Head of SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality)

Are you an experienced, senior SHEQ professional who has worked within the rail industry?
 
Do you possess a NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent), CMIOSH, and ISEP Membership (Practitioner or Chartered)?

Location: Colchester (hybrid)
Salary: Up to £85,000 DOE

A rail subcontractor is seeking an experienced Head of SHEQ to join it''s senior leadership team. Reporting directly in to the Managing Director, you would have responsibility for driving SHEQ strategy, ensuring compliance, and embedding a culture of safety and continuous improvement across the business.

The successful candidate will lead and manage all aspects of Safety, Health, Environment and Quality across a workforce of 500+ employees, supported by a small SHEQ team. You will play a key role in shaping business strategy, supporting operational delivery, and providing assurance to both clients and senior leadership.

This is a pivotal position requiring a strong leader who can influence stakeholders at all levels, from site teams through to board level, ensuring the highest standards of compliance and performance are consistently achieved.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the SHEQ strategy across the business
• Ensure compliance with Network Rail standards, company policies, and all relevant legislation
• Oversee implementation and management of ISO9001, ISO14001, ISO45001 and RISQS requirements
• Lead preparation for and delivery of Principal Contractor Licence audits
• Oversee the production and approval of Construction Phase Plans (CPPs), Work Package Plans (WPPs), Task Briefing Sheets (TBS), and Risk Assessments
• Manage accident and incident investigations, ensuring root cause analysis and corrective actions are implemented
• Conduct and oversee site audits, inspections, and assurance processes
• Maintain and manage supplier approval and assurance systems
• Produce management reports and present SHEQ updates to senior leadership and Board
• Lead, coach, and develop the SHEQ team, ensuring competence and succession planning
• Support wider business strategy as a key member of the senior leadership team

Essential:

• Proven experience in a senior SHEQ leadership role within rail
• Strong knowledge of Network Rail standards and UK health & safety legislation
• Demonstrable experience implementing and managing ISO management systems (9001, 14001, 45001)
• Experience leading CDM compliance and accident/incident investigations
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to manage budgets, analyse risk, and deliver accurate management information

Qualifications:

• NEBOSH Diploma / NCRQ / NVQ Level 5 (or equivalent)
• Chartered Member of IOSH (CMIOSH)
• ISEP Membership (Practitioner or Chartered)

Desirable:

• Lead Auditor qualification
• PTS and/or COSS certification