Head of HSEQ

London Borough of Hackney; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the United Kingdom is seeking a Head of HSEQ to lead a critical safety function and enhance safety standards across the borough. The role involves overseeing a team and ensuring compliance with safety regulations, while promoting a strong safety culture. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in HSEQ and construction safety, along with relevant qualifications. This is a significant opportunity to contribute to public safety in an innovative and progressive environment.

Benefits

Opportunity to lead a critical safety function

Commitment to high standards and innovation

Qualifications

• Substantial senior-level experience in HSEQ, construction safety, or resident safety.
• Proven track record of driving cultural and operational improvements.
• Strong technical knowledge in health and safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead a specialist team of Principal Designers, CDM Advisors, and other safety specialists.
• Oversee the development and delivery of Hackney's corporate HSEQ framework.
• Strategic ownership of construction site auditing and safety management systems.

Skills

Leadership in HSEQ

Construction safety

Compliance management

Excellent communication skills

Technical knowledge in safety

Education

NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent

IOSH/IIRSM membership

Principal Designer/CDM qualifications

Job description

Overview

Goodman Masson is proud to be partnering with Hackney Council to recruit a Head of HSEQ, a newly created leadership role at the heart of the borough's Resident Safety service.

Responsibilities

As Head of HSEQ, you will lead a specialist team of Principal Designers, CDM Advisors, auditors, training professionals and safety specialists. You will oversee the development and delivery of Hackney's corporate HSEQ framework, ensuring full compliance with the CDM Regulations 2015, the Building Safety Act 2022, ISO standards, and wider statutory obligations.

You will take strategic ownership of construction site auditing, safety management systems, competency frameworks, accreditation processes and incident management. The role also plays a central part in governance, with significant visibility across the organisation, attending and chairing key housing safety and compliance boards. Your leadership will help embed a strong safety culture across the Council and its partners, enhancing standards and reducing risk for residents.

Qualifications

We are seeking a forward-thinking and credible safety leader with substantial senior‑level experience in HSEQ, construction safety, compliance or resident safety. You will bring strong technical knowledge, excellent communication skills, and a proven track record of driving cultural and operational improvements. NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent), IOSH/IIRSM membership and Principal Designer/CDM qualifications are required or must be achieved within 18 months.

Benefits

This is a rare opportunity to lead a critical safety function within a progressive London borough committed to high standards, innovation and resident‑focused service delivery.

How to Apply

If you are motivated by public service, technically strong, and passionate about improving safety outcomes, we would welcome your application.