Head Of Health And Safety

Irwin & Colton; Dover; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm in Dover is seeking a Head of Health and Safety to lead the safety function across a major port operation. This key role involves shaping a robust safety culture and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in high-risk environments, a NEBOSH Diploma, and a proven ability to develop effective safety practices. Benefits include a competitive salary, annual bonus, and private healthcare.

Benefits

5 weeks’ annual leave plus bank holidays

Private healthcare

Life assurance

Strong pension contribution

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading Health and Safety at a senior level.
• Background in ports, marine, engineering, or logistics.
• Track record of building strong, behavioural safety cultures.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Health and Safety team.
• Ensure compliance with legislation and drive improvement.
• Work closely with senior leaders and operational teams.
• Monitor performance using data and key performance indicators.

Skills

Leadership in Health and Safety

Risk Management

Compliance Audit

Behavioral Safety Culture

Education

NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Head of Health and Safety | Dover | Competitive Salary + Company Car + Benefits

Are you passionate about shaping a safety-first culture across dynamic and fast-moving port operations?

Do you bring the confidence and credibility to influence senior leaders, mentor operational teams, and embed standards across a multi-terminal marine service?

Are you ready to take on a high-impact leadership role in a key part of the UK's logistics and maritime infrastructure?

If some of these questions strike a chord, this Head of Health and Safety position could be the opportunity for you. Leading the safety function across one of the United Kingdom's most reputable port operations, this role plays a critical part in protecting staff, the public and the integrity of complex supply chains.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Health and Safety team, promoting a strong and proactive safety culture across the entire port.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, driving continual improvement through audits and reviews.
• Work closely with senior leaders, operational teams, such as the autonomous police and marine units, and contractors to identify and manage risks effectively.
• Use data and key performance indicators to monitor performance and guide executive decisions on safety.

Qualifications

• A NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent qualification) and proven experience leading Health and Safety at a senior level.
• A background in ports, marine, engineering, logistics, or other complex, high-risk environments.
• A track record of building strong, behavioural safety cultures across multiple departments that go beyond compliance.

What the Health and Safety Lead Offers You

• A competitive salary with flexibility based on experience.
• Up to 10% annual bonus, linked predominantly to business performance.
• 5 weeks' annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Private healthcare, life assurance and a strong pension contribution of up to 1.5 times employee rate.
• The chance to lead a supportive, established team in a unique port environment.
• This is a key role for a confident, hands-on professional who can work independently, lead by example, and set accountability and culture from day one. A valid UK driver's license is essential.

For more information on this opportunity or to discuss your next career move, contact Ben Francis on +44 (phone number removed) or apply here.

Irwin and Colton are a specialist Health and Safety recruitment company, based in the South East of England we recruit across the UK. We recruit all roles in the health and safety industry from Health and Safety Manager, Health and Safety Director through to Health and Safety Advisor positions. Take a look at other opportunities