Head of Health and Safety

Hill & Hill Recruitment Ltd; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in London is seeking a Head of Health and Safety to oversee HSE strategy across multiple businesses. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in construction and a strong hands-on approach. Competitive salary, company car, and a collaborative culture are among the benefits. This is a pivotal role that allows for real influence on safety practices within a people-first environment.

Benefits

Company car

10% performance-related bonus

25 days holiday

Flexible work environment

Real autonomy

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a HSE Management role within construction.
• Practical, hands-on approach to health and safety.
• Strong leadership and confidence to implement fresh ideas.

Responsibilities

• Lead HSE across four construction entities.
• Manage and mentor the HSE Manager and Compliance Manager.
• Improve systems and processes for HSE standards.

Skills

NEBOSH Diploma or NVQ Level 6

IOSH Membership or CMIOSH

HSE Management role experience

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Auditing

Training

Stakeholder communication

Job description

Head of Health and Safety

Salary: £85,000 + Car + 10% Bonus + 25 Days Holiday
Location: London/Home Counties with site travel
Sector: Drylining

This is more than just a job. It is a career-defining opportunity for a Health and Safety Manager ready to take the next step.

As Head of Health and Safety, you’ll move into a senior leadership role where you can shape HSE strategy, influence culture, and make a meaningful impact across multiple businesses. This role calls for a dynamic leader who’s comfortable operating at executive level while also staying hands-on, you must be ready to roll up your sleeves and get involved in the day-to-day.

We’re partnering with a drylining subcontractor to find their new Head of Health and Safety. This a pivotal role for this business, replacing a highly respected and long-standing figure in the company, who is moving overseas to start a new adventure.

Why this role stands out:

• Multi-Business Impact: As Head of Health and Safety, you’ll oversee HSE strategy across the core drylining business (£33M turnover) and three dynamic subsidiaries (Firestopping, Carpentry, and Tiling), each contributing £5M in turnover.
• Hybrid Role: You’ll balance strategic leadership with hands-on site inspections, system improvements, maintain the management system and day-to-day leadership of a Health & Safety Manager and Compliance Manager.
• Autonomy and Trust: No micromanagement here. You’ll be given the freedom and respect to lead in your own way, supported by a collaborative leadership team, an experienced Compliance Manager and Health and Safety Coordinator.
• Family-First Culture: The business is flexible, friendly, and grounded with a leadership team who understand family life and offer full support around family commitments.

What you’ll be doing:

• Act as Head of Health and Safety, leading HSE across four construction entities
• Manage, mentor, and support the HSE Manager and Compliance Manager
• Improve systems, processes, and procedures across the subsidiaries to raise HSE standards
• Lead audits, investigations, and training, while driving continuous improvement and sustainability initiatives
• Maintain key accreditations (ISO 14001, 45001, SSIP, etc.) with the support of your Compliance Manager
• Own the company induction process, recruitment, internal newsletter, company socials and represent Health and Safety at client meetings
• Champion social value, internal communications, and employee engagement around safety by acting as the fundamental link between the office and site staff

What you’ll need:

• NEBOSH Diploma or NVQ Level 6 +
• IOSH Membership or CMIOSH or working towards
• Experience in a HSE Management role (5 years +) within construction and ideally drylining subcontracting
• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the confidence to bring fresh ideas to the table
• Practical, hands-on approach, able to walk sites, engage with teams, and lead by example
• Skilled at auditing, training, stakeholder communication, and managing compliance frameworks

What’s in it for you?

• £85,000 salary
• Company car
• 10% performance-related bonus
• 25 days holiday + flexibility
• Real autonomy
• Collaborative and open culture
• Opportunities to shape, grow and lead

This is more than just a job, it’s a chance to genuinely influence how health and safety is embedded into a thriving, people-first business.

If you’re a Health and Safety Manager ready to take the next big step, or a current Head of Health and Safety looking for a more people-centred, empowering environment we’d love to hear from you.