Head of Health & Safety — Construction
Location: Potters Bar
Salary: £70,000 – £75,000 + Package
Role Purpose
The Head of SHEQ will lead and develop the company‑wide SHEQ framework, ensuring the business operates to the highest standards. You will provide expert guidance to senior leaders and site teams alike, embedding SHEQ into everyday decision‑making and supporting the organisation's continued growth and performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver the SHEQ strategy in line with wider business objectives.
- Drive continuous improvement of systems, processes and culture.
- Anticipate future risks, regulatory changes and industry trends.
- Partner with senior leadership to integrate SHEQ into business planning.
- Oversee day‑to‑day SHEQ activity across all divisions, ensuring consistency of approach.
- Provide competent SHEQ advice to managers, site teams and project leads.
- Carry out site inspections, audits and reviews.
- Ensure incidents and near misses are reported, investigated and lessons learned shared.
- Line‑manage and develop SHEQ Advisors.
- Set objectives, monitor performance and support professional development.
- Promote collaboration and best practices across the group.
- Maintain and enhance the Integrated Management System (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001).
- Ensure compliance with all relevant SHEQ legislation and requirements, including CDM and environmental standards.
- Lead external audits and certification processes.
- Produce clear SHEQ performance reports for senior leadership.
- Champion a positive safety culture at every level of the business.
- Deliver engagement initiatives, toolbox talks, workshops and awareness campaigns.
- Encourage ownership and accountability for SHEQ responsibilities.
- Lead risk assessments and ensure appropriate controls are in place.
- Support the development of safe systems of work, method statements and environmental plans.
- Challenge unsafe behaviours and practices constructively.
- Oversight of emergency response planning, fire safety and business continuity arrangements.
- Ensure training and drills are completed as required.
Key Skills & Competencies
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- In‑depth knowledge of health & safety legislation, environmental law and quality management.
- Comfortable balancing strategic oversight with hands‑on operational support.
- Excellent communication, coaching and relationship‑building skills.
- Data‑driven approach with strong analytical and reporting capability.
- Ability to manage competing priorities across multiple business areas.
Qualifications & Experience
- NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent) – essential.
- Chartered (CMIOSH) or working towards chartership – desirable.
- Background in construction, utilities, property services or similar multi‑disciplinary environment.
- Proven experience managing a SHEQ team.
- Demonstrated experience implementing and maintaining ISO management systems.
- Strong track record of improving SHEQ performance within a growing organisation.
