At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and implement a progressive safety strategy across multiple sites.
- Company: Forth Ports, a key player in UK trade with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and the chance to shape safety culture.
- Other info: Join a visionary team committed to zero-harm culture and sustainable growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety in a dynamic, high-hazard environment.
- Qualifications: Senior H&S leadership experience in ports, logistics, or heavy industry required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Established in 1967 as a Port Authority and now with eight strategically located ports across Scotland and England, Forth Ports handles an impressive 31 million tonnes of cargo each year. It is home to both London's and Scotland's largest ports - key gateways for international trade and domestic supply chains. Beyond the sheer scale of operations, Forth Ports contributes a remarkable £950 million in economic value annually, supporting businesses, communities, and the broader UK economy.
Port of Tilbury stands as the closest port to London, making it a critical gateway for trade into the capital and beyond. Each year, Tilbury handles around 16 million tonnes of cargo, accounting for an impressive 36% of the total volume moved along the River Thames. The port alone generates over half of the Forth Ports Group's total turnover and supports around 700 direct employees, contributing £394 million annually to the UK economy. Having already undergone a £1 billion investment programme, the port has ambitious plans to double its cargo throughput to 32 million tonnes per year and triple direct port-related employment from 4,000 to over 12,000 jobs over the next 10 to 15 years.
The Group Head of Health & Safety will lead and embed a progressive, group-wide safety strategy. Reporting to the COO, this high-impact role will provide visible leadership across a complex, multi-site operation, ensuring best-in-class standards in safety, risk and compliance.
You will act as the organisation's senior safety voice, advising the Executive and Board, engaging with regulators and industry bodies, and driving a consistent, high-performing safety culture across all locations. With significant investment, expansion and operational evolution underway, this is a unique opportunity to shape long-term strategy, champion innovation, and ensure safety remains at the heart of sustainable growth.
Candidates should bring senior H&S leadership experience from ports, infrastructure, logistics, construction, or heavy industry, with a proven track record of delivering strategy across multi-site environments. With deep knowledge of UK regulatory frameworks, you will be a credible adviser to senior stakeholders and an influential leader of teams. You will combine technical expertise with strong communication, strategic thinking, and a passion for driving a zero-harm culture.
If you would like to be part of a visionary leadership team driving safety across a genuinely complex, high-hazard, multi-site environment, we would love to hear from you. Please apply or contact our retained advisor, Sophie Randles, for a confidential discussion.
Forth Ports is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity.
Group Head of Health & Safety in Tilbury employer: Forth Ports Limited
Forth Ports is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the forefront of the UK's logistics and trade sectors. With a commitment to safety and innovation, employees benefit from a progressive culture that prioritises professional growth and development, alongside the opportunity to contribute to significant economic impact in the region. Located at the critical Port of Tilbury, you will be part of a visionary team driving ambitious expansion plans while ensuring safety remains paramount in our operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Head of Health & Safety in Tilbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their values, recent projects, and challenges they face. We want you to walk in feeling confident and ready to show how you can contribute to their safety culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You should be able to clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role of Group Head of Health & Safety. We recommend rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to nail that delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We believe showing appreciation reflects your professionalism and enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Head of Health & Safety in Tilbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Group Head of Health & Safety. Highlight your senior H&S leadership experience and any relevant achievements in ports, logistics, or heavy industry. We want to see how your background aligns with our ambitious plans!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for safety and your strategic thinking skills. Tell us why you’re excited about leading a safety culture at Forth Ports and how you can contribute to our vision.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a senior safety voice, strong communication is key. In your application, demonstrate how you've effectively engaged with stakeholders and led teams in the past. We love seeing examples of how you’ve driven change and influenced others!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out on being part of our visionary leadership team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forth Ports Limited
✨Know Your Safety Standards
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest health and safety regulations, especially those relevant to ports and heavy industry. Brush up on UK regulatory frameworks and be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented these standards in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Group Head of Health & Safety, your leadership will be crucial. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead teams, engage with stakeholders, and drive a safety culture. Think about specific instances where your leadership made a tangible difference.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to safety challenges. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making skills in these scenarios. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Forth Ports has ambitious plans for growth and safety. Familiarise yourself with their goals and think about how your experience aligns with their vision. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their long-term strategy and champion innovation in safety.
