Head of HSE, Aviation Safety & Compliance

Vertical-Aerospace; Bristol; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertical Aerospace is seeking an experienced HSE leader to shape health, safety and environmental strategy across our operations. You will build clarity, capability and accountability for safety, leading a team through growth and change.

You will influence executive leaders, embed HSE into planning and decision-making, and drive continuous improvement across engineering, labs, facilities and production.

Qualifications

• Must have proven HSE leadership in a safety-critical or high-hazard environment.
• Experience influencing senior leaders and improving risk accountability.
• Track record of improving HSE performance, culture and governance.

Responsibilities

• Lead Vertical Aerospace's HSE strategy, annual plan and risk-based assurance programme.
• Advise executive and operational leaders on key HSE risks, trends and priorities, encouraging ownership and accountability for HSE.
• Embed HSE into business planning, operational decision-making and organisational change.
• Ensure risks across engineering, laboratories, test, prototype, facilities and operations are effectively managed.
• Lead significant incident investigations, ensuring learning drives lasting improvement.
• Maintain and continuously improve ISO 45001-aligned HSE management system.
• Lead assurance activities, including audits, inspections and regulatory engagement.
• Use data and insight to improve HSE performance and focus on the highest risks.
• Lead environmental compliance and continuous improvement across operational activities.
• Define HSE training and competency requirements.
• Champion Golden Safety Rules, Visible Felt Leadership and Zero Harm ambition.
• Lead, develop and prioritise the HSE team.

Skills

HSE leadership

Risk management

Regulatory engagement

Incident investigations

Environmental compliance

Executive partnering

Education

NEBOSH Diploma / NVQ Level 6 in OHS

Job description

Vertical Aerospace is seeking an experienced HSE leader to shape health, safety and environmental strategy across our operations. You will build clarity, capability and accountability for safety, leading a team through growth and change.

You will influence executive leaders, embed HSE into planning and decision-making, and drive continuous improvement across engineering, labs, facilities and production.