Chief Technical Safety & High-Hazard Assurance

QinetiQ Limited; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 69,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Matched contribution pension

Generous holiday allowance

Health cash plan

Private medical insurance

Employee discount portal

Armed Forces Covenant support

Volunteering opportunities

Job summary

QinetiQ Limited in Farnborough is seeking a Head of Technical Safety & High Hazard Assurance to act as the UK Technical Safety Authority and lead the HAM framework. The role guides safety-critical decisions across OME, RF, Laser and other high-hazard activities, driving risk management to ALARP while engaging regulators and customers.

You will lead governance, ensure robust risk reviews, and shape safety culture across a diverse portfolio.

Qualifications

• Extensive expertise in High Hazard Management (HAM) and ALARP-based safety justification in complex environments.
• Recognised Technical Safety Authority experience interpreting legislation, standards and policy.
• Deep knowledge of defence high-hazard operations (OME, RF, Laser, Diving, Maritime, Aviation, Nuclear).
• Proven ability to govern HAM frameworks, assurance programmes and risk reviews in regulated organisations.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement, with experience influencing senior leaders and regulators.

Responsibilities

• Own and continuously improve the UK HAM framework across high-hazard activities.
• Act as the UK Technical Safety Authority providing independent advice and challenge on risks.
• Oversee high-hazard risk management across disciplines ensuring ALARP compliance.
• Lead governance activities: Hazardous Activity Scrutiny Panel, audits, investigations and reviews.
• Provide strategic risk leadership to senior leaders and regulatory developments.
• Develop capability and safety culture, overseeing reviewers and chairs and driving continuous improvement.

Skills

HAM Expertise

Technical Safety Authority

Regulatory engagement

Defence high-hazard operations

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

QinetiQ Limited in Farnborough is seeking a Head of Technical Safety & High Hazard Assurance to act as the UK Technical Safety Authority and lead the HAM framework. The role guides safety-critical decisions across OME, RF, Laser and other high-hazard activities, driving risk management to ALARP while engaging regulators and customers.

You will lead governance, ensure robust risk reviews, and shape safety culture across a diverse portfolio.