Job Purpose
Bridges is on an exciting journey of significant growth. The purpose of this role is to continue the fantastic safety journey that our retiring SHEQ Director has established alongside the whole Bridges team, who relentlessly focus on our number one value ‘SAFE PEOPLE’. This position leads, develops and delivers the Bridges SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality) strategy across all areas of the business, from onsite turnkey construction and MEICA activities for water projects across the UK to our manufacturing facilities and maintenance and breakdown teams. You will support the Senior Leadership Team in fostering a culture of zero harm and zero incidents through resilient SHEQ systems and practices, ensuring full compliance with all regulations, especially water‑industry regulations, and driving a proactive safety culture, environmental stewardship, and quality excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic SHEQ Leadership
* Be accountable for our ‘SAFE PEOPLE’, Environment and Quality plan, and for the ongoing development and implementation of an integrated SHEQ strategy aligned with corporate goals and construction and industry regulations.
* Act as an advisor to the board, senior leadership team and businesses on SHEQ risks, compliance obligations and performance improvement.
* Ensure a culture of safety and operational integrity across the business.
* Champion innovative thinking, focusing on behavioural initiatives, embracing technology such as AI, and guiding the business toward achieving its number one goal ‘SAFE PEOPLE’.
* Support and lead SHEQ elements of framework bids.
Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management
* Ensure full compliance with applicable legislation (e.g. Health and Safety at Work Act, ATEX, DSEAR, CDM, Water Industry Act, Environmental Permitting Regulations, etc.).
* Maintain strong relationships with regulatory bodies (e.g. DWI, HSE, EA, EN) and lead on audit responses, enforcement actions and performance reporting.
* Oversee risk assessments and critical control frameworks for operational and high‑risk activities (e.g. confined spaces, hazardous substances, process safety).
* Lead policy development, ensuring policies are reviewed, maintained and compliant with new and existing legislation.
Environmental & Sustainability Leadership
* Lead the delivery of environmental compliance and sustainability objectives, including reduction of emissions, water efficiency, ecology and waste management.
* Ensure compliance with environmental permits and waste management legislation requirements.
* Support ESG strategy development and reporting in line with industry and government targets (e.g. Net Zero, Biodiversity Net Gain).
Quality Management
* Oversee the implementation and continual improvement of ISO‑certified management systems (ISO 9001, 14001, 45001).
* Ensure robust quality assurance practices across the business.
* Lead audits, non‑conformance investigations, and root cause analysis to ensure continuous improvement.
Operational Oversight & Incident Management
* Provide SHEQ leadership across the business.
* Oversee incident investigations (e.g. pollution events, near misses, RIDDOR) and implement preventive actions.
* Promote proactive hazard identification and behavioural safety engagement programs.
Team Development & Leadership
* Lead and develop a high‑performing SHEQ team across multiple regions and functions.
* Deliver SHEQ training strategies tailored to operational and technical teams.
* Promote cross‑functional collaboration and integration of SHEQ into business decision‑making.
Requirements
Qualifications & Experience
* Minimum NEBOSH Diploma Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety.
* Degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related discipline and/or chartered member of IOSH.
* Lead Auditor qualifications in ISO standards (9001, 14001, 45001).
* Minimum 10 years’ SHEQ experience, with at least 5 in a senior leadership role.
* Demonstrable experience working within the water sector, including understanding of regulators (Ofwat, DWI, EA, HSE).
* In‑depth knowledge of water projects, construction processes, including Civil & MEICA Engineering and Health Safety and Environment legislation.
Essential Skills & Competencies
* Operate at all levels in the business and support activities that propel the business’s success.
* Build strong relationships with senior client management and SHEQ teams.
* Strategic thinker with strong leadership and change‑management skills.
* Strong knowledge of water‑industry compliance requirements and SHEQ risks.
* Positive industry reputation and respected within the field.
* Business ambassador for SHEQ, capable of chairing and presenting to industry and customers.
* Excellent communication, stakeholder management and influencing abilities.
* Analytical mindset with a continuous improvement focus.
* Competent working in both operational and board‑level environments.
* Full UK driving licence.
* Willingness and ability to work away from home when required.
Desirable
* Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health.
* Member of the International Institute of Risk & Safety Management.
* NEBOSH Level 6 National Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals or NEBOSH Level 6 International Diploma.
* Experience with capital delivery programs and framework contracts.
* Familiarity with digital SHEQ tools and data analytics platforms.
Benefits
RoSPA Gold Medal winner – an excellent company to work for with a culture of health, safety and well‑being.
We hold the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award, reflecting our commitment to supporting the armed forces community.
Our people enjoy a friendly, welcoming culture that supports learning, development and career success.
Benefits package includes:
* Competitive salaries
* Company car or car allowance
* Health cash plan with Healthshield
* Standard Life Pension Scheme – 5 % company contribution
* Life Assurance Scheme
* Employee Discount Scheme
* Bike 2 Work scheme
* Training and development opportunities
* Employee referral scheme – £1 000 if you successfully introduce someone
* Employee recognition schemes
* Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
Bridges is an equal‑opportunity employer and is committed to ensuring equality and diversity within the workplace.
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