Head of Health & Safety

Portofdover; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading safety-focused organization in the United Kingdom is seeking a Head of Health & Safety to lead strategy and drive cultural improvement. The ideal candidate will have a degree and NEBOSH qualification, plus extensive experience in complex environments. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance, leading a team, and advising on safety legislation. The role offers professional development and a supportive environment. Additional benefits include annual leave, a pension scheme, and private health care.

Benefits

5 weeks annual leave + bank holidays

Generous contributory pension scheme

Discretionary annual bonus scheme

Private Health Care

Life assurance

Employee assistance programme

3rd party discounts

Cycle to work scheme

Reward & Recognition platform

Free Parking

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading Health & Safety at a senior level in complex environments.
• Extensive experience of shaping and embedding behavioural safety cultures.
• Flexibility to travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Health & Safety team to deliver professional support.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 45001 and drive continual improvement.
• Advise senior leaders on legislation and strategic responses.
• Use KPIs and performance data to shape strategy.

Skills

Credible communication

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Team empowerment

Education

Degree-level education

NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Are you passionate about shaping a culture where safety is at the heart of everything? We're seeking a visionary Head of Health & Safety to lead our Health & Safety strategy, champion our values, and drive continuous improvement across our organisation.

About the Role

As Head of Health & Safety, you'll set the tone for excellence - embedding a positive safety culture, ensuring compliance, and inspiring engagement at every level. You'll use data and insight to anticipate risks, drive innovation, and deliver programmes that make a real difference. You'll be a visible leader, trusted advisor, and steward of best practice, ensuring our people, operations, and reputation are protected.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, inspire, and develop the Health & Safety team to deliver proactive, professional support across our estate.
• Champion a culture of engagement, ensuring Health & Safety is understood, embraced, and lived by all.
• Advise senior leaders and the Board on legislation, best practice, and strategic responses.
• Ensure our Health & Safety management system is compliant with ISO 45001 and drives continual improvement.
• Use KPIs and performance data to inform decision‑making and shape strategy.
• Represent the organisation externally, sharing insights and building stakeholder confidence.
• Foster learning from incidents, ensuring timely investigations and embedding preventative actions.
• Lead stewardship of the Health & Safety budget, supporting innovation and training.

About You

You’ll be a credible, confident communicator with:

• Degree‑level education and a professional Health & Safety qualification (NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent)
• Proven experience leading Health & Safety at a senior level in complex environments
• Extensive experience of shaping and embedding behavioural safety cultures
• Strong analytical, decision‑making, and stakeholder engagement skills
• The ability to inspire, develop, and empower teams
• A full driving licence and flexibility to travel as required

What We Offer

• The opportunity to shape and influence a positive safety culture at a strategic level
• A collaborative, supportive environment where your expertise is valued
• Ongoing professional development and growth opportunities

Additional Benefits

• 5 weeks annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata)
• Generous contributory pension scheme
• Discretionary annual bonus scheme
• Private Health Care
• Life assurance
• Employee assistance programme
• 3rd party discounts
• Cycle to work scheme
• Reward & Recognition platform
• Free Parking

Closing date: 16 January 2026 at 5pm

All offers of employment are subject to us obtaining satisfactory references (covering all education, training, employment and unemployment in the preceding 5 years) and there will be a pre‑employment medical including a Drug and Alcohol test. We need to satisfy your Right to Work in the UK.

Please be aware that all employees will be subject to background security checks in order to obtain a Dock Pass.

We value the unique differences that each of our colleagues bring to work every day and are committed to creating an environment where everyone is looking after each other and respected, included and able to perform at their best.

We review every application personally - no automated AI filters are used in our recruitment process.