Key role objective
The principal function of this position is to lead, govern and continually improve WJ UK’s Integrated Management System (IMS) and ensure the consistent implementation of Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental standards across the business. The SHEQ Manager provides strategic oversight, sets SHEQ policy and expectations, maintains certification, monitors business-wide performance, and leads a programme of internal audit, compliance assurance and continual improvement.
The role works collaboratively with senior leaders and functional managers to embed a positive SHEQ culture and ensure that SHEQ risks are effectively controlled across all projects, yards and offices.
Note: Operational SHE delivery, incident investigations, day-to-day site inspections, training delivery and hazard identification sit with the SHE Advisor.
SALARY: £55,000–£65,000 per annum + Car + Generous Benefits (see below)
* Company car: Company car (available for personal use) with a monthly rental value
* Pension: Automatically enrolled into the WJ Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme. Contributions are made at 5% for both employee (minimum) and employer (maximum).
* Private Healthcare: At six months of service, Automatically enrolled into Westfield Health Cash Plan for Specialist Consultations & Diagnostics, Scanning Service (MRI, CT & PET Scans), Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments (Physiotherapy, Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Homeopathy and Osteopathy)
* Profit Related Bonus: A profit related annual bonus will be payable in December if WJ meets its profit targets
* Group Life Insurance: Automatically included in the WJ Death in Service Group Insurance at 3 times salary after 6-month probation period
* Gym Membership: Exclusive, discounted access to thousands of gyms, pools and spas with just one pass via our fitness partner, Hussle
Key areas of responsibility
IMS Ownership, Governance & Continuous Improvement
* Lead the development, maintenance and continual improvement of WJ’s Integrated Management System (IMS), ensuring alignment with ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.
* Define SHEQ strategies, policies, procedures and standards for UK operations.
* Ensure that IMS processes are embedded effectively across functional teams.
* Lead management reviews, certification audits, external auditor engagement and close-out of corrective actions.
Strategic SHEQ Leadership & Culture Development
* Provide expert SHEQ leadership to Directors, Managers and project teams.
* Influence and develop a strong, proactive SHEQ culture across all levels of the organisation.
* Set SHEQ performance expectations, KPIs and improvement plans at business-unit level.
* Ensure SHEQ issues, risks and opportunities are understood and acted upon by senior leadership.
Business-Wide Assurance, Audit & Compliance Management
* Develop and manage the annual SHEQ audit plan for IMS compliance, process effectiveness and legal compliance.
* Conduct strategic and systems-level audits (not routine site inspections, these sit with the SHE Advisor).
* Ensure findings from audits, inspections, incidents and near misses are analysed to identify systemic themes and drive organisational improvement.
* Oversee SHEQ risk registers and ensure mitigation actions are implemented by operational teams.
Certification, Legal Compliance & Standards Management
* Maintain company certification to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and external schemes such as Achilles, Constructionline, Building Confidence.
* Ensure the company meets its legal obligations in SHEQ matters, including keeping leadership informed of changes in legislation or best practice.
* Liaise with regulators, auditors, clients and accreditation bodies at a senior level.
SHEQ Performance Management & Reporting
* Own the SHEQ KPI framework and oversee collection, analysis and reporting of SHEQ data.
* Produce monthly SHEQ performance reports for Directors and Senior/Middle Management.
* Identify performance trends and lead high-level improvement programmes.
* Set SHEQ objectives and ensure these cascades appropriately through the business.
Incident Oversight, Investigation Governance & Learning
* Ensure serious incidents and near misses are escalated promptly to Directors.
* Provide strategic oversight of incident investigations:
* SHE Advisor conducts site investigations
* SHEQ Manager ensures root cause analysis quality, governance and learning
* Ensure lessons learned are captured, communicated and embedded through updated procedures, training and controls.
Leadership of SHEQ Team & Competency Development
* Line manages, mentor and develop SHE Advisors and SHEQ administrative support.
* Establish competency frameworks, development pathways and SHEQ training strategies.
* Ensure the SHE Advisor is supported and deployed effectively across high-risk and high-priority projects.
Senior Stakeholder Engagement & Cross-Functional Collaboration
* Work with Operations, Technical, HR, Commercial and Project Management teams to ensure SHEQ integration into business processes and tendering.
* Provide SHEQ input at bid stage for major infrastructure or complex projects (Advisor handles site implementation during delivery).
* Represent WJ UK in WJ Group SHE forums and contribute to group-wide SHEQ strategy.
General Leadership Responsibilities
* Promote continuous improvement and innovation in SHEQ across the organisation.
* Ensure personal responsibility for health, safety and wellbeing and act as a senior role model.
* Undertake other reasonable duties associated with the role’s seniority.
Qualifications & Experience
A motivated and hardworking individual with great written and communication skills is essential. Minimum 15 years’ experience within the construction industry is essential and has demonstrated sufficient skills, training and knowledge such as:
* NEBOSH Diploma / NVQ Level 5 or equivalent.
* ISO 9001, ISO14001 & ISO45001 Lead Auditor qualification preferred.
* Thorough understanding of ISO standards and legislation and their application in construction and engineering.
* Demonstrated ability to lead SHEQ strategy, system governance and cultural improvement at organisational level.
* Strong communication and influencing skills with senior leadership teams.
* Effective team working and networking skills and the ability to work independently using own initiative.
* The ability to plan, prioritise and organise your own workload.
* Flexibility to travel throughout the UK to visit our project sites and WJ yard facility.
* Full UK Driving License
Working Conditions
The role is office based at our UK head office in Kings Langley. You will be expected to spend time in office, on site throughout the UK for strategic site visits, and auditing.