UK & Ireland Safety Director
Location: Flexible within the UK or Ireland, with regular travel across group companies and operational sites.
Reporting to: Group Leadership Team
Eville and Jones are part of the Phenna Group and we are working together to recruit for an exciting opportunity as a UK & Ireland Safety Director for the Phenna Group.
About Phenna Group
Phenna Group invests in and partners with niche, independent Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) businesses serving high-growth sectors in the UK and internationally. With a buy-and-build strategy and a strong focus on operational excellence, we support our companies to grow, collaborate, and lead their markets. As we continue our ambitious growth journey, building a best-in-class safety culture across all businesses is a top strategic priority.
The Role
We are seeking a dynamic UK & Ireland Safety Director to design, implement, and execute a region-wide safety strategy across all Phenna Group operating companies. This newly created leadership role will drive a proactive safety culture, ensure compliance, and act as the strategic and operational lead for all safety-related matters.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
* Develop and lead the UK & Ireland Health & Safety strategy aligned with group values and legislation.
* Act as the accountable person for safety performance across all divisions in the region.
* Define and embed safety KPIs, reporting structures, and governance frameworks.
* Partner with MDs and GMs to instil a safety-first mindset across all businesses.
Operational Delivery
* Implement group-wide safety policies and systems tailored to diverse risk profiles.
* Oversee audits, inspections, and investigations, ensuring root-cause analysis and follow-up.
* Track and report safety performance metrics consistently across the region.
Engagement & Enablement
* Build and lead safety networks to share best practice.
* Own the safety training framework and develop scalable competency programmes.
* Drive communications and engagement campaigns promoting safety ownership.
* Be a visible and credible voice for safety across Phenna’s operating companies spending time on-site and leading by example.
Risk, Compliance & Governance
* Ensure compliance with UK & Ireland legislation (Health & Safety at Work Act, CDM, COSHH, RIDDOR, ISO standards).
* Represent Phenna Group during external inspections and investigations.
* Advise on risk during M&A activity and support due diligence for new acquisitions.
About You
Experience
* Proven senior safety leadership experience in multi-site, industrial, or technical services organisations.
* Strong knowledge of UK & Ireland HSE legislation and standards.
* Success in driving safety strategy and cultural change in fast-paced environments.
* Experience engaging operational leaders across decentralised businesses.
* Exposure to TIC, construction, engineering, infrastructure, or laboratories is advantageous.
Skills & Competencies
* Strategic thinker with hands‑on delivery capability.
* Excellent influencing and relationship‑building skills at all levels.
* Strong analytical mindset and data‑driven approach.
* Exceptional communication skills across diverse audiences.
* Resilient, credible, and committed to continuous improvement.
Qualifications
* NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent) essential.
* Chartered Membership of IOSH (CMIOSH) strongly preferred.
* Relevant degree or equivalent experience in Health & Safety or related field.
Join us and play a pivotal role in shaping a world‑class safety culture across Phenna Group.
Apply today and help us make safety a cornerstone of our success.
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