Divisional Head of Health & Safety
Location: Multi-site (UK)
Salary: Competitive + benefits
The Opportunity
Winsearch is partnering with a leading aerospace manufacturing business to appoint a Divisional Head of Health & Safety. This is a senior leadership role with full accountability for developing, implementing and continuously improving a robust ISO 45001 aligned Health & Safety Management System across multiple sites.
You’ll act as the Competent Person to the Board, providing expert guidance while embedding a proactive, "Safety First" culture across all levels of the organisation.
This role offers the opportunity to shape strategy, influence senior stakeholders, and lead the business through ISO 45001 certification and beyond.
Key Responsibilities
ISO 45001 Leadership & System Development
* Develop and implement a compliant Occupational Health & Safety Management System
* Lead gap analysis, certification and ongoing surveillance activity
* Act as the primary contact for auditors, regulators and certification bodies
* Ensure all H&S documentation is controlled, accurate and audit‑ready
Leadership & Culture
* Champion a proactive, prevention‑led safety culture
* Act as the senior authority on all H&S matters across the division
* Support Directors and senior leaders in fulfilling their responsibilities
* Embed safety into strategic and operational decision making
Risk & Change Management
* Oversee hazard identification, risk assessment and legal compliance
* Ensure consistent application of the hierarchy of controls
* Support H&S aspects of business change, including new equipment, processes and contractors
Performance & Continuous Improvement
* Define and track meaningful KPIs and performance metrics
* Lead audits, compliance reviews and management system evaluations
* Ensure incidents and near misses are fully investigated with corrective actions implemented
* Drive ongoing improvements in system effectiveness and safety performance
About You
You’re a credible and influential Health & Safety leader with the confidence to challenge and support senior stakeholders. You’re equally comfortable shaping strategy and being visible on the shop floor.
Essential
* Senior H&S leadership experience within manufacturing or engineering
* Proven experience managing ISO 45001 (or equivalent) systems
* Strong knowledge of UK H&S legislation
* NEBOSH Certificate / IOSH Level 3 (or equivalent)
* Experience with COSHH, DSEAR, REACH and hazardous materials
Desirable
* ISO 45001 Lead/Internal Auditor qualification
* Multi‑site or regulated industry experience
Why Apply?
* Strategic leadership role with real influence at Board level
* Opportunity to lead ISO 45001 certification journey
* Multi‑site exposure within a high‑spec engineering environment
* Strong platform to shape culture and drive lasting change
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