Head of Environmental Health & Safety

Job Purpose

The Head of Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) is responsible for developing and leading the organisation's EHS strategy. The role ensures compliance with all relevant environmental, health, and safety legislation while embedding a strong safety culture across all business operations.

The Head of EHS will provide strategic leadership, governance, and oversight of the organisation's EHS management systems, ensuring operational excellence, risk reduction, and continuous improvement in environmental performance and workplace safety.

Key Responsibilities

EHS Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and implement the organisation's EHS strategy aligned with corporate objectives and operational priorities.

• Lead the organisation in creating a proactive and sustainable safety culture.

• Provide strategic EHS leadership to executive teams and senior management.

• Establish group-wide EHS policies, standards, and governance frameworks.

Regulatory Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with all applicable health, safety, and environmental legislation across all operational locations.

• Monitor regulatory changes and ensure organisational readiness and compliance.

• Oversee regulatory engagement, inspections, and compliance reporting.

• Ensure compliance with relevant international standards such as ISO 45001 and ISO 14001.

Risk Management

• Lead enterprise-wide EHS risk identification and mitigation strategies.

• Oversee hazard identification, risk assessments, and control frameworks.

• Implement proactive risk management practices to minimise workplace incidents and environmental impact.

• Ensure robust incident investigation processes and root cause analysis.

Environmental & Sustainability Leadership

• Lead the organisation's environmental management strategy including waste management, emissions control, and environmental compliance.

• Drive sustainability initiatives and environmental performance improvement programmes.

• Ensure environmental reporting and compliance with regulatory authorities.

Operational Oversight

• Provide oversight and support for EHS performance across all operational sites and projects.

• Ensure EHS standards are embedded in engineering, construction, maintenance, and operational activities.

• Monitor performance through KPIs, audits, and performance reviews.

EHS Management Systems

• Develop, implement, and maintain the organisation's EHS Management Systems.

• Ensure alignment with international standards such as ISO 45001 and ISO 14001.

• Lead internal and external audits and certification processes.

• Drive continuous improvement through structured management systems.

People Leadership & Culture

• Lead and develop the organisation's EHS team across multiple locations.

• Provide coaching, training, and professional development for EHS professionals and operational leaders.

• Promote leadership accountability for safety performance at all organisational levels.

• Champion behavioural safety and employee engagement programmes.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with operational leadership teams to embed EHS into day-to-day business operations.

• Work with clients, contractors, and external stakeholders to ensure high safety and environmental standards.

• Represent the organisation on EHS matters with regulatory bodies and industry organisations.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strategic EHS leadership and governance

• Deep knowledge of environmental and health & safety legislation

• Strong risk management and incident investigation capability

• Experience with ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 management systems

• Excellent leadership and stakeholder engagement skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

• Ability to influence organisational culture and drive behavioural change

• Effective communication and reporting skills

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Health & Safety, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)

• Professional qualification such as NEBOSH Diploma, Chartered IOSH membership, or equivalent

• 10+ years' experience in EHS roles with significant leadership responsibility