Head of Health, Safety, Quality and Environment

Reporting to: HSQE Director

Ford & Stanley Executive Search (Part of the Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group) are a leading Executive search and talent advisory firm specialising in the following sectors:

• Rail & Transportation
• Civils & Construction
• Manufacturing & Supply Chain
• Technology & Cyber Security
• Logistics & Intermodal Freight
• Defence

We have been exclusively appointed by our client company on a retained search for a Head of HSQE.

Client Opportunity Statements:

• “We are entering an exciting new chapter and looking for a Head of HSQE who wants to play a defining role in shaping it.”
• “This is a rare opportunity to join an organisation whilst its identity is being forged. Our strategy is clear, well-structured, and already delivering results. We are on track to meet the requirements of the new concession and to maintain our Safety Certificate and Safety Authorisation and the incoming Head of HSQE will be essential to the success of this.”
• “You will lead the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of our Safety Management Systems and Environmental Management Systems, ensuring they remain robust, compliant, and forward-looking in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape. This is your opportunity to help define the future of a world-class transportation service.”

Key deliverables within the first 12 months include:

• Well-structured and communicated strategy plan for the business unit.
• On track to deliver the new concession and continue to maintain the Safety Certificate and Safety Authorisation.
• Develop, maintain and continually improve the SMS and EMS in line with legal and regulatory requirements.

Essential Hard Skills (Skills & Experience)

• Candidates are required to have a strong understanding of railway operations.
• They must have the ability to liaise with regulators and senior stakeholders both internally and externally.
• Demonstrable background in managing teams and developing a positive safety culture within an organisation.
• Strong track record of being able to operate both strategically and in a ‘hands-on’ manner.
• Member of IOSH, NEBOSH Diploma Qualified / holds a degree.
• Effective written and verbal communication, ability to negotiate and present effectively.
• Desirable: Environmental Qualification.

Essential Soft Skills (Attributes & Behaviours)

• Naturally transparent leader who understands the value in respectful, open communication.
• An enabler of positive safety culture, a passionate, practical and enthusiastic leader.
• Level-headed and collaborative in their approach throughout all levels of business.
• Ability to influence at all levels.

Working Arrangements & Location:

Based 3 days per week at HQ in Central London, with 2 days working from home.

Our Client Company’s Interview Process:

• 1st Stage interview: Competency-based interview with the People Director and interim Director of HSQE.
• 2nd Final Stage interview: Face-to-face interview focusing on cultural fit.

Good to know:

An industry-leading transportation business, bringing together the very best expertise to transform travel across London. It is important to note the new line is one of the busiest in the country with hundreds of thousands of journeys in a day. This opportunity has arisen due to the current health and safety leader leaving the business in March; the business have since expanded this role to include quality and environment responsibilities. This individual will have 4-7 capable and experienced direct reports, the Head of HSQE will report into the Interim HSQE Director. The Head of Safety, Quality and Environment is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic oversight, governance, and assurance of safety and environment across the organisation. This role ensures that all operations are conducted in accordance with regulatory requirements, industry best practice, and the Safety Management System (SMS) and Environmental Management System (EMS). This role requires a proactive, evidence-based leader who can influence culture, be a driver of organisational learning and develop a safety-first mindset across all business functions, ensuring that the business maintains a valid Safety Certificate, Safety Authorisation and ISO certifications. The post holder will lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the SMS and EMS, providing assurance to the Executive Team, regulators, and other stakeholders that safety risks are effectively identified, assessed and controlled. They will also lead the delivery of audit, inspection, and assurance programmes, ensuring findings are translated into actionable improvements. This person will be required to oversee safety-related audit, inspection and assurance programmes, ensuring findings drive measurable improvements. The organisation is going through an exciting period of change; this allows the individual joining the business to really make their mark on this role and the changes they are going through. With a very authentic and strong valued team, it is a positive culture to join.

Competitive Budget & Supporting benefits (Please contact me directly for full disclosure of benefits and salary banding).