At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead health, safety, environment and quality across multiple operational sites.
- Company: Join a growing UK provider of environmental services with a national reach.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company vehicle, hybrid working, and 32 days' holiday.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-risk sector while driving cultural change and compliance.
- Qualifications: NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent; experience in SHEQ leadership in high-risk sectors required.
- Other info: This is a strategic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Job Description
Head of SHEQ
Location: Midlands / South-West. Hybrid role (easy access to M5 essential)
Salary: £60,000 – £70,000 + company vehicle
Contract Type: Full-time, permanent
About the Organisation
We are delighted to be exclusively partnering with a growing UK provider of environmental services. They are seeking a senior SHEQ professional to lead health, safety, environment and quality across a portfolio of operational businesses. With multiple sites and recent acquisitions expanding the Group’s national reach, this role will support consistency, compliance and performance at scale.
Operating in a high-risk, mobile and field-based environment, the organisation values proactive safety leadership, quality assurance and cultural alignment.
The Role
This is a strategic and operational leadership position. As Head of SHEQ, you’ll develop and embed a Group-wide management system and lead best practice across all sites. The role involves direct engagement with site teams and senior leadership, ensuring robust compliance and a strong safety culture.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a Group SHEQ strategy aligned with organisational goals
- Design and roll out a unified management system across all business units
- Ensure compliance with UK SHEQ legislation and maintain external accreditations (e.g. ISO, NHSS, Constructionline)
- Lead audits, reporting and continuous improvement processes
- Act as the Board’s key advisor on SHEQ risk, performance and opportunities
- Support and coach operational teams on safe, compliant working practices
- Manage incident investigations, regulatory engagement and client requirements
- Contribute to tender responses and assurance activities
Candidate Profile
We’re seeking a credible SHEQ leader with both strategic vision and operational capability.
- NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent); Chartered IOSH (or working towards), IEMA or similar preferred
- Senior SHEQ leadership in high-risk sectors such as environmental services, utilities, infrastructure or construction
- Strong knowledge of UK legislation, standards and accreditation frameworks
- Experience implementing management systems across multiple sites
- Confident communicator with excellent leadership and influencing skills
- Track record of improving SHEQ performance and driving cultural change
What’s on Offer
- Salary £60,000 – £70,000 depending on experience
- 32 days’ holiday, including bank holidays
- Company Vehicle
- Pension scheme, discretionary bonus and employee benefits
- Hybrid and flexible working
- A high-impact leadership role within a progressive, growing organisation
Head of SHEQ employer: Cranleigh STEM, Sustainability & SHEQ Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Cranleigh STEM, Sustainability & SHEQ Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of SHEQ
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the SHEQ field, especially those who have experience in high-risk sectors like environmental services or construction. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and challenges in SHEQ.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific SHEQ legislation and standards relevant to the organisation, such as ISO and NHSS. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and quality assurance.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in leading SHEQ initiatives and how you've successfully implemented management systems across multiple sites. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've improved SHEQ performance and driven cultural change in your past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the organisation's recent acquisitions and expansion plans. Understanding their growth strategy will allow you to tailor your discussions around how you can contribute to their goals and support consistency and compliance across their operational businesses.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of SHEQ
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in SHEQ leadership, particularly in high-risk sectors. Emphasise your strategic vision and operational capabilities, as well as any specific achievements related to health, safety, environment, and quality.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for SHEQ and how your background aligns with the organisation's goals. Mention your experience with UK SHEQ legislation and your ability to lead audits and compliance efforts.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications such as the NEBOSH Diploma and any memberships with professional bodies like IOSH or IEMA. This will demonstrate your commitment to the field and your credibility as a candidate.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Provide examples of how you've successfully led teams and influenced cultural change in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and ability to engage with both site teams and senior leadership effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cranleigh STEM, Sustainability & SHEQ Recruitment
✨Understand the SHEQ Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the latest UK SHEQ legislation and standards relevant to the environmental services sector. Being able to discuss these in detail will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to compliance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in high-risk environments. Highlight your experience in driving cultural change and improving SHEQ performance, as this role requires strong leadership capabilities.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about past incidents you've managed and how you ensured compliance and safety, as well as how you would handle similar scenarios in this new role.
✨Engage with the Company’s Vision
Research the organisation's recent acquisitions and strategic goals. Be prepared to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs and how you can contribute to their growth and success in SHEQ management.