Risk & Assurance Lead

Veolia Environnement SA; Chesterfield; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Employee discounts

Health and wellbeing resources

24-hour virtual GP access

Job summary

Veolia Environnement SA in Chesterfield is seeking a Risk and Assurance Lead to drive QHSE culture and compliance across UK sites. You will lead improvement programmes, develop procedures, and coach managers to maintain Veolia standards and legal requirements.

The role involves audits, incident investigations, KPI monitoring, and ensuring ISO 9001/14001 and UVDB accreditations. Strong leadership and collaboration with operational teams are essential.

Qualifications

• Must have a recognised Quality Assurance qualification or equivalent experience.
• NEBOSH General Certificate or equivalent Level 3.
• Proven experience in managing and implementing Quality Management Systems.
• Experience in wastewater/clean water activities, boiler houses, energy centres, construction or demolition.
• Experience of QHSE inspections, audits, investigations and improvement programmes.
• Strong knowledge of statutory, contractual and company compliance requirements.
• Excellent relationship management, communication and influencing skills.
• Capability to mentor, coach and lead by example.
• Proficiency with IT systems and maintaining accurate records and performance data.
• Collaborative approach with operational teams and Risk & Assurance function.

Responsibilities

• Lead and promote a strong QHSE culture built on continuous improvement, collaboration and shared responsibility.
• Support senior management and operational teams in delivering strategic improvement programmes across VDMS.
• Develop, implement and maintain QHSE procedures and processes in line with Veolia standards and relevant legislation.
• Provide guidance, coaching and support to managers and supervisors, including behavioural observations and team safe monitoring.
• Conduct regular inspections, audits and monthly compliance checks at the Chesterfield facility and customer sites across the UK.
• Investigate QHSE events, coordinate reviews where required and ensure corrective actions are completed and tracked.
• Develop and test emergency response and contingency plans.
• Monitor QHSE performance, establish meaningful KPIs and elevate serious concerns appropriately, including stopping work where necessary.
• Maintain company accreditations, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and Achilles UVDB B2.
• Liaise with customers, contractors, suppliers and regulatory agencies on QHSE matters.
• Evaluate supplier and contractor performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Support quality, health, safety and environmental training, maintaining competency records in line with Workday processes.
• Lead improvement projects and promote the sharing of best practice and lessons learned.
• Support sustainability initiatives and help Veolia and its customers achieve their environmental and financial objectives.
• Assist with bids, tenders and supporting information.
• Manage QHSE budgets and resources while ensuring effective use of available support.

Skills

Quality Management

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder management

Communication

Leadership

Problem solving

Project management

Data management

IT systems

Collaboration

Energy sector experience

Change/risk/people management

Education

Quality Assurance qualification

NEBOSH General Certificate

Experience in QA/QHSE roles

Job description

Ready to find the right role for you?

Risk and Assurance Lead

Location: Chesterfield

Salary: £50,000 plus Veolia Benefits

Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday

When you see the world as we do, you see the chance to help the world take better care of its resources, and help it become a better place for everyone. It's why we're looking for someone who's just as committed as we are, to push for genuine change and bring our ambition of Ecological Transformation to life. We know that everyone here at Veolia can help us work alongside our communities, look after the environment, and contribute to our inclusive culture.

What we can offer you

• Access to our company pension scheme
• Discounts on everything from groceries to well-known retailers
• Access to a range of resources to support your physical, mental, and financial health; so you can lean on us whenever you need to
• 24-hour access to a virtual GP, 365 days a year, for you and family members in your household
• One paid day's leave every year to volunteer and support your community
• Ongoing training and development opportunities, allowing you to reach your full potential

What you'll be doing

• Lead and promote a strong QHSE culture built on continuous improvement, collaboration and shared responsibility.
• Support senior management and operational teams in delivering strategic improvement programmes across VDMS.
• Develop, implement and maintain QHSE procedures and processes in line with Veolia standards and relevant legislation.
• Provide guidance, coaching and support to managers and supervisors, including behavioural observations and team safe monitoring.
• Conduct regular inspections, audits and monthly compliance checks at the Chesterfield facility and customer sites across the UK.
• Investigate QHSE events, coordinate reviews where required and ensure corrective actions are completed and tracked.
• Develop and test emergency response and contingency plans.
• Monitor QHSE performance, establish meaningful KPIs and elevate serious concerns appropriately, including stopping work where necessary.
• Maintain company accreditations, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and Achilles UVDB B2.
• Liaise with customers, contractors, suppliers and regulatory agencies on QHSE matters.
• Evaluate supplier and contractor performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Support quality, health, safety and environmental training, maintaining competency records in line with Workday processes.
• Lead improvement projects and promote the sharing of best practice and lessons learned.
• Support sustainability initiatives and help Veolia and its customers achieve their environmental and financial objectives.
• Assist with bids, tenders and supporting information.
• Manage QHSE budgets and resources while ensuring effective use of available support.

What we are looking for

• A recognised Quality Assurance qualification, or equivalent experience.
• NEBOSH General Certificate or an equivalent Level 3 recognised qualification.
• Proven experience managing and implementing Quality Management Systems.
• Experience in wastewater and clean water activities, boiler houses, energy centres, construction or demolition.
• Experience of QHSE inspections, audits, investigations and improvement programmes.
• Strong knowledge of relevant statutory, contractual and company compliance requirements.
• Excellent relationship management, communication and influencing skills.
• The confidence to engage with stakeholders at all levels and challenge unsafe or non-compliant practices.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, project management and organisational skills.
• Experience producing clear reports and bid documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• The ability to mentor, coach and lead by example.
• Proficiency with IT systems and the ability to manage accurate records and performance data.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively with operational teams and the wider Risk & Assurance function.
• Experience in the power, gas or offshore industries would be desirable.
• Additional qualifications or experience in change management, risk management or people management would be advantageous.

We're proud to have been named as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work for three consecutive years in 2023, 2024 and 2025. This consistent recognition reflects our commitment to our people, demonstrating that Veolia is not just transforming the environment, we're also transforming what it means to have a rewarding, purposeful career.

We're dedicated to supporting you throughout your application journey, offering adjustments where reasonable and appropriate. As a proud Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to applicants with a disability or long-term condition who opt-in to the Disability Confident scheme, and meet the minimum criteria for our roles.

We're also committed to ensuring that all applicants and colleagues receive fair treatment without discrimination on any grounds, aiming to create a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.