Head of SHEQ

Our client is a highly respected and established rail infrastructure contractor delivering safety-critical services across the UK rail network. With a strong reputation for operational excellence, technical expertise and safety leadership, they are seeking an experienced Head of SHEQ to join their senior leadership team and drive the next phase of their safety, health, environmental and quality strategy.
This is a high-profile leadership role offering the opportunity to shape culture, influence business strategy and ensure the organisation continues to operate at the highest standards of compliance, assurance and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the development and delivery of the company's SHEQ strategy.
Ensure compliance with all relevant Health & Safety, Environmental and Quality legislation and standards.
Maintain and improve accredited management systems including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, RISQS and Principal Contractor Licence requirements.
Lead the planning and implementation of activities required to achieve and maintain Principal Contractor Licence status.
Act as the organisation's senior SHEQ adviser to the Board and leadership team.
Develop and implement SHEQ policies, procedures and governance frameworks.
Oversee project compliance with CDM Regulations, Network Rail standards and contractual requirements.
Support operational teams with Construction Phase Plans, Work Package Plans, risk assessments and other safety-critical documentation.
Lead accident, incident and near-miss investigations, ensuring effective corrective actions are implemented.
Manage assurance programmes including audits, inspections, safety tours and supplier approvals.
Maintain and monitor business risk registers, providing clear reporting and recommendations.
Produce regular management information, KPI reports and Board-level SHEQ reporting.
Build, develop and mentor the SHEQ team, ensuring strong succession planning and future capability.
Represent the business with clients, regulators, industry bodies and external stakeholders.

Job Requirements:

Essential Experience:

Proven senior SHEQ leadership experience within rail, infrastructure, construction, utilities or similar sectors.
Strong knowledge of UK Health & Safety and Environmental legislation.
Experience of implementing and maintaining ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 management systems.
Strong understanding of CDM Regulations and contractor compliance requirements.
Experience leading accident and incident investigations.
Demonstrable experience managing audits, compliance and assurance programmes.
Experience producing and presenting management information and Board reports.
Budget management, forecasting and resource planning experience.
Track record of driving behavioural safety and cultural improvement initiatives.

Essential Qualifications:

NEBOSH Diploma, NCRQ Diploma, NVQ Level 5 or equivalent.
Chartered Member of IOSH (CMIOSH).
ISEP Practitioner, Full Member or Chartered Environmentalist status.
Personal Track Safety (PTS).

Desirable:

Lead Auditor qualification.
COSS certification.
Experience working directly within Network Rail environments.

Personal Attributes:

Strategic thinker with strong commercial awareness.
Influential and collaborative leadership style.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
Passion for developing teams and empowering others.
Highly organised with a continuous improvement mindset.
Committed to creating an outstanding safety culture.

Benefits:

This is an excellent opportunity to join a successful and growing organisation where safety sits at the heart of everything they do. The successful candidate will have genuine influence and the opportunity to shape SHEQ performance across a nationally recognised infrastructure business.
If you are a highly motivated SHEQ leader looking to make a significant impact within the rail sector, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to discuss this opportunity in confidence