Director of HSQE — Strategic Safety & Governance

Project People; Theale; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Project People is recruiting a Director of HSQE for a major UK infrastructure portfolio based in Theale, Berkshire. The role is hybrid, requiring 3 days in the office, with strategic responsibility for safety, quality and environment across a nationwide estate.

You will lead the HSQE strategy, governance and risk management, acting as the principal adviser to the Board and SLT on legal obligations, risks and mitigation.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in health and safety within a complex, multi-site environment.
• Knowledge of UK Health and Safety legislation including HSE Act 1974, CDM Regulations and RIDDOR.
• Experience with health and safety management systems, audit, assurance and performance reporting; knowledge of ISO 45001.
• Credibility to influence Board-level stakeholders, senior leaders, contractors, customers and regulators.
• Proven track record of leading incident investigations and driving governance improvements.
• Chartered IOSH status or progress towards chartered status; NEBOSH Diploma; degree or Level 6 qualification.
• Commitment to continuing professional development.
• Additional qualifications in environmental management, auditing, construction safety or occupational health are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Own the health and safety strategy, management systems and assurance framework across the estate.
• Act as principal adviser to the Board and Senior Leadership Team on legal obligations, risks and mitigation.
• Lead risk management across high‑risk activities: construction, working at height, electrical safety, lifting operations.
• Provide strategic oversight of asset condition and safety risks with robust inspection and remediation.
• Oversee serious incident investigations, regulatory reporting and organisational learning.
• Strengthen contractor and supply‑chain assurance, performance management and accountability.
• Develop the HSQE team and embed a proactive safety culture through leadership and engagement.
• Manage budgets, performance reporting and stakeholder relationships to ensure governance and value.

Skills

Senior leadership

Health & safety governance

Stakeholder influence

Incident investigations

Risk management

Education

NEBOSH Diploma

Chartered IOSH status

Degree or Level 6 qualification

Equivalent Level 6 qualification

Tools

ISO 45001 knowledge

Job description

Project People is recruiting a Director of HSQE for a major UK infrastructure portfolio based in Theale, Berkshire. The role is hybrid, requiring 3 days in the office, with strategic responsibility for safety, quality and environment across a nationwide estate.

You will lead the HSQE strategy, governance and risk management, acting as the principal adviser to the Board and SLT on legal obligations, risks and mitigation.