Head of HSEQ

NMS Recruit Ltd t/a Russell Taylor Group; Baughurst; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Russell Taylor Group is seeking a Head of Environment, Safety, Health & Quality (ESH&Q) to lead ESH&Q across UK sites. The role reports to the leadership team and drives governance, compliance and continuous improvement in a highly regulated nuclear‑sector environment.

The successful candidate will shape the ESH&Q strategy, build high‑performing teams, and influence clients and regulators while maintaining DV clearance requirements where applicable.

Qualifications

• NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent) is required.
• 10+ years’ experience in Health, Safety, Environment and Quality leadership.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 management systems.
• Experience leading organisational change and driving cultural transformation.
• Proven ability to develop high‑performing teams and influence senior stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical and regulatory requirements into practical business solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the ESH&Q team, embedding a culture of safety, quality and continuous improvement.
• Develop and deliver the company’s ESH&Q strategy, aligned with business objectives and client expectations.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide assurance through audits, inspections, investigations and performance monitoring.
• Act as the senior ESH&Q advisor to the Board, Leadership Team, clients and regulators.
• Drive behavioural safety, operational discipline and organisational learning across the business.
• Lead risk management, emergency preparedness and incident investigations.
• Oversee quality assurance, supplier assurance and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support bids, tenders and major project reviews with expert ESH&Q input.
• Build organisational capability through coaching, training and leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Education

NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent)

Job description

Head of Environment, Safety, Health & Quality (ESH&Q)

Location: Berkshire (Calleva Park), Chorley, Gloucester or Cumbria (office‑based but remote and hybrid working available) travel between these sites required

Employment Type: Staff

Security Clearance: Must be eligible to obtain DV Clearance

Lead Safety. Shape Culture. Drive Excellence.

For more than 40 years, we've delivered complex programmes across the UK nuclear sector. From decommissioning and waste management to engineering, consultancy, R&D, site installation and high‑hazard projects, we support clients throughout the entire nuclear lifecycle.

We're looking for an experienced Head of ESH&Q to lead our Environment, Safety, Health & Quality function, influencing business strategy, strengthening our safety culture, and ensuring operational excellence across our projects and offices.

If you're a strategic leader who can inspire teams, build trusted relationships with clients and regulators, and drive continuous improvement, we'd like to hear from you.

Why Join Us?

You’ll join a supportive leadership team where you’ll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact while continuing your professional development on some of the UK’s most challenging nuclear projects.

Please note: This role requires Developed Vetting (DV) Security Clearance. Applications are welcome from candidates who are eligible and willing to undergo the clearance process.

The Role

Reporting to the Director responsible for ESH&Q and working as a member of the Leadership Team, you will provide strategic leadership for Environment, Safety, Health & Quality across the business.

You will ensure robust governance, regulatory compliance and operational assurance while fostering a proactive safety culture and supporting the successful delivery of projects across multiple UK sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the ESH&Q team, embedding a culture of safety, quality and continuous improvement.
• Develop and deliver the company’s ESH&Q strategy, aligned with business objectives and client expectations.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide assurance through audits, inspections, investigations and performance monitoring.
• Act as the senior ESH&Q advisor to the Board, Leadership Team, clients and regulators.
• Drive behavioural safety, operational discipline and organisational learning across the business.
• Lead risk management, emergency preparedness and incident investigations.
• Oversee quality assurance, supplier assurance and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support bids, tenders and major project reviews with expert ESH&Q input.
• Build organisational capability through coaching, training and leadership.

About You

You’ll be a confident leader with the credibility to influence senior stakeholders and the technical expertise to lead ESH&Q within a complex, highly regulated environment.

Essential

• NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent).
• 10+ years’ experience in Health, Safety, Environment and Quality leadership.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 management systems.
• Experience leading organisational change and driving cultural transformation.
• Proven ability to develop high‑performing teams and influence senior stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical and regulatory requirements into practical business solutions.
• Strong strategic thinking, decision‑making and risk management capability.

Desirable

• Membership of a relevant professional institution.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience working within the nuclear or other highly regulated industries.
• Experience managing commercially sensitive and confidential information.

Why This Role?

This is an opportunity to shape the future of ESH&Q within a growing organisation delivering nationally significant nuclear projects. You’ll influence business strategy, lead a high‑performing team and play a critical role in ensuring every project is delivered safely, compliantly and to the highest quality standards.

Important Information: We endeavour to process your personal data in a fair and transparent manner. In applying for this role, Russell Taylor will be acting within your interest and will contact you in relation to the role, either by email, phone or text message. For more information see our on our website. It is important you are aware of your individual rights and the provisions the company has put in place to protect your data. If you would like further information on the policy or GDPR please get in touch with us.