the Health & Safety function and influence standards across the wider organisation.

The Role of Head of Health & Safety:

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the Head of Health & Safety will take overall responsibility for developing, implementing and maintaining the company's Health & Safety strategy, systems and standards across its UK and European operations.

This is a senior, hands on leadership position that will combine strategic responsibility with regular operational involvement. You will work closely with senior management, operational directors, project managers and site teams to ensure that Health & Safety is embedded into every aspect of the business.

The successful candidate will be expected to provide clear direction and leadership, while remaining visible and accessible across projects. This is not simply an office-based compliance role; it requires someone who understands the practical challenges of construction environments and can work collaboratively with teams to develop effective, commercially aware solutions. Based from the company's London's office in London, the position will also involve regular UK site visits and some travel to European operations, typically once or twice per month.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation and ongoing improvement of the company's Health & Safety strategy across UK and European operations.
• Take ownership of Health & Safety policies, procedures, management systems and company standards.
• Provide senior level advice, guidance and support to the Managing Director and wider leadership team.
• Ensure Health & Safety considerations are incorporated into business planning, operational decisions and project delivery.
• Promote accountability and establish consistent standards across all divisions and locations.
• Undertake regular site visits, inspections and audits across construction projects in the UK and Europe.
• Work closely with operational teams and project managers to identify risks, review working practices and implement appropriate control measures.
• Support the preparation and review of risk assessments, method statements and safe systems of work.
• Monitor site compliance and ensure appropriate corrective actions are implemented and followed through.
• Provide practical guidance on construction logistics activities and associated site risks.
• Ensure compliance with relevant Health & Safety legislation, regulations and industry standards.
• Lead and coordinate the investigation of accidents, incidents and near misses, ensuring appropriate corrective and preventative measures are implemented.
• Monitor Health & Safety performance, identify trends and provide meaningful reports and recommendations to senior management.
• Review existing systems and processes, identifying opportunities to improve consistency, efficiency and compliance.
• Keep up to date with legislative changes, industry developments and best practice.
• Develop and promote a positive, proactive Health & Safety culture throughout the organisation.
• Build effective working relationships with senior management, project teams, site personnel, clients and contractors.
• Provide advice, coaching and support to operational managers and site teams.
• Support and deliver Health & Safety training, briefings and toolbox talks where required.
• Encourage ownership of Health & Safety at every level of the business.

The Ideal Candidate:

The successful candidate will be an established Health & Safety professional with the experience and confidence to operate at a senior level within a construction related environment. You will ideally have experience within construction logistics, main contracting, commercial fit out or datacentres construction services or another complex, multi site construction environment.

You will need to demonstrate:

• Previous experience in a senior Health & Safety management or leadership position.
• Strong knowledge of UK Health & Safety legislation and construction industry requirements.
• Experience developing and implementing Health & Safety strategies, policies and management systems.
• Strong communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to manage responsibilities across multiple projects, locations and operational teams.
• Flexibility to travel to UK and European sites as required.

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious and commercially aware Health & Safety professional to join a growing international business and take genuine ownership of its Health & Safety function.

With significant growth already secured, an expanding project portfolio and operations across multiple European countries, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence business strategy, strengthen operational standards and play a key role in supporting the organisation's continued development. You will work directly with the Managing Director and senior leadership team, giving you the visibility and authority to make a meaningful contribution to the business.

Interested?

If you are an experienced Health & Safety leader looking for a senior position where you can influence strategy, drive standards and make a tangible difference within a growing construction business, I would be interested in hearing from you. For a confidential discussion or further information, please get in touch directly by applying here.