Head of Health and Safety

VRS Recruitment; Wolverhampton; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Head of Health, Safety & Facilities to oversee their H&S function and facilities management across UK Food & Water Testing sites. Key responsibilities include developing an H&S strategy, mentoring teams, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Candidates should have proven leadership in H&S and facilities management, and strong communication skills. This role requires travel across multiple UK sites.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a Health & Safety strategy that aligns with UK legislation.
• Lead and mentor the Health, Safety & Facilities team.
• Ensure compliance with building regulations, fire safety, and environmental requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

Hazard identification

Risk assessment

Education

NEBOSH or equivalent H&S qualification

IOSH membership

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.

Key Requirements : 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.