Head of Health and Safety

VRS-UK; Darlaston; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK food testing firm seeks an experienced Head of Health, Safety & Facilities to lead their H&S function across multiple UK sites. The successful candidate will ensure compliance with legal standards, manage health and safety policies, and oversee facilities management. Essential qualifications include NEBOSH certification and proven leadership in health and safety. This role offers the opportunity to impact safety standards and operational excellence significantly.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in Health, Safety and Facilities management.
• Strong knowledge of UK H&S legislation, COSHH and ISO standards.
• Ability to travel across multiple UK sites.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a company-wide Health & Safety strategy.
• Lead, mentor and develop the Health, Safety & Facilities team.
• Maintain and enhance H&S policies, procedures, risk assessments and audits.
• Investigate incidents, conduct root cause analysis and drive corrective actions.
• Advise operational teams on H&S matters.

Skills

Leadership experience

Knowledge of UK H&S legislation

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Hazard identification

Budget management

Education

NEBOSH or equivalent H&S qualification

IOSH membership

Job description

Head of Health, Safety & Facilities

Location : UK (multi-site)

Our client is seeking an experienced Head of Health, Safety & Facilities to lead their Health & Safety function and oversee facilities management across their UK Food & Water Testing sites. As the successful candidate, you will be key to ensuring legal compliance, maintaining high safety standards, and overseeing well-managed facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a company-wide Health & Safety strategy aligned with UK legislation and industry standards.
• Lead, mentor and develop the Health, Safety & Facilities team.
• Maintain and enhance H&S policies, procedures, risk assessments, audits and inspections.
• Investigate incidents, conduct root cause analysis and drive corrective actions.
• Promote proactive hazard identification and effective SHEQ communication across all locations.
• Advise operational teams (laboratories, logistics, office) on H&S, quality and environmental matters.
• Oversee facilities management, including site maintenance, cleaning and building services contracts.
• Ensure compliance with building regulations, fire safety and environmental requirements.
• Monitor permit-to-work systems and support emergency response planning.
• Manage budgets and produce KPI and compliance reports for senior stakeholders.

About You

Essential

• NEBOSH or equivalent H&S qualification; IOSH membership advantageous.
• Proven leadership experience in Health, Safety and Facilities management.
• Strong knowledge of UK H&S legislation, COSHH and ISO standards.Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.Ability to travel across multiple UK sites.

  Desirable

  • Experience within laboratory, food testing or similar regulated environments.
  • Multi-site facilities management experience