Head of Health & Safety Training

I'm currently recruiting for a highly successful and well-respected client in the Civils and Water industry. They are seeking a department Head of Health & Safety Training. The Head of Health & Safety Training is the primary leader of a bespoke health and safety training facility, responsible for both operational excellence and commercial expansion. This dual-focus role involves overseeing the delivery of high-standard courses (including Confined Space, IPAF, and CPCS), whilst maintaining critical accreditations and driving B2B revenue through strategic business development.

A highly competitive salary is on offer for the successful Head of Health & Safety Training Manager with a generous (performance related) annual bonus.

• Operational Management: Oversee the daily scheduling of trainers, equipment, and classroom facilities to ensure 100% capacity and efficiency.
• Compliance & Quality Assurance: Act as the primary point of contact for awarding bodies (City & Guilds, IOSH, CITB, etc.) and ensure all Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) processes meet audit requirements.
• B2B Business Development: Proactively identify and pitch training solutions to construction, engineering, and utility firms to build long-term partnerships and secure repeat bookings.
• Course Development: Research market trends to design and launch new training programs, ensuring materials and practical rigs meet current legislative standards.
• Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a team of specialist trainers, conducting performance reviews and identifying development opportunities.
• Health & Safety: Maintain the centre as a "gold standard" environment, ensuring all practical training areas—specifically Confined Space and Plant—are safe and fully compliant.

• Education: Minimum Requirements: Professional certification in Health & Safety (e.g., NEBOSH) or significant vocational experience in a relevant technical field. Preferred Requirements: Holding an Internal Quality Assurance (V1 or TAQA) award.
• Proven Ability: Level of Experience: Extensive experience managing audits and standards for awarding bodies such as City & Guilds, CITB, or IOSH. Essential Skills & Aptitudes: Demonstrated success in B2B sales or account management; deep understanding of workplace H&S regulations; ability to manage project lifecycles from concept to accreditation.
• Managerial and Supervisory Responsibility: Direct Reports: 3no (Specialist Trainers). Supervisory Functions: Full responsibility for team performance, scheduling, and professional development. Advisory/Specialist Capability: Acts as the internal expert on accreditation standards and legislative training requirements.
• Accountability: Scope of Impact: Responsible for the commercial profitability of the training centre and the legal validity of all certifications issued. Level of Authority: Moderate. Authority to manage daily operations and team workflows; strategic or significant financial decisions require Director approval.
• Independence of Action: Freedom to Act: High degree of autonomy in managing the training facility and pursuing B2B leads. Adherence to Procedures: Must strictly adhere to the standards set by awarding bodies and national H&S legislation. Input into Strategy: Active role in designing the course portfolio and defining the commercial growth strategy for the training department.
• Complexity: Range of Tasks: Manages a complex mix of technical compliance, personnel management, and high-level sales. Problem-Solving Complexity: Requires the ability to troubleshoot audit issues, navigate changing safety legislation, and adapt course materials to meet client-specific needs.
• Relationships: Internal Contacts: Regular interaction with the Commercial Director, administrative staff, and the technical training team. External Contacts: Primary liaison for Awarding Bodies (e.g., City & Guilds) and key B2B client decision-makers.
• Direction: Source of Work: Strategic targets set by the Commercial Director and operational demands of the training schedule. Frequency of Review: Monthly performance reviews focused on revenue targets and quarterly reviews of audit/compliance status.
• Pressure of Work: Mental Demands: High requirement for focus on safety standards and compliance accuracy, alongside the pressure of meeting commercial sales targets.
• Working Environment: Physical Environment: A combination of a professional office setting and practical training areas (high-risk rigs/plant areas). Potential Hazards/Discomforts: Moderate. Involvement in overseeing training in "high-risk" environments like Confined Spaces. Travel Requirements: Occasional travel for B2B networking or client site visits.