Group Head of Health & Safety

Irwin & Colton Limited; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Irwin & Colton Limited is seeking a Group Head of Health & Safety to lead the organisation's safety strategy and ensure regulatory compliance across the business. The role is hybrid with national travel and requires senior-level expertise in safety governance and risk management.

The successful candidate will shape the H&S framework, drive continuous improvement, and partner with executive leadership to foster a proactive safety culture across all sites.

Qualifications

• NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent) required or equivalent professional qualification.
• Proven senior leadership experience in health & safety with strategy implementation and governance.
• Extensive knowledge of UK H&S legislation, ISO 45001, and risk mitigation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and continuous improvement of the H&S strategy and management system.
• Provide expert advice to senior leadership, supporting 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.

Skills

Leadership experience

Stakeholder management

UK H&S legislation

ISO 45001 knowledge

Risk assessment

Incident investigation

Training & engagement

Education

NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent)

Tools

CMIOSH (preferred)

Job description

Group Head of Health & Safety | Up to £80K + Benefits | Hybrid (National Travel)

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.