Head of HSEQS

Description:

Hays Health & Safety are working with a global environmental and technical consultancy looking to appoint a Head of HSEQS to lead across its UK & Ireland operations.
The business operates across sectors including renewables, infrastructure, water, marine and construction, delivering specialist consultancy across a diverse project portfolio.

The HSEQS function sits at the centre of the business, supporting safe delivery, environmental protection and quality performance across all teams.

The Role
This is a senior, visible leadership position where you'll take ownership of HSEQS strategy, performance and culture across the region.

You'll work closely with senior leadership and operational teams, acting as the principal H&S advisor while driving a more proactive, consistent and commercially aligned approach to HSEQS. It's a broad role - part strategy, part governance, and part hands-on engagement with teams on the ground.
You'll lead and develop the HSEQS team, embedding a culture that's collaborative, practical and focused on continuous improvement rather than compliance alone.

What you'll be doing

Shaping and delivering the HSEQS strategy to support business growth, including integration of new acquisitions
Acting as the competent person for H&S across UK & Ireland, advising on risk, performance and direction
Owning the integrated management system, ensuring ISO 45001, 9001 and 14001 are maintained and continuously improved
Driving a clear, risk-based approach to HSEQS, including reporting, KPIs and governance
Leading audits, investigations and assurance activity, with a strong focus on learning and improvement
Partnering with senior stakeholders across operations and support functions to embed HSEQS into decision making
Supporting tenders and business development from an HSEQS perspective
Playing a key role in M&A activity, from due diligence through to integration and cultural alignment
What we're looking for

NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent) and Chartered IOSH (or close to)
A proven Head of / senior HSEQS leader who's operated across complex, multi-site environments
Strong experience managing ISO systems and integrated management frameworks
Someone who can operate at board level but is equally comfortable being visible and hands-on with operational teams
A track record of driving cultural change, not just compliance
Strong communicator who can influence, challenge and bring people with them
This is a genuinely influential role in a growing, multidisciplinary business, lots of scope to shape things, not just maintain them. You'll have visibility across the whole organisation and the opportunity to build something that's aligned, practical and adds real value.

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