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.