Head of ESH&Q

Are you a strategic ESH&Q leader with a passion for driving operational excellence, continuous learning, and a culture of safety?

As the Head of ESH&Q, you will play a pivotal, high-visibility role within the clients leadership team. You will champion governance, shape the multi-year ESH&Q strategy, and ensure that safety, environmental stewardship, and quality excellence are deeply embedded across all operational and project delivery environments.

If you thrive on translating complex regulatory standards into proactive, business-enabling strategies-and want to make a real impact on their journey toward Net Zero and operational discipline-we want to hear from you.

This is a permanent position, based in Lancashire. The role will require a high level of security clearance so we can only consider those that are either already cleared or are able to obtain it.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Governance

Lead, inspire, and grow a high-performing, multi-disciplinary ESH&Q team.

Collaborate with the clients Leadership Team to integrate ESH&Q priorities into overall business planning and corporate strategy.

Maintain, audit, and continually elevate our ISO-accredited Quality Management System (ISO 9001, 14001, 45001).

Safety Culture & Risk Management

Drive a proactive safety culture across the organization, embedding behaviors like a questioning attitude, psychological safety, and procedural discipline.

Oversee risk management frameworks, ensuring risks are consistently identified, mitigated, and managed ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable).

Support emergency preparedness and crisis management response strategies.

Compliance, Assurance & Organizational Learning

Plan and deliver proportionate internal assurance programs, including audits, risk-based inspections, and walkarounds.

Lead prompt, root-cause investigations into incidents or near-misses, translating key learnings into continuous improvement across the business and supply chain.

Serve as a trusted interface with key clients, regulators, and external auditors.

Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability

Ensure environmental compliance (waste management, emissions, and permitting interfaces) across all operations.

Collaborate with the sustainability team on forward-thinking environmental initiatives, including corporate Net Zero goals.

What We Are Looking For

Essential Qualifications & Experience

Qualifications: NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent).

Experience: Progressive leadership experience across Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality management.

Standards Expertise: Deep expertise in ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 accreditations.

Proven Track Record: Experience driving cultural transformation, organizational learning, and strategic capability uplifts.

Key Competencies

Strategic Vision & Decision-Making: Ability to balance complex operational risks with strict regulatory compliance.

Exceptional Communication: Skilled at translating complex technical and regulatory requirements into clear, actionable advice for executives, clients, and operational teams.

Assurance Mindset: Confident providing independent oversight and strategic challenge while maintaining operational credibility.

Desirable

Membership in a relevant professional body (e.g., IOSH, CQI, IEMA).

Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams in complex project environments.

Core Values

Passion - Perform with enthusiasm, commitment, and a "right first time" mindset.

Integrity - Act ethically, openly, and take accountability for your actions.

Challenge - Question the status quo and continuously search for better ways to deliver value.

Collaboration - Work together with all stakeholders to share best practices and exceed expectations
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed