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- Tasks: Lead and develop a robust Health & Safety culture across operations in the Eastern region.
- Company: Join Bridges, a Sunday Times Top 100 Places to Work 2024.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, health plans, and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety in high-risk engineering projects.
- Qualifications: NEBOSH Diploma and strong knowledge of electrical safety required.
- Other info: Be part of a family-run business with a friendly culture and commitment to well-being.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
The SHEQ Manager (East) is responsible for leading, developing, and embedding a robust Health, Safety, Environmental and Wellbeing (HSE&W) culture across all operations in the Eastern region. The role ensures full compliance with statutory obligations, client standards, and company policies, while proactively driving continual improvement in safety performance across electrical engineering works within the water and wastewater sector. This role provides strategic leadership, expert guidance, and operational oversight for all H&S matters, supporting safe delivery of projects involving high-risk electrical, mechanical, and confined-space activities.
At Bridges we are more than Engineers. We are listed on the Sunday Times Top 100 Places to Work 2024. As a team we shape and support engineering and construction for our clients who in turn touch the daily lives of millions of people across the UK. We have a large diverse team of talented Safe & Happy People, combining their strengths and ambition to bring innovation and evolution which ensures Sustainability for all stakeholders.
Around our key sectors – Water, Power, Energy and Aggregates, and supported through our regional office network supported by our manufacturing hub located in the heart of Somerset which forms part of our 60,000ft head office complex – we deliver diverse and interesting projects and programmes throughout UK infrastructure. Our projects range in value from £5k to £15m, taking the role of Principal Contractor and Principal Designer on various schemes, and supporting our valued Tier 1 contractor clients in a subcontractor and off-site manufacturing capacity.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Strategy
- Develop and implement the regional Health & Safety strategy aligned with company objectives and industry best practice.
- Act as the senior H&S authority for the East region, providing visible leadership and promoting a positive safety culture.
- Advise senior management on H&S risks, trends, and performance, including board-level reporting.
- Compliance & Governance
- Ensure compliance with all relevant UK legislation, including but not limited to:
- Health and Safety at Work Act
- CDM Regulations
- Electricity at Work Regulations
- Confined Spaces Regulations
- COSHH
- Maintain and continually improve the company’s H&S management system (e.g. ISO 45001).
- Lead external audits, client audits, and regulatory inspections.
- Provide expert H&S support to live water and wastewater projects, including:
- Electrical installation and commissioning
- Control panels and LV systems
- Pumping stations and treatment works
- Confined spaces and hazardous environments
- Civil Works
- Lead investigations into accidents, incidents, and near misses, ensuring root causes are identified and corrective actions implemented.
- Monitor H&S performance metrics, trends, and leading indicators.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce incidents and improve behavioural safety.
- Oversee regional H&S training needs analysis and delivery, ensuring workforce competence.
- Support development of site managers, engineers, and supervisors in H&S leadership.
- Act as the primary H&S interface with water utility clients, regulators, and principal contractors.
- Support tender submissions and pre-qualification processes with H&S input.
- Build strong working relationships with operational teams and client H&S representatives.
Essential
- NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent Level 6 qualification).
- Chartered Member of IOSH (CMIOSH) or working towards preferred.
- Strong working knowledge of electrical safety, high-risk activities, and CDM.
- Proven experience influencing senior stakeholders and operational teams.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regionally.
Desirable
- Experience working with major UK water authorities or framework contracts.
- ISO 45001 Lead Auditor qualification.
- Environmental management knowledge (ISO 14001).
- Experience leading multi-site or regional H&S teams.
Key Competencies
- Strategic leadership and decision-making.
- Strong communication and influencing skills.
- Practical, solutions-focused approach.
- High level of integrity and professionalism.
- Ability to balance compliance with operational delivery.
Benefits
ROSPA Gold Medal winner, Bridges - is an excellent company to work for and a great place to develop your career. Our goal is to exceed the very highest standards and ensure our people work in a culture of health, safety and well-being. We are currently holders of the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award, which reinforces our commitment to supporting the armed forces community. We are a family-run business with a friendly and welcoming culture, and we are dedicated to helping our employees learn, develop, and achieve success - along with us and throughout their careers.
Bridges also offers an excellent benefits package:
- Competitive salaries
- Health cash plan with Healthshield
- Standard Life Pension Scheme - 5% company contribution
- Life Assurance Scheme
- Employee Discount Scheme
- Bike 2 Work scheme
- Training and development opportunities
- Employee referral scheme - £1,000 if you successfully introduce someone
- Employee recognition schemes
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
When you join us, you’ll be part of our exciting journey. Wherever your journey begins with us, through mutual engagement, we’ll make sure you are supported and invested in. We believe in ‘team bridges’ and leadership at all levels with our guiding principles: Safe People, Happy People, Sustainable Business. Come and be part of our team! Bridges is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to ensuring equality and diversity within the workplace.
Head of Health & Safety (East) employer: Bridges Electrical Engineers
Contact Detail:
Bridges Electrical Engineers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Health & Safety (East)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they’re even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. This will help you articulate your experience and skills confidently when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team. So, go ahead and take that step!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Health & Safety (East)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in health and safety, especially in high-risk environments. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Bridges!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Head of Health & Safety, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership. Share examples of how you've influenced teams or improved safety cultures in previous roles. We love seeing proactive candidates!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points for key achievements and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We appreciate clarity as much as you do!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Bridges!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bridges Electrical Engineers
✨Know Your HSE&W Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest Health, Safety, Environmental and Wellbeing regulations. Familiarise yourself with the Health and Safety at Work Act and CDM Regulations, as well as any recent changes in legislation. This will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also proactive about compliance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a potential Head of Health & Safety, you'll need to demonstrate your strategic leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in the past, particularly in high-risk environments. Be ready to discuss how you promote a positive safety culture and influence senior stakeholders.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations, like an incident investigation or a compliance audit. Think through your approach to these scenarios ahead of time, focusing on your problem-solving skills and ability to drive continuous improvement in safety performance.
✨Engage with the Company Culture
Bridges prides itself on being a family-run business with a friendly culture. Research their values and be prepared to discuss how you align with their commitment to health, safety, and well-being. Showing that you fit into their 'Safe People, Happy People' ethos can set you apart from other candidates.
