Head of SHEQ

Irwin and Colton; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 81,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

Irwin and Colton is seeking a Head of SHEQ to lead governance across UK water sector frameworks from Peterborough. This high‑impact role will partner with senior leaders, clients and delivery teams to drive practical risk control and robust assurance.

The successful candidate will bring senior SHEQ leadership within construction, deep knowledge of UK health and safety law, CDM, and a NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent, with the ability to travel regularly.

Qualifications

• Senior SHEQ leadership experience within construction or major infrastructure.
• Expert knowledge of UK H&S legislation and practical CDM application.
• NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent and professional membership (or working towards chartered status).
• Ability to influence at senior level and willingness to travel to sites and offices.

Responsibilities

• Provide visible, credible SHEQ leadership across multiple frameworks, promoting a positive culture and consistent standards.
• Advise senior leadership on SHEQ risk, performance, priorities and emerging issues, escalating where appropriate.
• Lead SHEQ planning aligned to client expectations, internal requirements and joint venture arrangements.
• Oversee assurance activity (audits, inspections and reviews), ensuring actions are managed through to closure.
• Lead, coach and develop SHEQ teams, supporting capability, accountability and shared learning.

Skills

Senior SHEQ leadership

UK H&S legislation

CDM expertise

Stakeholder influence

Travel willingness

Education

NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent

Professional membership

Job description

Head of SHEQ
Peterborough |Circa £90,000 plus car/car allowance and excellent benefits

We're supporting a leading design-and-build contractor in the UK water sector to recruit a Head of SHEQ, providing strategic and operational leadership across key frameworks, with agreed support to a wider southern division. This is a high-impact role, working closely with senior leaders, clients, partners and delivery teams to ensure strong governance, robust assurance and practical risk control.

The successful Head of SHEQ will:

• Provide visible, credible SHEQ leadership across multiple frameworks, promoting a positive culture and consistent standards.

• Advise senior leadership on SHEQ risk, performance, priorities and emerging issues, escalating where appropriate.

• Lead SHEQ planning aligned to client expectations, internal requirements and joint venture arrangements.

• Oversee assurance activity (audits, inspections and reviews), ensuring actions are managed through to closure.

• Lead, coach and develop SHEQ teams, supporting capability, accountability and shared learning.

The successful candidate will have:

• Senior SHEQ leadership experience within construction and/or major infrastructure delivery.

• Expert knowledge of UK H&S legislation and strong practical application of CDM.

• A recognised health and safety qualification (e.g., NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent) and professional membership (or working towards chartered status).

• Confidence influencing at senior level, plus willingness to travel regularly to sites and offices.

This is an excellent opportunity to shape SHEQ performance across high-profile water frameworks with a business that invests in people and long-term development.

Irwin and Colton is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion please let us know if we can do anything to make the process more accessible to you.