At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HSEQS strategy and culture across UK & Ireland, ensuring safety and quality performance.
- Company: Global environmental consultancy with diverse projects in renewables, infrastructure, and more.
- Benefits: Influential role with visibility, opportunity for cultural change, and career growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on continuous improvement and practical solutions.
- Why this job: Shape a proactive HSEQS approach and make a real impact in a growing business.
- Qualifications: NEBOSH Diploma, Chartered IOSH, and strong leadership experience in complex environments.
Hays Health & Safety are working with a global environmental and technical consultancy looking to appoint a Head of HSEQS to lead across its UK & Ireland operations. The business operates across sectors including renewables, infrastructure, water, marine and construction, delivering specialist consultancy across a diverse project portfolio.
The HSEQS function sits at the centre of the business, supporting safe delivery, environmental protection and quality performance across all teams.
The Role
This is a senior, visible leadership position where you'll take ownership of HSEQS strategy, performance and culture across the region. You'll work closely with senior leadership and operational teams, acting as the principal H&S advisor while driving a more proactive, consistent and commercially aligned approach to HSEQS. It's a broad role - part strategy, part governance, and part hands-on engagement with teams on the ground. You'll lead and develop the HSEQS team, embedding a culture that's collaborative, practical and focused on continuous improvement rather than compliance alone.
What you'll be doing
- Shaping and delivering the HSEQS strategy to support business growth, including integration of new acquisitions
- Acting as the competent person for H&S across UK & Ireland, advising on risk, performance and direction
- Owning the integrated management system, ensuring ISO 45001, 9001 and 14001 are maintained and continuously improved
- Driving a clear, risk-based approach to HSEQS, including reporting, KPIs and governance
- Leading audits, investigations and assurance activity, with a strong focus on learning and improvement
- Partnering with senior stakeholders across operations and support functions to embed HSEQS into decision making
- Supporting tenders and business development from an HSEQS perspective
- Playing a key role in M&A activity, from due diligence through to integration and cultural alignment
What we're looking for
- NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent) and Chartered IOSH (or close to)
- A proven Head of / senior HSEQS leader who's operated across complex, multi-site environments
- Strong experience managing ISO systems and integrated management frameworks
- Someone who can operate at board level but is equally comfortable being visible and hands-on with operational teams
- A track record of driving cultural change, not just compliance
- Strong communicator who can influence, challenge and bring people with them
This is a genuinely influential role in a growing, multidisciplinary business, lots of scope to shape things, not just maintain them. You'll have visibility across the whole organisation and the opportunity to build something that's aligned, practical and adds real value.
Head of HSEQS employer: Hays Construction and Property
Join a leading global environmental and technical consultancy that prioritises safety, quality, and environmental protection across diverse sectors. As the Head of HSEQS, you will be part of a collaborative and innovative work culture that values continuous improvement and employee development, offering you the chance to shape HSEQS strategy while working closely with senior leadership. With a strong focus on professional growth and a commitment to embedding a proactive approach to health, safety, environment, quality, and sustainability, this role provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic and expanding organisation.
Contact Details:
Hays Construction and Property Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of HSEQS
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its HSEQS practices. We recommend practising common interview questions and even role-playing with a friend. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When discussing your experience, highlight specific examples where you’ve driven cultural change or improved safety performance. We want to see how you can bring that hands-on approach to the role and make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who can contribute to our mission of promoting safety and quality across all sectors.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of HSEQS
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Head of HSEQS role. Highlight your experience in HSEQS strategy, governance, and cultural change. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this senior leadership position. Share specific examples of how you've driven HSEQS initiatives in the past.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:In your application, let us know how you lead teams and foster a collaborative culture. We’re looking for someone who can engage with operational teams while also influencing at the board level.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Construction and Property
✨Know Your HSEQS Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest HSEQS regulations and standards, especially ISO 45001, 9001, and 14001. Being able to discuss how you've implemented these in past roles will show your expertise and readiness for this senior position.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've led teams through cultural change and improved safety performance. This role is all about influencing others, so be ready to share specific instances where your leadership made a difference.
✨Engage with Real Scenarios
Think of real-life situations where you've had to tackle HSEQS challenges. Be prepared to discuss how you approached audits, investigations, or risk assessments, and what the outcomes were. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Connect with the Company’s Vision
Research the consultancy's projects and values. Be ready to discuss how your vision for HSEQS aligns with their goals, especially in sectors like renewables and infrastructure. Showing that you understand their business will set you apart from other candidates.
