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- Tasks: Lead and develop a robust Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality culture across operations.
- Company: Bridges, a top-rated employer known for its supportive culture and impactful projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health plans, pension contributions, and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in safety performance within the water and wastewater sector.
- Qualifications: NEBOSH Diploma and strong knowledge of electrical safety and high-risk activities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with excellent career growth and a commitment to equality.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The Head of SHEQ (West) is responsible for leading, developing, and embedding a robust Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality culture across all operations in the Western 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. The Head of SHEQ (West) 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.
About Bridges: Bridges is recognized for its people and culture. We are listed on the Sunday Times Top 100 Places to Work 2024. We shape and support engineering and construction for our clients who, in turn, touch the daily lives of millions of people across the UK. Our regional office network is supported by a manufacturing hub located in Somerset, forming part of our 60,000 ft head office complex. Our projects range in value from £5k to £15m, taking the role of Principal Contractor and Principal Designer on various schemes, and supporting Tier 1 contractor clients in subcontractor and off-site manufacturing capacity. Across our key sectors — Water, Power, Energy and Aggregates — we deliver diverse projects and programmes throughout UK infrastructure.
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 West 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.
- Operational Oversight: 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. Review and approve risk assessments, method statements (RAMS), and safe systems of work. Ensure contractor and supply chain compliance with company and client H&S requirements.
- Incident Management & Assurance: 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.
- Training & Competence: Oversee regional H&S training needs analysis and delivery, ensuring workforce competence. Support development of site managers, engineers, and supervisors in H&S leadership.
- Client & Stakeholder Engagement: 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.
Requirements
- 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: Bridges offers a benefits package including: RoSPA Gold Medal status, Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award, competitive salaries, health plans, pension contributions, life assurance, employee discounts, bike-to-work scheme, training and development opportunities, and employee recognition schemes. As an equal-opportunity employer, Bridges is committed to equality and diversity in the workplace.
Head of SHEQ (West) in Midsomer Norton employer: Bridges - Trusted Intelligent Engineering Partner
Contact Detail:
Bridges - Trusted Intelligent Engineering Partner Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of SHEQ (West) in Midsomer Norton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work at Bridges or similar companies. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Since Bridges is all about people and culture, showing that you align with their ethos can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up; be proactive! Visit our website regularly and apply directly through it. This shows initiative and can give you a leg up in the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your H&S knowledge and be ready to discuss it in detail. With the role focusing heavily on health and safety, demonstrating your expertise and passion for the subject will definitely impress the interviewers.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of SHEQ (West) in Midsomer Norton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in health, safety, environmental, and quality management. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Head of SHEQ (West) and how you can contribute to our positive safety culture.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a strategic leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to influence and guide teams. Share examples of how you've successfully led H&S initiatives or improved safety performance in previous roles. We love seeing real-life impacts!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make your achievements stand out. We appreciate clarity and want to quickly grasp your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to track your application and ensure it gets into the right hands. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bridges - Trusted Intelligent Engineering Partner
✨Know Your SHEQ Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Health, Safety, Environmental, and Quality standards. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation like the Health and Safety at Work Act and CDM Regulations. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're serious about compliance and safety.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of SHEQ, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in the past. Think about times when you influenced senior stakeholders or improved safety culture—these stories will resonate well.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations, such as an incident investigation or compliance issue. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills effectively.
✨Engage with Their Culture
Bridges prides itself on its people and culture, so do your homework on their values and recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their positive safety culture. This shows you're not just looking for a job, but a place where you can make a real impact.