HSE Strategy & Assurance Leader

Missionat Vertical Aerospace; West of England; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Vertical Aerospace is seeking a senior HSE leader to shape the health, safety and environment strategy during a pivotal growth phase. You will partner with executive leadership to embed a rigorous risk framework and drive a culture of Zero Harm across engineering, laboratories, test and manufacturing.

The role requires deep experience in HSE leadership, strong governance, and the ability to lead investigations and regulatory engagement in a fast-moving aerospace environment.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership delivering HSE in complex or high-hazard environments.
• Ability to influence senior leaders and drive accountability for risk management.
• Track record of improving HSE performance, culture, and governance.

Responsibilities

• Lead Vertical's HSE strategy, annual plan and risk-based assurance programme.
• Advise executive and operational leaders on HSE risks, trends and priorities.
• Embed HSE into business planning and decision-making.
• Ensure risks across engineering, labs, test, prototype, facilities and operations are managed.
• Lead significant incident investigations and drive learning.
• Maintain and improve our ISO 45001-aligned HSE system.
• Lead audits, inspections and regulatory engagement.
• Use data to improve HSE performance and focus on high risks.
• Lead environmental compliance across operations.
• Define HSE training and competency requirements.
• Champion safety rules and zero harm ambition.
• Lead, develop and prioritise the HSE team.

Skills

HSE leadership

Executive influence

Risk management

Incident investigations

Audits & assurance

Environmental compliance

Education

NEBOSH Diploma

NVQ Level 6

IOSH membership

Job description

Vertical Aerospace is seeking a senior HSE leader to shape the health, safety and environment strategy during a pivotal growth phase. You will partner with executive leadership to embed a rigorous risk framework and drive a culture of Zero Harm across engineering, laboratories, test and manufacturing.

The role requires deep experience in HSE leadership, strong governance, and the ability to lead investigations and regulatory engagement in a fast-moving aerospace environment.