Head of Health and Safety

VRS; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Food & Water Testing is seeking an experienced Head of Health, Safety & Facilities to oversee their Health & Safety function and manage facilities across multiple UK sites. The ideal candidate will hold a NEBOSH or equivalent qualification with proven leadership experience in Health, Safety and Facilities management. Key responsibilities include implementing health and safety strategies, ensuring regulatory compliance, and advancing safety standards. This role offers the opportunity to shape safety policies in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in Health, Safety and Facilities management.
• Strong knowledge of UK Health & Safety 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.
• Ensure compliance with building regulations, fire safety and environmental requirements.

Skills

Leadership in Health and Safety

Stakeholder management

Knowledge of UK H&S legislation

Effective communication

Education

NEBOSH or equivalent qualification

Job description

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

• 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.
• Experience within laboratory, food testing or similar regulated environments.