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- Tasks: Lead health and safety for HS2's groundbreaking railway project, ensuring top-notch safety standards.
- Company: Join HS2, Europe's largest infrastructure programme, focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and clear pathways for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety in a nationally significant project while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in health and safety management on large projects; NEBOSH or equivalent qualification required.
- Other info: Dynamic, collaborative environment with opportunities to influence safety across multiple sectors.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 83500 £ per year.
Location: London (Euston) OR Birmingham | Hybrid working (3 days office-based)
Salary: London: £75,000 – £83,500 / Birmingham £70,000 – £77,500 + 12% pen & pkg
Next Step Future progression opportunities 4 Head of H&S roles (£100 – 120k + Pkg)
We are seeking a qualified Senior Health & Safety professional with experience delivering large, complex design and build projects across a broad range of sectors, including rail, civil engineering, manufacturing, utilities, power, nuclear, airports, stations, infrastructure, complex buildings, facilities, local authorities, and higher education.
This pivotal Senior Health & Safety role supports High Speed Two, the largest infrastructure programme in Europe, offering the opportunity to influence safety outcomes at scale across a nationally significant project.
Role Overview
High Speed Two (HS2) is seeking a Senior Health & Safety Manager to support the delivery of the UK’s new high-speed railway. This is a client-side role within HS2’s Rail Systems Alliance, a collaborative delivery model established to deliver nine major rail systems contracts under a design and build framework – each contract valued c£500m - £4bn.
The role will focus on providing senior Health & Safety leadership across 1–2 rail systems contracts, ensuring HS2’s health, safety, and occupational health standards are embedded throughout design and delivery. The initial phase of the programme is design-led (approximately the first two years), followed by construction and commissioning.
The Rail Systems Alliance is a unique integrated delivery model, bringing together HS2 and multiple rail systems contractors to deliver signalling, HV power, M&E systems, communications, and related railway systems. Each contractor holds an individual Design & Build contract with HS2, alongside participation in the Alliance to promote collaboration, innovation, and improved safety outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide senior Health & Safety leadership across assigned rail systems contracts
- Embed and role-model HS2’s “Safe at Heart” culture across HS2 and the supply chain
- Support Health & Safety by Design, identifying and reducing risks during planning and design stages
- Provide risk-based Health, Safety, and Occupational Health assurance throughout design and delivery
- Ensure compliance with HS2 safety standards, policies, and assurance processes
- Support and oversee investigation of health, safety, and security incidents
- Work collaboratively with contractors, designers, and HS2 teams to resolve issues early and effectively
- Use analysis of incidents, near misses, and working practices to identify trends and drive improvement
Stakeholder Environment
The role is based within a co-located, collaborative environment, working closely with multiple rail systems contractors, designers, and HS2 teams. Success in this role requires strong leadership, influencing capability, and the ability to align multiple organisations to common safety goals and ways of working.
Skills & Experience Required
- Proven experience in a Senior Health & Safety Manager role on large, complex design and build projects.
- Background in sectors such as rail, infrastructure, utilities, energy, nuclear, airports, complex buildings, manufacturing, or similar.
- Strong experience of Health & Safety by Design, including early risk identification and mitigation.
- Understanding of Occupational Health, particularly in relation to operations and maintenance activities.
- Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead across multi-organisational environments.
- Experience embedding and improving Health & Safety culture on complex programmes.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Professional Health & Safety qualification equivalent to NEBOSH Diploma, Chartered, Degree qualified etc.
Candidate Profile
Candidate may come from client, consultancy, or contractor backgrounds. You will be a collaborative, proactive leader with strong communication skills and the ability to operate effectively in a complex, integrated delivery environment.
Senior Health Safety Manager - HS2 in Birmingham employer: Charlton Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Charlton Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Health Safety Manager - HS2 in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the health and safety sector, especially those involved in large projects. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching HS2 and their safety culture. Understand their 'Safe at Heart' initiative and think of examples from your experience that align with their values. This shows you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance! We love seeing candidates who take the time to engage with us directly. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application and gives you a better shot at landing that Senior Health & Safety Manager role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Health Safety Manager - HS2 in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Health & Safety Manager role. Highlight your experience in large, complex projects and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your background aligns with HS2's needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about health and safety and how you can contribute to HS2's mission. Be sure to mention specific experiences that demonstrate your leadership skills.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use metrics where possible to show how you've improved safety outcomes in previous roles. We love numbers that tell a story!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can't wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Charlton Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of health and safety regulations, especially those relevant to large infrastructure projects. Familiarise yourself with HS2's 'Safe at Heart' culture and be ready to discuss how you've implemented similar practices in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience in health and safety management. Think about times when you influenced stakeholders or led teams through complex projects. Be ready to explain how you foster collaboration and drive a safety-first culture.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle incidents. Prepare to discuss how you would approach risk identification and mitigation during the design phase of a project, as well as how you would investigate safety incidents.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the Rail Systems Alliance, and HS2’s future projects. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if the company aligns with your values and career goals.