UK & Ireland Safety Director

Eville & Jones; Leicester; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A key player in safety consultancy is seeking a UK & Ireland Safety Director to design and implement a region-wide safety strategy. This pivotal role will lead the safety culture across all operating companies, ensuring compliance with local legislation. Candidates should have proven senior safety leadership experience and strong knowledge of HSE legislation. Join us to establish safety as a cornerstone of success across the organization.

Qualifications

• Proven senior safety leadership in multi-site organizations.
• Strong knowledge of UK & Ireland HSE legislation.
• Experience engaging operational leaders in decentralized businesses.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the safety strategy for the region.
• Implement group-wide safety policies tailored to risks.
• Track and report safety performance metrics.

Skills

Strategic thinker

Excellent influencing skills

Strong analytical mindset

Exceptional communication skills

Resilience

Education

NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent

Chartered Membership of IOSH (CMIOSH)

Relevant degree in Health & Safety or related field

Job description

UK & Ireland Safety Director

Location: Flexible within the UK or Ireland, with regular travel across group companies and operational sites.

Reporting to: Group Leadership Team

Eville and Jones are part of the Phenna Group and we are working together to recruit for an exciting opportunity as a UK & Ireland Safety Director for the Phenna Group.

About Phenna Group

Phenna Group invests in and partners with niche, independent Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) businesses serving high-growth sectors in the UK and internationally. With a buy-and-build strategy and a strong focus on operational excellence, we support our companies to grow, collaborate, and lead their markets. As we continue our ambitious growth journey, building a best-in-class safety culture across all businesses is a top strategic priority.

The Role

We are seeking a dynamic UK & Ireland Safety Director to design, implement, and execute a region-wide safety strategy across all Phenna Group operating companies. This newly created leadership role will drive a proactive safety culture, ensure compliance, and act as the strategic and operational lead for all safety-related matters.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and lead the UK & Ireland Health & Safety strategy aligned with group values and legislation.
• Act as the accountable person for safety performance across all divisions in the region.
• Define and embed safety KPIs, reporting structures, and governance frameworks.
• Partner with MDs and GMs to instil a safety-first mindset across all businesses.

Operational Delivery

• Implement group-wide safety policies and systems tailored to diverse risk profiles.
• Oversee audits, inspections, and investigations, ensuring root-cause analysis and follow-up.
• Track and report safety performance metrics consistently across the region.

Engagement & Enablement

• Build and lead safety networks to share best practice.
• Own the safety training framework and develop scalable competency programmes.
• Drive communications and engagement campaigns promoting safety ownership.
• Be a visible and credible voice for safety across Phenna’s operating companies spending time on-site and leading by example.

Risk, Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with UK & Ireland legislation (Health & Safety at Work Act, CDM, COSHH, RIDDOR, ISO standards).
• Represent Phenna Group during external inspections and investigations.
• Advise on risk during M&A activity and support due diligence for new acquisitions.

About You

Experience

• Proven senior safety leadership experience in multi-site, industrial, or technical services organisations.
• Strong knowledge of UK & Ireland HSE legislation and standards.
• Success in driving safety strategy and cultural change in fast-paced environments.
• Experience engaging operational leaders across decentralised businesses.
• Exposure to TIC, construction, engineering, infrastructure, or laboratories is advantageous.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinker with hands‑on delivery capability.
• Excellent influencing and relationship‑building skills at all levels.
• Strong analytical mindset and data‑driven approach.
• Exceptional communication skills across diverse audiences.
• Resilient, credible, and committed to continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent) essential.
• Chartered Membership of IOSH (CMIOSH) strongly preferred.
• Relevant degree or equivalent experience in Health & Safety or related field.

Join us and play a pivotal role in shaping a world‑class safety culture across Phenna Group.

Apply today and help us make safety a cornerstone of our success.