Head of Health and Safety

Private Energy Partners Pty; Swindon; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A renewable energy and green industrial load developer is seeking a Head of Health & Safety to lead their HSE strategy across construction projects in the UK. The role involves developing policies compliant with UK regulations, leading incident investigations, and promoting a culture of safety. Candidates should have significant experience in HSE management, preferably in renewable energy, with qualifications in occupational health and safety. This position offers a chance to impact safety practices in the rapidly evolving renewable energy sector.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in health and safety management, preferably in construction or renewable energy.
• Proven experience leading HSE across large, complex projects.
• In-depth knowledge of UK H&S legislation and CDM Regulations 2015.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve health, safety and environmental policies.
• Lead investigations into health and safety incidents.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety legislation.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal Skills

Analytical Skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety

Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (CMIOSH)

Tools

TRIR (Total Recordable Incident Rate) system

ISO 45001

ISO 14001

Job description

Private Energy Partners (PEP) is a fast‑growing renewable energy and green industrial load developer on a mission to accelerate the decarbonization of energy. We deliver utility‑scale renewable energy projects, sustainable industrial facilities and related infrastructure that drive industrial decarbonization. Our projects are commercially successful, technologically advanced, and rooted in responsible development.

The PEP team works closely with the investment teams at Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners across the US, UK and Australian energy markets. PEP was established to provide Quinbrook with enhanced capability in project origination, development, asset management and revenue optimisation.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced and dedicated Head of Health & Safety to lead our Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) strategy within the renewable energy construction sector. The role is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing the entire Health, Safety, and Environment strategy and performance for a UK renewable energy and construction business. The successful candidate will ensure a culture of safety, compliance and risk management across all stages of construction and project delivery, including planning, design, pre‑construction, construction, installation, commissioning and operation of renewable energy systems such as solar, wind, battery storage and other green energy projects.

Key Responsibilities

Health & Safety Strategy Development

Develop, implement and continuously improve the company’s health, safety and environmental policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with all UK regulatory requirements, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, CDM Regulations 2015, and other relevant standards. Act as the organisation’s "competent person" for health and safety, oversee risk assessments and mitigation strategies across all construction and operational sites.

Leadership & Culture

Lead and foster a culture of safety across all levels of the organisation, drive behavioural change and promote proactive engagement with safety practices. Develop and execute a forward‑looking HSE strategy that aligns with business objectives and ESG commitments. Report on performance, trends and improvement plans directly to senior management.

Training & Development

Oversee the design and delivery of health & safety training programs for all employees, ensuring contractors meet the required standards and expectations.

Contractor Management

Ensure robust H&S management for third‑party contractors through rigorous onboarding, competency checks and performance monitoring.

Regulatory Compliance

Ensure all projects comply with relevant health and safety legislation, industry best practices and client requirements. Work closely with local authorities, environmental bodies and other stakeholders to maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of evolving regulations.

Investigation & Incident Management

Lead investigations into health and safety incidents or near misses, identify root causes and implement corrective actions.

Auditing

Conduct internal health and safety audits and inspections, on‑site and off‑site, and provide detailed reports to senior management.

Reporting

Develop standardised company‑wide health and safety reporting at project and corporate levels, including defining recordable incidents, tracking incident numbers and benchmarking against industry standards. Use the data to identify directions, prioritise safety initiatives and produce accurate reports on time.

Emergency Response

Lead the company’s response to emergencies and ensure business continuity plans effectively integrate health and safety considerations.

Stakeholder Engagement

Collaborate with project managers, engineers, contractors and other key stakeholders to integrate health and safety into all stages of project planning and execution. Participate in project meetings and provide expert guidance on safe practices.

Continuous Improvement

Stay up‑to‑date with emerging trends in health and safety and renewable energy construction. Introduce innovative approaches and technologies that improve safety performance and reduce risks on site.

Key Requirements

Qualifications

• NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety (or equivalent such as NCRQ Level 6 Diploma).
• Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (CMIOSH) or similar.
• Additional qualifications related to environmental and sustainability issues in construction are desirable.

Experience

• Significant experience (10+ years) in health and safety management, ideally within the construction or renewable energy sectors.
• Proven experience leading health and safety across large, complex projects, preferably in renewable energy or infrastructure development.
• Experience in risk assessment, incident investigation and regulatory compliance management.
• Experience running a first‑class health and safety programme in a corporate environment.
• In‑depth knowledge of UK H&S legislation and extensive practical experience with CDM Regulations 2015.
• Experience influencing and engaging stakeholders at all levels, including the board, project teams and third‑party contractors.
• Demonstrable experience designing, implementing and embedding H&S strategy and driving cultural change across complex organisations.

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of UK construction and renewable energy regulations, including Health and Safety at Work Act, CDM regulations and environmental regulations.
• Knowledge of industry standards (e.g., ISO 45001, ISO 14001) and best practices in HSE management.
• Experience in implementing and managing TRIR (Total Recordable Incident Rate) system and metrics.
• Solid understanding of environmental and quality management principles.

Skills

• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, engaging and influencing at all levels of the organisation.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, capable of conducting and reporting thorough risk assessments and incident investigations.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, able to deliver clear, concise reports and training sessions.

Other

• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to construction sites across the UK and the office (Swindon).

This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape the health, safety and environmental practices in a business at the forefront of the UK's renewable energy industry infrastructure. If you’re a proactive leader with a passion for safety and sustainability, we’d love to hear from you!

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Management, Training and Project Management

Industries

Services for Renewable Energy, Energy Technology and Construction