Head of Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE)

Mercury Hampton; Bolton; Hybrid; GBP 59,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm in the UK is seeking a Head of Health, Safety & Environmental to lead safety, health, and environmental performance during a critical growth phase. Candidates must possess senior HSE leadership experience, strong knowledge of ISO standards, and a background in utilities or infrastructure. This high-visibility role offers authority to influence safety practices across the organization and is suitable for a confident, credible leader. A competitive salary package is available for the right individual.

Qualifications

• Senior experience in Health, Safety & Environmental leadership roles.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 45001, ISO 14001, CDM, and NERS.
• Background within utilities, electrical, or infrastructure environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and own the company’s HSE and Occupational Health strategy.
• Provide senior-level HSE leadership, guidance, and challenge.
• Drive consistency across RAMS, Construction Phase Plans, and risk management.

Skills

Health, Safety & Environmental leadership

ISO 45001

ISO 14001

Risk management

Incident investigation

Education

NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent

IOSH membership or equivalent

Job description

Location: North West England (hybrid)
Salary: Up to £70,000 + package (flexible for the right person)

Real Authority. Real Impact. No Box-Ticking.

This is not a paper-pushing HSE role.

A well-established UK business operating across utilities, electrical and infrastructure environments is appointing a Head of Health, Safety & Environmental to take ownership of safety, health and environmental performance at a critical stage of growth.

The organisation is raising standards, increasing scrutiny and strengthening its safety culture. They are looking for a senior HSE leader who can set direction, influence decision-making and drive consistent standards across the business.

The Role

Reporting into the senior leadership team, you will lead and own the company’s HSE and Occupational Health strategy, combining strategic oversight with visible, hands‑on leadership across operations.

Key areas of focus include:

• Providing senior-level HSE leadership, guidance and challenge
• Ownership and continuous improvement of ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 systems
• Oversight of CDM, NERS and Electrical Safety Rules & Procedures
• Driving consistency across RAMS, Construction Phase Plans and risk management
• Leading audits, accreditations and external assessments
• Embedding a strong, proactive safety culture across the workforce
• Contractor and supply chain HSE governance
• Incident investigation, RIDDOR reporting and corrective actions
• Environmental performance, sustainability initiatives and ESG support

This is a high‑visibility role with genuine authority to influence how work is planned and delivered.

The Person

You will be an experienced HSE leader with the confidence to operate at senior management level and the credibility to engage both leadership teams and operational staff.

Essential:

• Senior experience in Health, Safety & Environmental leadership roles
• Strong knowledge of ISO 45001, ISO 14001, CDM and NERS
• Background within utilities, electrical or infrastructure environments
• NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent)
• IOSH membership or equivalent

Desirable:

• ISO 45001 / ISO 14001 Internal Auditor qualification
• IEMA Practitioner or Chartered status
• Experience driving safety culture or organisational change

Why This Role Stands Out

• Clear authority to influence standards and behaviours
• Opportunity to shape and mature the HSE function
• Senior role with visibility across projects and stakeholders
• Flexibility on package for the right individual

Interested?

For a confidential discussion about the role please apply or contact Craig McDonald at Mercury Hampton on 01925 937 311 or [e-mail]