Group Head of Health & Safety

Irwin and Colton; Reading; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Irwin and Colton is seeking a Group Head of Health & Safety to lead the development, implementation and ongoing enhancement of the organisation's safety strategy and management system.

You will work closely with executive leadership to foster a proactive safety culture, ensuring compliance with UK legislation, ISO 45001 and governance requirements.

Qualifications

• NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent qualification and chartered IOSH (CMIOSH) preferred.
• Extensive senior leadership experience in health & safety with track record of strategy implementation and compliance management.
• Strong knowledge of UK H&S legislation and ISO 45001 management systems.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and lead change across an organisation.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and continuous improvement of the H&S strategy and management system.
• Provide expert advice to senior leadership to support regulatory compliance and governance.
• Oversee risk assessments, incident investigations and insurance claims management.
• Promote a positive safety culture through training, stakeholder engagement and behavioural safety initiatives.
• Manage H&S performance data, reporting and external audits to drive improvement.

Skills

People leadership

Stakeholder management

Influencing

Communication

Risk assessment

Incident investigations

Data analysis

Policy development

Education

NEBOSH Diploma

CMIOSH

Tools

ISO 45001

Job description

Are you ready to lead a high-level safety strategy within a dynamic organisation that values health, safety, and operational excellence? Do you thrive on influencing culture, driving compliance, and safeguarding people at all levels?

We are seeking an experienced Group Head of Health & Safety to develop, implement, and oversee the organisation's safety policies and practices. This strategic role involves working closely with executive leadership to foster a proactive safety culture and ensuring the organisation's compliance with all legislative and regulatory requirements.

The successful candidate will:

• Lead the development and continuous improvement of the organisation's H&S strategy and management system.
• Provide expert advice and assurance to senior leadership, supporting regulatory compliance and governance.
• Oversee risk assessments, incident investigations, and the management of insurance claims.
• Promote a positive safety culture through training, stakeholder engagement, and behavioural safety initiatives.
• Manage H&S performance data, reporting, and external audits to ensure ongoing organisational improvement.

The candidate will have:

• A NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent professional qualification, with Chartered membership of IOSH (CMIOSH) preferred.
• Proven senior leadership experience in health & safety, with a track record of strategy implementation and compliance management.
• Extensive knowledge of UK H&S legislation, management systems (ISO 45001), and risk mitigation.
• Strong influencing, stakeholder management, and communication skills with the ability to lead change effectively.

Join a forward-thinking organisation committed to safety, sustainability, and diversity. Grow your career in a supportive, inclusive culture where you can truly make a difference.

Irwin and Colton is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion please let us know if we can do anything to make the process more accessible to you.