The Opportunity
An established civil engineering contractor is entering a significant phase of growth, having recently secured a substantial pipeline of long‑term work through major infrastructure and highways frameworks. As part of this transition, the business is seeking to appoint a Head of HSEQ to take ownership of the function and support the safe, compliant and high‑quality delivery of projects across the region.
This is a genuinely hands‑on role, suited to someone who enjoys building and improving systems while remaining highly visible on site. The role is a strategic and senior level role, with the remaining focused on delivery, working closely with an existing HSEQ Advisor to ensure standards are embedded and consistently applied across live projects.
This represents an exciting opportunity to shape and develop a HSEQ function at a pivotal point in the organisation's journey, with real scope to make a lasting impact.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
* Lead the development, improvement and implementation of the HSEQ management systems to support framework and project delivery
* Conduct gap analysis against legislative, client and framework requirements, identifying risks and improvement priorities
* Support the senior leadership team with HSEQ strategy, governance and compliance
* Drive consistency and best practice across multiple contracts and workstreams
* Lead continuous improvement initiatives to strengthen safety culture and performance
Operational Delivery
* Work closely with the HSEQ Advisor to implement effective HSEQ controls across all live sites
* Maintain a strong, visible presence across projects in Merseyside and Lancashire
* Provide practical, hands‑on support to site teams, supervisors and project managers
* Lead audits, inspections and incident investigations, ensuring actions are followed through
* Ensure RAMS, permits and site controls are robust, proportionate and effectively applied
* Act as a credible, pragmatic HSEQ lead who positively influences behaviours on site
About You
* A qualified Health & Safety professional (NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent preferred)
* Proven experience managing or leading a HSEQ / Health & Safety function within civil engineering, highways or other specialist infrastructure environments
* Comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels, a true "doer"
* Demonstrable experience delivering tangible improvements to systems, culture and site standards
* Confident engaging with senior leaders, clients and operational teams
* Self‑driven, commercially aware and capable of making an immediate impact
What's on Offer
* £70,000 Per Annum
* Company vehicle
* Regional role covering Merseyside
* High level of autonomy and influence
* Opportunity to shape and embed HSEQ within a growing contractor delivering long‑term infrastructure work
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk