At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safety transformation in a high-profile public sector organisation and ensure effective delivery.
- Company: Prestigious UK public sector organisation with a focus on safety excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and impactful leadership experience.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in safety during a critical transformation phase.
- Qualifications: Chartered safety qualification and experience in high-risk environments required.
- Other info: Unique opportunity to influence at the highest levels of UK public service.
We are supporting a high-profile UK public sector organisation at the heart of the democratic system in the appointment of an Interim Director of Safety for an initial six-month assignment.
This is a rare and prestigious interim leadership role, providing senior-level oversight and continuity during a critical phase of an established Safety Transformation Programme. The position operates across a complex, bicameral environment, offering strategic influence, operational oversight, and direct engagement with senior stakeholders at the highest level.
The Interim Director of Safety will provide steady, experienced leadership across a large and complex estate, ensuring that safety transformation activity continues to be delivered effectively, consistently, and at pace.
Key focus areas include:
- Construction, fire and food safety
- Safety governance, assurance and reporting
- Leadership of a specialist safety function during transition
- Senior stakeholder engagement and board-level briefing
Reporting into the central governance function, with accountability across multiple senior bodies, the role carries significant responsibility and visibility.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide continuity of leadership for an established Safety Transformation Programme, ensuring delivery milestones, governance arrangements and risk controls remain on track
- Maintain oversight of the Safety Management System, incident reporting, corporate risk assessments and safety performance trends
- Lead, support and stabilise a specialist safety team during a period of organisational change
- Provide expert advice and assurance to senior leaders, boards and committees, including briefing on emerging risks and priority issues
- Lead responses to any significant incidents or high-potential events, ensuring robust investigation and follow-up
- Support the embedding of new governance structures, roles and ways of working across the organisation
You will be a senior, credible safety leader with experience operating in complex, high-risk and politically sensitive environments.
You will ideally bring:
- Chartered status or equivalent senior health & safety qualification (e.g. CMIOSH or equivalent experience)
- Proven experience leading corporate or enterprise-level safety functions
- Strong authority, presence and confidence engaging at Board, Executive and Commissioner level
- Experience leading teams through transition, transformation or interim periods
- The ability to balance strategic oversight with operational grip
Contract Details:
- Contract length: 6 months
- Engagement: Inside IR35
- Day rate: Β£800- Β£900 per day
- Location: London β Westminster
- Security clearance: Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) required
Why Apply?
- A genuinely unique interim leadership role
- Opportunity to operate at the very top of UK public service
- High-impact assignment with national visibility
- Chance to influence and stabilise a critical safety function during transformation
If youβre passionate about driving safety excellence, developing people and making a tangible difference across a complex, high-profile estate, weβd love to hear from you.
Interim Safety Director employer: Bryan & Armstrong
Contact Detail:
Bryan & Armstrong Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Interim Safety Director
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the safety sector and let them know you're on the lookout for interim roles. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't advertised.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of safety governance and incident management. Be ready to discuss how you've led teams through transitions and what strategies you used to ensure safety excellence.
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance to meet with potential employers, highlight your experience in engaging with senior stakeholders and how you've influenced safety practices at a high level.
β¨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles like the Interim Director of Safety. Plus, weβre here to support you every step of the way!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Safety Director
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in safety leadership, especially in complex environments. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements: Donβt just list your duties; share specific examples of how youβve led safety transformations or managed teams through transitions. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact!
Engage with the Role: In your application, express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Let us know why this position excites you and how you can contribute to the ongoing safety transformation programme.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bryan & Armstrong
β¨Know Your Safety Fundamentals
Make sure you brush up on key safety principles, especially in construction, fire, and food safety. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the role but also passionate about safety excellence.
β¨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to discuss your experience in engaging with senior stakeholders. Think of specific examples where you've successfully communicated complex safety issues to boards or committees. This will demonstrate your ability to influence at a high level.
β¨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to talk about your experience leading teams through transitions or transformations. Highlight how you've stabilised teams during change and maintained operational grip while ensuring strategic oversight.
β¨Understand Governance Structures
Familiarise yourself with governance frameworks relevant to safety management. Be prepared to discuss how you've supported the embedding of new governance structures in previous roles, as this will be crucial for the position.