SHEF Manager

Mainstay Recruitment Solutions Ltd; Metropolitan Borough of Solihull; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is looking for a Principal SHEF Manager to oversee Safety, Health, Environment, and Fire performance across the UK portfolio. This senior position requires a blend of strategic insight and hands-on leadership to foster a Zero Harm culture. Candidates should possess extensive SHEF experience, NEBOSH qualifications, and strong stakeholder engagement skills. This role includes regular travel within the UK and offers a competitive salary package with excellent benefits and flexible working options.

Benefits

Company car or car allowance

6% matched pension contribution

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Private medical cover for you and your partner

Annual bonus

Life assurance (2x salary)

One professional subscription funded per year

Flexible working with home-based options

Qualifications

• Senior-level SHEF experience in construction or facilities management.
• Strong knowledge of health & safety legislation and accident investigation.
• Ability to influence and engage stakeholders effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead the regional SHEF strategy across various operational areas.
• Provide expert SHEF guidance ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Manage and develop SHEF professionals for better accountability.
• Conduct inspections and reviews, taking necessary actions.

Skills

SHEF experience in construction

Health & safety legislation knowledge

Analytical skills

Presentation skills

Stakeholder engagement

Education

NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent

NEBOSH Environmental Certificate/Diploma

Asbestos management (P405)

Fire risk assessment accreditation

Recognised auditor status

Job description

Role: Principal SHEF Manager
Location: West Midlands (covering East Anglia to the Scottish Border)
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Salary: £60,000 - £70,000 Basic Salary + Annual Bonus + Excellent Benefits

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Principal SHEF Manager to lead and drive exceptional standards of Safety, Health, Environment and Fire (SHEF) performance across a large UK portfolio. This is a senior leadership role combining strategic oversight with hands‑on operational delivery, supporting both construction and facilities management activities. As a Business Unit Lead, you will provide direct line management to a regional SHEF team, setting objectives, developing capability, and ensuring SHEF strategy evolves in line with business risk and operational need. You will work closely with senior leaders, operational teams and supply chain partners to promote a strong Zero Harm culture and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver the regional SHEF strategy across construction, FM, grounds maintenance and office environments
• Provide expert SHEF guidance to operational teams, ensuring full compliance with CDM 2015 and company standards
• Line manage and develop SHEF professionals, driving performance and accountability
• Undertake regular site inspections, audits and compliance reviews, taking decisive action where required
• Produce high‑quality monthly SHEF reports, analysing trends, incidents and emerging risks
• Support Principal Designer and Principal Contractor duties across projects
• Deliver SHEF training, campaigns and targeted interventions to improve knowledge and behaviours
• Contribute to the organisation's audit programme and maintain ISO 45001 certification
• Embed environmental and sustainability considerations into SHEF activity

What You’ll Bring

• Proven senior‑level SHEF experience within Construction and/or Facilities Management environments
• Strong working knowledge of health & safety legislation, accident investigation and behavioural safety
• Confident influencer, able to challenge unsafe behaviours and engage stakeholders at all levels
• Strong analytical, reporting and presentation skills
• Ability to manage a wide geographic remit and prioritise effectively while travelling extensively

Qualifications

NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent) – essential

• NEBOSH Environmental Certificate/Diploma
• Asbestos management (P405)
• Fire risk assessment accreditation
• Recognised auditor status
• Train‑the‑Trainer qualification
• Chartered IOSH and APS membership (or equivalent) highly desirable

What We Offer

• Company car or car allowance
• 6% matched pension contribution
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Private medical cover for you and your partner
• Annual bonus
• Life assurance (2x salary)
• One professional subscription funded per year
• Flexible working with home‑based options

This role requires regular UK travel from East Anglia and the Midlands up to the Scottish border, and candidates should be centrally located and comfortable with a mobile role.