Head of Health & Safety

Port of Dover; Dover; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading port authority in Dover is seeking a Head of Health & Safety to drive its Health & Safety strategy and embed a positive safety culture across the organization. The ideal candidate will have extensive senior-level experience, a NEBOSH Diploma, and the ability to influence all levels within the company. A competitive salary and numerous benefits, including generous annual leave and a contributory pension scheme, are offered.

Benefits

5 weeks annual leave + bank holidays

Generous contributory pension scheme

Private Health Care

Discretionary annual bonus scheme

Life assurance

Employee assistance programme

Cycle to work scheme

Free Parking

Employee volunteering scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading Health & Safety at a senior level.
• Extensive experience of shaping and embedding behavioral safety cultures.
• Strong analytical, decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Health & Safety team to deliver proactive support.
• Advise senior leaders on legislation and strategic responses.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 45001 Health & Safety management system.

Skills

Analytical skills

Decision-making skills

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Communication

Education

Degree-level education

NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Are you passionate about shaping a culture where safety is at the heart of everything? We're seeking a visionary Head of Health & Safety to lead our Health & Safety strategy, champion our values, and drive continuous improvement across our organisation. As Head of Health & Safety, you'll set the tone for excellence - embedding a positive safety culture, ensuring compliance, and inspiring engagement at every level.

You'll use data and insight to anticipate risks, drive innovation, and deliver programmes that make a real difference. You'll be a visible leader, trusted advisor, and steward of best practice, ensuring our people, operations, and reputation are protected.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, inspire, and develop the Health & Safety team to deliver proactive, professional support across our estate.
• Champion a culture of engagement, ensuring Health & Safety is understood, embraced, and lived by all.
• Advise senior leaders and the Board on legislation, best practice, and strategic responses.
• Ensure our Health & Safety management system is compliant with ISO 45001 and drives continual improvement.
• Use KPIs and performance data to inform decision-making and shape strategy.
• Represent the organisation externally, sharing insights and building stakeholder confidence.
• Foster learning from incidents, ensuring timely investigations and embedding preventative actions.
• Lead stewardship of the Health & Safety budget, supporting innovation and training.

Requirements:

• Degree-level education and a professional Health & Safety qualification (NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent)
• Proven experience leading Health & Safety at a senior level in complex environments
• Extensive experience of shaping and embedding behavioural safety cultures
• Strong analytical, decision-making, and stakeholder engagement skills
• The ability to inspire, develop, and empower teams
• A full driving licence and flexibility to travel as required

Benefits:

• 5 weeks annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata)
• Generous contributory pension scheme
• Discretionary annual bonus scheme
• Private Health Care
• Life assurance
• Employee assistance programme
• 3rd party discounts
• Cycle to work scheme
• Reward & Recognition platform
• Free Parking
• Employee volunteering scheme

Salary: DOE Closing date: 27 October at 5pm All offers of employment are subject to us obtaining satisfactory references (covering all education, training, employment and unemployment in the preceding 5 years) and there will be a pre-employment medical including a Drug and Alcohol test. We need to satisfy your Right to Work in the UK. Please be aware that all employees will be subject to background security checks in order to obtain a Dock Pass.

We value the unique differences that each of our colleagues bring to work every day and are committed to creating an environment where everyone is looking after each other and respected, included and able to perform at their best.