Head of health, safety & wellbeing

Head of Health, Safety & Wellbeing – Port of London Authority (PLA)

Gravesend, Kent | Hybrid Working (1-2 Days per Week)

£99,985 + Excellent Benefits Package (Up to 14% Pension, up to 10% Bonus, Private Medical, 30 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays)

Permanent | 35 Hours Per Week

Lead Safety Across One of the UK's Most Unique Operational Environments

Driven by the purpose to protect and improve the 95-mile stretch of the tidal River Thames, the Port of London Authority (PLA) is the UK’s biggest port and central to the country’s economy and ambitions for growth.

A culture of safety is already embedded and integral to PLA strategy and operations – your role will be to build on that. We are seeking an experienced and strategic Health & Safety leader to take ownership of the Port of London Authority's Health, Safety & Wellbeing function and drive the next phase of its safety, wellbeing and culture journey.

This is a rare opportunity to join a highly respected organisation and influence safety performance across a diverse operational environment encompassing marine operations, vessels, ports, infrastructure, engineering, environmental services and corporate functions.

Reporting to the Director of Human Resources and forming part of the wider leadership team, you will play a key role in shaping organisational culture, driving continuous improvement and ensuring the highest standards of health, safety and wellbeing across the Authority.

The Role

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and developing a team of Health, Safety & Wellbeing professionals
• Developing and implementing the PLA's long-term Health, Safety & Wellbeing strategy
• Championing and embedding a positive Just Culture across the organisation
• Influencing strategic decision-making to ensure safety risks are effectively managed
• Driving continuous improvement through data, insight and performance analysis
• Ensuring compliance with health and safety legislation, standards and best practice
• Leading the development and enhancement of the Authority's Safety Management System
• Supporting operational teams in managing risk across a complex and diverse organisation
• Coaching and developing leaders to strengthen organisational safety capability
• Leading safety culture initiatives and organisational improvement programmes
• Ensuring major projects, contractors and suppliers are effectively managed and monitored
• Promoting ISO 45001 principles and best practice across the organisation

About You

We are interested in speaking with experienced Health & Safety leaders who can demonstrate:

You may already be operating at Head of Health & Safety level, or you may be an experienced Senior Health & Safety Manager looking to step into a broader strategic leadership role.

Essential

• Extensive experience developing and implementing Health & Safety Management Systems
• Experience operating within a complex, high‑risk operational environment
• Proven ability to lead organisational safety strategy and culture change programmes
• Experience leading and developing high‑performing teams
• Strong understanding of health and safety legislation and best practice
• Ability to operate effectively at both strategic and operational levels
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills
• Experience presenting to and advising senior leadership teams and executive stakeholders
• Proven track record of delivering continuous improvement and measurable business outcomes

Desirable

• Experience within maritime, ports, transport, logistics, utilities, infrastructure, aviation, rail or other regulated industries
• Experience working within unionised environments
• Internal Auditor qualification
• CDM awareness

Qualifications

• Diploma‑level qualification in Occupational Health & Safety or equivalent demonstrable experience
• Chartered IOSH membership or equivalent professional standing desirable

Why Join the Port of London Authority?

This is an opportunity to influence safety at one of the UK's most important transport and infrastructure organisations.

You’ll join a forward‑thinking organisation committed to continuous improvement, innovation and the development of a strong, positive safety culture. In return, you’ll have the opportunity to shape strategy, influence senior leaders and make a lasting impact on the future of health, safety and wellbeing across the River Thames.

All applications will be handled in the strictest confidence.

For more information or to apply, please contact:

paul@bryan-armstrong.com
020 7129 7075

The PLA are not registered with the UK Home Office and do not sponsor candidates who require a visa or work permit to work in the UK, therefore an offer of employment cannot be made unless you currently hold the rights to live and work in the UK.