Job Description
Health & Safety Director Power & Utilities (132kV, Substations, Distribution)Cambridge (regional travel required)Salary: Circa £80,000 + full package (car allowance, bonus, pension, benefits)Role PurposeThe Health & Safety Director will lead the strategic and operational H&S function across a portfolio of power-sector projects, including 132kV infrastructure, substation construction/refurbishment, and distribution network works. The role carries full accountability for safety performance, compliance, culture, and continuous improvement across multiple sites and contractors.This position requires a senior H&S leader with deep high-voltage experience, strong stakeholder influence, and the ability to embed a proactive safety culture across complex, multi-disciplinary project teams.Strategic Leadership• Develop and implement the organisation’s Health & Safety strategy across all power and utilities projects.• Ensure alignment with UK legislation, industry standards, and client requirements.• Provide senior leadership guidance to project teams, directors, and operational managers.Operational Oversight• Lead H&S delivery across active sites including 132kV installations, substations, overhead/underground distribution works, and switching environments.• Conduct regular site visits, audits, and safety inspections.• Ensure robust safe systems of work for high-risk activities.Compliance & Governance• Ensure full compliance with CDM 2015, Electricity at Work Regulations, and all statutory obligations.• Maintain and enhance company H&S policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.• Oversee internal and external audits.Risk & Incident Management• Lead risk assessments, method statement reviews, and HV safety protocols.• Oversee incident investigations, root-cause analysis, and corrective action plans.• Report findings to senior leadership and regulatory bodies where required.Contractor & Stakeholder Management• Assess and monitor contractor H&S performance and competence.• Ensure adherence to company and client standards across all supply chain partners.• Act as the senior H&S representative with DNOs, ICPs, principal contractors, and regulatory bodies.Culture, Training & Engagement• Drive behavioural safety initiatives and workforce engagement programmes.• Deliver leadership briefings, toolbox talks, and coaching sessions.• Promote a positive, proactive safety culture across all teams.Reporting & Continuous Improvement• Produce board-level reports, KPIs, and performance dashboards.• Identify trends and implement improvement plans.• Champion innovation in safety processes, technology, and reporting systems.Essential Experience & Qualifications• Proven experience as a Health & Safety Director, Head of H&S, or Senior H&S Manager within power, utilities, HV, or major infrastructure.• Strong working knowledge of 132kV systems, substations, switching environments, and distribution networks.• Chartered or working toward CMIOSH (minimum GradIOSH).• NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent Level 6 qualification.• Deep understanding of CDM 2015, EAWR, and HV safety rules.• Demonstrable experience influencing senior stakeholders and managing H&S across multi-site, high-risk environments.• Strong leadership, communication, and coaching skills.Desirable• Experience working with ICPs or DNOs (e.g., UKPN, SSEN, National Grid).• Knowledge of temporary works, civils, and electrical installation practices.• Behavioural safety training or qualifications.• Experience implementing digital H&S systems or reporting tools.If you are interested in this role, have any questions or wish to apply then please send us a copy of your cv.Rob Utilise Recruitment