Head Of Health And Safety

About the Client:

SSA are recruiting on behalf of a well-established main contractor with an annual turnover of approximately -250 million. Operating across construction, refurbishment and specialist contracting sectors, the business has built a strong reputation for delivering complex projects safely, sustainably and to the highest quality standards throughout the UK.

As part of their continued growth and commitment to industry-leading safety standards, they are seeking an experienced Head of Health & Safety to lead the company''s health, safety and building safety function.

About the Role:

The Head of Health & Safety will provide strategic leadership across the business, ensuring the highest standards of health, safety and regulatory compliance are maintained.

This is a senior leadership role responsible for driving the company''s Health & Safety strategy, maintaining ISO 45001 accreditation, ensuring compliance with the Building Safety Act 2022, and leading a team of Health & Safety professionals. The successful candidate will work closely with senior management, operational teams and external regulatory bodies to promote a proactive safety culture across the organisation.

About the Responsibilities:

• Lead and continually develop the company''s Health & Safety strategy across all business operations.
• Manage and maintain the ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety Management System, ensuring ongoing certification and continual improvement.
• Ensure full compliance with UK Health & Safety legislation, CDM Regulations and the Building Safety Act 2022.
• Provide strategic oversight of Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs), Safety Case Reports and the Golden Thread of Information where applicable.
• Act as the company''s senior competent Health & Safety professional, providing expert advice to Directors and senior leadership.
• Lead the management and development of the Health & Safety team, ensuring continuous professional development and high performance.
• Oversee site inspections, audits and compliance reviews, ensuring corrective actions are implemented where required.
• Develop, review and improve company Health & Safety policies, procedures and management systems.
• Manage incident investigations, ensuring root causes are identified and lessons learned are implemented across the business.
• Liaise with regulatory authorities, external auditors and certification bodies as required.
• Support pre-construction teams with Health & Safety input for bids, tenders and project submissions.
• Produce monthly Health & Safety reports for the Board and lead company-wide Health & Safety communications and initiatives.
• Champion a positive Health & Safety culture through visible leadership, coaching and continuous improvement.

About the Requirements:

• Chartered Member of IOSH (CMIOSH).
• Extensive experience in a senior Health & Safety leadership position within the UK construction industry.
• Proven experience working for a main contractor delivering new build construction projects, with exposure to refurbishment and regeneration projects considered advantageous.
• Strong understanding of construction methodologies across residential, commercial, mixed-use or public sector developments.
• Demonstrable experience implementing and managing ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems.
• Thorough knowledge of UK Health & Safety legislation, CDM Regulations and the Building Safety Act 2022.
• Experience overseeing Health & Safety across multiple live construction sites and supporting operational delivery teams.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor and develop Health & Safety teams within a multi-project environment.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance operational delivery and Health & Safety compliance.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the confidence to challenge where necessary and drive positive behavioural change.

About the Benefits:

• Competitive salary and comprehensive executive benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead Health & Safety for a highly respected contractor with a -250m annual turnover.
• Genuine strategic leadership role with significant influence across the business.
• Ongoing professional development and support for continued career progression.
• Collaborative senior leadership team with a strong commitment to safety, compliance and operational excellence.
• Long-term career prospects within a stable and growing organisation.