HSEQ Manager

Serco Group Plc; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence contractor is seeking an experienced HSEQ Manager to take charge of Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality across its Defence business unit. This hybrid role involves on-site leadership in Portsmouth and support across the UK. The ideal candidate will have extensive expertise in HSEQ, drive operational improvements, and promote a strong safety culture. Competitive salary and excellent benefits are included.

Benefits

Company car

Pension – 6%

Growth and development opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Annual leave up to 25 days

Qualifications

• Self-motivated and inspiring individual.
• Experienced in managing multiple priorities successfully.
• Adaptable to fast-evolving HSEQ landscape.

Responsibilities

• Act as a Subject Matter Expert for HSEQ matters.
• Support performance assurance activities and corrective actions.
• Lead incident management and investigations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Structured problem-solving

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Experience with ISO management systems

Education

Minimum Level 6 in Occupational Health & Safety

IOSH/IIRSM membership or equivalent

Job description

Role Overview

Are you passionate about Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ) management? Do you thrive in roles where you can lead from the front with people and with purpose? Join Serco Defence as an HSEQ Manager and become a driving force behind operational excellence, cultural transformation and continuous improvement across our Defence business unit.

In this hybrid role, you’ll take the lead across a high‑profile Defence Maritime site in Portsmouth, whilst also supporting Space and Technology operations across key sites in Hampshire and the South of England. This role also requires HSEQ oversight to remote and diverse locations across the UK and British Isles. You’ll be visible, hands‑on and trusted, working closely with colleagues and customers to embed a proactive safety culture and deliver real change. Travel is part of the role, and we’re looking for someone who embraces the opportunity to be out on site, building relationships, solving problems and making a difference where it matters most.

At Serco, we’re proud of our people‑first culture. We believe in empowering our teams, celebrating innovation, and creating inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. As an HSEQ Manager, you’ll be part of a forward‑thinking team that values your expertise, supports your growth, and gives you the platform to lead with impact.

Responsibilities

• Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for all HSEQ matters, providing trusted guidance and support to managers and colleagues across the business.
• Support performance assurance activities, conducting reviews and supporting corrective actions that align with our values and regulatory standards, focusing on meaningful action, not just metrics.
• Own incident management, leading investigations, root cause analysis, and the implementation of preventative actions, turning incidents into learning opportunities and reinforcing a Just Safety Culture.
• Provide operational oversight across Defence capabilities, attending key meetings and ensuring proactive risk management is embedded in daily operations, acting as a key liaison between the Director of HSEQ and operational teams.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships, collaborating with internal teams, customers, and third parties to align goals and deliver shared success.
• Design and deliver impactful training programmes, tailored to operational and strategic needs.
• Support strategic bids, ensuring HSEQ is embedded in proposals and delivery plans to enhance competitiveness and client confidence.
• Ensure full regulatory compliance, maintaining meticulous documentation and coordinating audits to meet all health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Champion continuous improvement, identifying opportunities for innovation, simplification, and best practice across all HSEQ systems and processes.
• Promote a strong safety culture, encouraging open communication, hazard identification, and shared accountability through site visits, inspections, and zero‑harm engagements.

Qualifications & Experience

• Analytical and decisive, using data to uncover trends, drive decisions, and deliver measurable improvements.
• A structured problem‑solver, skilled in root cause analysis and implementing lasting solutions.
• Adaptable and growth‑oriented, staying ahead in a fast‑evolving HSEQ landscape.
• Self‑motivated and inspiring, with strong communication skills to engage, influence, and build strong relationships at all levels.
• Highly organised, managing multiple priorities and delivering impactful results independently.
• Experienced in ISO management systems (9001, 45001, 14001), with a deep understanding of compliance and best practice.
• Innovative and action‑focused, turning ideas into clear plans and driving continuous improvement.
• Defence Industry experience not essential.
• SC Clearance – Candidates must be able to undertake and successfully complete SC clearance as part of the onboarding process.
• Minimum Level 6 in Occupational Health & Safety.
• IOSH/IIRSM membership or equivalent.
• Desirable:
  • Food Safety Level 3 or above qualification.
  • Trained trainer qualification.
  • Level 3 certificate in Fire Safety & Risk Management.
  • Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management.
  • Lead Auditor Qualification.
  • Accident Investigation training, Disability Confident.

About Disability Confident – A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. For more details, please go to the Disability Confident website.

Benefits

• Company car.
• Pension – 6%.
• A company passionate about diversity and inclusion.
• Growth and development opportunities – Serco will support with a range of qualifications.
• A range of benefits to support the health and wellbeing of you and your family such as Employee Assistance Programme, Wisdom App, Simply Health Plans and more.
• Access to a huge range of discounts and exclusive deals such as Merlin Attractions, Mobile Phone discounts, Cinema discounts, Leisure, and Hospitality discounts.
• A Serco benefits portal offering a wide range of discounts for major high street brands in Retail, Leisure & Hospitality.
• Up to 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase more.
• Life assurance.

Job Details

• Title: HSEQ Manager
• Type: Full‑Time, Permanent
• Location: Hybrid – UK Wide (South of England/Hampshire based)
• Salary: Circa £52,000 per annum
• Car: Company car provided.