Head of Health & Safety

I''m recruiting for a senior Health & Safety leader to join a major UK retail business operating a large national footprint of stores, distribution centres and logistics operations.This is a strategic leadership role responsible for shaping and driving the organisation''s Health & Safety strategy across a complex, fast-paced operational environment.

The successful candidate will lead the development of a proactive safety culture, influence executive stakeholders and ensure best-in-class compliance and risk management across retail, warehousing and transport functions.

The Role
Reporting into the Executive Leadership Team, you will be responsible for:

• Developing and delivering the company''s Health & Safety strategy.
• Providing leadership and direction to Health & Safety teams across multiple business units.
• Driving a positive safety culture throughout stores, logistics and distribution operations.
• Leading compliance with all relevant Health & Safety legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Supporting senior operational leaders to embed safety into business decision-making.
• Overseeing incident investigation, risk management and organisational learning.
• Managing relationships with regulatory bodies and external stakeholders.
• Developing policies, standards and governance frameworks that support operational excellence.
• Producing board-level reports and presenting performance, trends and strategic recommendations.
• Leading major change programmes and continuous improvement initiatives.

About You
To be successful, you will have:

• Significant senior-level Health & Safety leadership experience within a large retail environment.
• Experience overseeing Health & Safety across multiple sites, including retail stores, warehousing and logistics operations.
• A proven track record of developing and implementing business-wide Health & Safety strategies.
• Strong experience influencing directors, executives and senior operational stakeholders.
• Excellent knowledge of UK Health & Safety legislation and best practice.
• Experience leading teams and driving cultural change across large, geographically dispersed workforces.
• GradIOSH, CMIOSH or equivalent professional status.
• NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent Level 6 qualification.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• A genuine strategic leadership position with board-level visibility.
• Responsibility for a large and diverse operational portfolio.
• Opportunity to influence the direction of a nationally recognised business.
• Attractive salary, benefits and long-term career potential.

This opportunity would suit an experienced Head of Health & Safety, Group HSE Manager, Director of Health & Safety or senior retail safety professional seeking a role with real scale, visibility and influence.

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