This is a senior leadership role for someone who goes beyond compliance and truly understands how health and safety works on the ground. You will be a visible, credible leader who can translate risk into meaningful, proportionate actions that operational leaders can understand and own. You will place yourself in the boots of our operatives, appreciating the realities of their working environment, and designing systems that reflect how work is actually done - not how it looks on paper. Empathy, influence, and trust are critical to success in this role. Working closely with the wider Group Health & Safety directorate, you will embed proactive investigation management, translate group standards into effective local delivery, and drive continuous improvement through learning and engagement. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will play a key role in delivering the Health & Safety strategy and 5‑year plan, while providing expert advice, direction, and assurance at Executive and Board level.
Responsibilities
* Lead and coach the organisation on critical risks and key health and safety issues across operations.
* Drive the development and delivery of Hydrosave's Health, Safety & Wellbeing Strategy, embedding best practice beyond compliance.
* Be highly visible across offices and operational sites, leading inspections, investigations, and site visits.
* Build strong relationships with internal teams, clients, regulators, and supply chain partners, providing governance, assurance, and expert advice.
* Ensure incidents are thoroughly investigated, meaningful learning is captured, and improvements are implemented.
* Produce and present key H&S metrics for the Executive team and Group to enable informed decision‑making.
* Support and continuously improve the Health & Safety Management System, including ISO 45001 certification.
Qualifications & Requirements
* Proven experience in a senior Health & Safety leadership role.
* NEBOSH Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety.
* Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at all levels, including Executive leadership.
* Demonstrated success in improving safety performance through behavioural and cultural change.
* A self‑motivated, highly visible leader who takes ownership and drives high standards.
Skills & Behaviours
* Excellent interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills.
* Strong judgement, integrity, and a proactive, solution‑focused mindset.
* Ability to prioritise effectively, motivate teams, and lead cross‑functional initiatives.
* Empathetic approach with a genuine commitment to enabling people to work safely and effectively.
Opportunity
This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to one of the water industry's most critical challenges while developing your expertise across data, network operations, and strategic resolution planning. Hydrosave is part of the South Staffordshire Group – a 3,000‑strong organisation behind South Staffs Water, Cambridge Water, and several leading utility support businesses – offering long‑term development and career progression.
Benefits
* Enhanced Maternity, Adoption, Paternity & Shared Parental Leave, Fertility Support, and up to 5 paid Carer’s Days.
* Financial & Life Assurance.
* Life Assurance cover (role dependant) and a Company Pension Scheme with salary sacrifice options.
* Health & Wellbeing.
* Employee Assistance Programme (8 counselling sessions) and 24/7 Virtual GP access for you and your dependents.
* Lifestyle & Perks.
* Cycle to Work Scheme and My Premier Benefits discounts, cashback, and vouchers.
* Professional Development.
* Hands‑on training and ongoing career development opportunities.
* Inclusion & Belonging.
* Active People Networks - Disability & Neurodiversity, Unity+, Women's Network, Parent & Carer Networking Group and more.
* Performance & Recognition.
* Annual salary review, Reward & Recognition Scheme, and Long Service Awards.
* Flexibility & Opportunities.
* Overtime available and flexible shifts / hybrid working (role dependant).
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