Head Of Health And Safety Operations

Irwin & Colton; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health and safety consultancy is seeking a Head of Health and Safety Operations to lead health and safety strategies within a complex public-sector organisation. This role involves ensuring compliance with health and safety legislation, overseeing incident response, and managing a dedicated team. The ideal candidate will possess senior-level experience in health and safety, strong analytical skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders effectively. Competitive remuneration is offered for this hybrid role based in London.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading in complex or public-sector environments.
• Ability to manage live incident responses and emergencies.
• Demonstrated capability in health and safety strategy implementation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the health and safety strategy and advise senior leadership.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety legislation.
• Oversee risk assessments, incident investigations, and performance reporting.
• Provide strategic oversight of mental health and wellbeing initiatives.
• Fulfil responsibilities as Duty Manager and Incident Control Officer.
• Manage and develop a health, safety, and wellbeing team.

Skills

Senior-level health and safety leadership experience

Experience managing incident response

Understanding of operational security

Influencing senior stakeholders

Leading multi-disciplinary teams

Analytical and reporting skills

Excellent communication skills

Education

NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Head of Health and Safety Operations (Interim Role)

12 Month Fixed-Term Contract
London (Hybrid)
Salary: £55,000 to £60,000 (dependent on experience)

We are partnering with a large, complex, and nationally significant organisation to appoint a Head of Health and Safety Operations. This is a leadership role within a high-profile public-facing environment, supporting thousands of staff, visitors, contractors, and service partners across the estate.

Reporting to the Director of Governance, the role will provide operational leadership for health and safety, wellbeing, and emergency management. Acting as the organisation's Health & Safety technical lead and competent person, the postholder will influence at senior level, lead a specialist team, and embed a positive, collaborative health and safety culture across diverse operational environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the organisation's health and safety strategy, acting as the principal professional advisor to senior leadership, committees, and the Board
• Ensure compliance with health and safety legislation and best practice, monitoring internal and external risk trends
• Act as the Health & Safety competent person, overseeing risk assessment, incident investigation, performance reporting, and governance
• Provide strategic oversight of mental health and wellbeing initiatives across the organisation
• Fulfil Duty Manager and Incident Control Officer responsibilities, leading responses to significant incidents, emergencies, and major events
• Lead, manage, and develop a specialist health, safety, and wellbeing team
• Chair health and safety consultation and Trade Union Safety Committees
• Engage and influence senior stakeholders, trade unions, and external partners to drive cultural improvement
• Hold responsibility for a health and safety budget

The successful Head of Health and Safety Operations will have:

• Senior-level health and safety leadership experience within a large, complex or public-sector environment
• Proven experience managing live incident response and emergency situations
• Strong understanding of health, safety, and operational security in public-facing environments
• A track record of influencing senior stakeholders and leading organisational change
• Experience leading and developing multi-disciplinary teams
• Strong analytical, reporting, and KPI management capability
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• NEBOSH Diploma (or NVQ equivalent), or working towardsThis is an exciting opportunity to join a cutting-edge site undergoing significant investment and transformation. If the role is of interest, please contact Tom Hewat on or (phone number removed).

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