The purpose of this role is to strengthen DLA Piper's operational risk and resilience by embedding consistent Health & Safety (H&S) standards, processes and controls across its international offices. It provides strategic leadership for the development and governance of the H&S Management System, ensures compliance with international standards such as ISO 45001 and ISO 45003, and driving initiatives that safeguard employee well-being.
This role will lead on H&S incident management, audits, training, and policy development, the role ensures a proactive approach to risk mitigation through appropriate controls. It also contributes to sustainability reporting and integrates H&S into broader business and risk frameworks, reinforcing the firm's commitment to a safe, resilient, and responsible workplace.
Main duties and responsibilitiesStakeholder ManagementInternational stakeholder engagement working collaboratively with key stakeholders across the international firm, for example HR, P&W, Risk and Internal audit teams. Be the main contact across the international firm for all things Health & Safety.
Manage key Health & Safety Suppliers.
Management SystemProvide strategic leadership for the design, development, and integration of the firm's overarching Management System (MS), ensuring seamless alignment across Health & Safety, Environmental, and Energy standards.
Lead the planning and execution of annual and triennial certification cycles for ISO45001, setting clear performance targets and long-term objectives to maintain compliance and readiness for internal and external audits.
Ensure the MS reflects a forward-looking 3–5 year roadmap, positioning the firm for sustained certification success and enhanced risk governance whilst facilitating decision-making and ensuring consistency across departments, and continual improvement.
Prepare for and lead the quarterly management review meetings for Health & Safety to ensure key stakeholders are updated on improvements, challenges and resolutions.
Maintain and update information in management systems including key H&S contacts, organisational flowcharts, training and other pertinent records.
Compiling information for internal and external reporting eg Dashboards. H&S Assessment ReviewLead and manage the end-to-end process of all H&S assessments, including Display Screen Equipment (DSE), Stress Risk, Permits-to-work, and Physical assessments. Ensure robust governance by defining clear roles and responsibilities, embedding accountability, and delivering appropriately targeted training and awareness programs. H&S InvestigationsManagement of all Health & Safety Incident Investigations, ensuring timely tracking, thorough analysis, and accurate reporting. Maintain clear escalation protocols to inform executive leadership and the Board on significant incidents, trends, and corrective actions, driving transparency and continuous improvement across the firm.
Training and Learning IntegrationLead the global rollout of Health & Safety training programs, ensuring content is engaging, compliant, and aligned with best practice.
Embed the Management System (MS) requirements into all training initiatives as appropriate and integrate H&S modules into the mandatory Learning & Development curriculum to drive awareness and accountability. International Certification ISO 45001 RolloutDevelop and execute a phased implementation plan for ISO 45001 certification across international offices, ensuring readiness, stakeholder engagement, and alignment with local regulatory requirements.
Policy GovernanceOwn the drafting, review, and approval process for international Health & Safety policies, ensuring clarity, compliance, and timely publication across all jurisdictions.
Budget and Resource ManagementDefine and manage Health & Safety budget requirements, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to support strategic priorities, targets, and operational needs. KPIs and MetricsEstablish and maintain clear KPIs and performance metrics for Health & Safety, ensuring accurate reporting and actionable insights for leadership and governance bodies.
Continuous ImprovementTooling: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of current assessment tools and service providers (e.g., Cardinus), identifying opportunities to enhance functionality, compliance, and user experience. Lead the exploration and implementation of alternative solutions where improvements can be achieved.
About you
Able to handle multiple priorities, working to sometimes conflicting timescales in a fast-paced and challenging environment. Able to build trust and rapport to develop effective relationships, internally and externally.
Have significant experience of managing complex management systems in a complex matrix organisation.
Have exceptional verbal, written and presentation skills. Be qualified in or working towards IOSH Certificate status or IOSH Diploma.
Have good understanding of UK Legislation and its implications for the firm in the UK and internationally.
Have the ability to turn applicable legislation into Best Practice to apply internationally.
Have practical experience in implementing Health & Safety systems and processes whilst maintaining certifiable management systems and compliance programmes.
Ability to maintain discretion, diplomacy and confidentiality at all times.
Locations
Health and Safety Manager - International in Kent, Maidstone employer: DLA Piper
DLA Piper is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that fosters collaboration across its global teams. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have access to continuous professional development opportunities while working in the vibrant city of London, known for its rich legal landscape and multicultural environment. Join us to make a meaningful impact as you navigate complex legal challenges in a supportive and innovative setting.
