Head of HSE & Safety Transformation — eVTOL Innovation

vertical aerospace group; West of England; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertical Aerospace seeks a senior HSE leader to set the direction for health, safety and environment across operations. You will lead the HSE team, strengthen the management system, and foster a culture where people speak up, learn and continuously improve.

Reporting to the VP Operations and Manufacturing, you will embed HSE into planning and decision-making, drive ISO 45001 alignment and regulatory engagement, and champion Zero Harm across the company’s growth.

Qualifications

• Proven HSE leadership in a complex or safety-critical environment.
• Experience influencing senior leaders on risk and accountability for HSE.
• Track record of improving HSE performance, culture and governance.
• Knowledge of UK health and safety legislation in engineering/operational settings.
• Experience developing and managing an ISO 45001-aligned management system.
• Experience leading investigations, audits, assurance and regulatory engagement.
• Environmental compliance and risk management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead HSE strategy, annual plan and risk-based assurance programme.
• Advise executives on HSE risks, trends and priorities and promote ownership.
• Embed HSE into business planning, decision-making and change management.
• Ensure risk management across engineering, labs, test, facilities and operations.
• Lead investigations and ensure learning drives improvement.
• Maintain and improve ISO 45001-aligned HSE management system.
• Lead audits, inspections and regulatory engagement.
• Use data to drive HSE performance improvements and focus on top risks.
• Lead environmental compliance and continuous improvement across operations.
• Define training and competency requirements for HSE.
• Champion Golden Safety Rules and Zero Harm ambitions.
• Lead, develop and prioritize the HSE team.

Skills

HSE leadership

Stakeholder influence

Safety governance

Risk management

Environmental compliance

Incident investigations

Education

NEBOSH Diploma

NVQ Level 6 in OH&S

Tools

ISO 45001 system

Job description

Vertical Aerospace seeks a senior HSE leader to set the direction for health, safety and environment across operations. You will lead the HSE team, strengthen the management system, and foster a culture where people speak up, learn and continuously improve.

Reporting to the VP Operations and Manufacturing, you will embed HSE into planning and decision-making, drive ISO 45001 alignment and regulatory engagement, and champion Zero Harm across the company’s growth.