Head of HSE (South Down) in Crawley

Your new company Hays Construction is working alongside a premier specialist in MEP engineering, building services, and sustainable infrastructure solutions. As an industry leader with a turnover surpassing the £100 million milestone, they are renowned for delivering high-value, complex projects and driving the decarbonisation agenda. Due to continued strategic growth and an expanding project portfolio, they are now seeking a visionary Head of HSE to lead their health, safety, and environmental function from their Banbridge operation. Your new role As the Head of HSE, you will take on a pivotal executive-level position, reporting directly to the Technical & Compliance Director. You will provide strategic leadership and direction for the entire HSE and sustainability function across the business, transforming policy into live, embedded site culture. This is a highly visible role where you will manage a dedicated team of HSE Managers, Senior Advisors, and Sustainability Specialists. While the role involves oversight across regional sites, you will fully manage your own schedule and diary, providing immense flexibility over how and when you travel across the UK and Ireland. Key responsibilities include: Providing overarching strategic leadership for the HSE function across all regions, setting clear standards, priorities, and long-term performance targets. Championing a progressive safety culture, engaging directly with live project environments, client forums, and supply chain partners. Maintaining, reviewing, and continuously improving integrated management systems in full alignment with ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 frameworks. Overhauling and leading robust internal and external audit programmes, driving detailed root cause analysis, incident management, and preventive actions. Advancing the group's sustainability and ESG strategies, establishing realistic carbon reduction and environmental targets, and tracking metrics. Directing the deployment and consistent utilization of key digital platforms across teams, such as 4P, Field View, and InnDex. Refining monthly executive KPI reporting to deliver actionable insights directly to the Senior Leadership Team. What you'll need to succeed To be considered for this high-profile position, you must bring a proven track record of senior-level safety leadership: A NEBOSH Diploma Level 6 in Occupational Health & Safety (or equivalent). IOSH Membership at Grad IOSH level or above (CMIOSH is highly advantageous). A minimum of 3 years of senior HSE leadership experience specifically within the Construction, MEP, or Building Services sectors. Certified Lead Auditor status in ISO 45001 and/or ISO 14001, with a solid grasp of environmental management and ESG frameworks. Comprehensive working knowledge of CDM regulations and UK/Ireland health, safety, and environmental legislation. Strong people management capability with a background in mentoring and developing multi-disciplinary HSE professionals. Familiarity with modern digital construction tools and a full UK driving licence with the willingness to undertake flexible travel. What you'll get in return This organisation treats its leadership team as its greatest asset, providing a sophisticated corporate benefits structure designed to match the seniority of this role: Leave & Flexibility: 30 days holiday (increasing with service) alongside autonomous control over your diary and flexible working opportunities. Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive Cash Health Plan, corporate health checks, optical care, and access to an Employee Assistance Programme. Fitness Perks: Use of a state-of-the-art gym at HQ (or reduced gym membership rates outside of NI). Financial Protection: 4 x Salary Death in Service benefit and a formal Company Sick Pay Scheme. Professional Support: Paid professional subscriptions and continuous Training & Development Opportunities. Family Friendly: Enhanced maternity and enhanced paternity paid leave schemes. What you need to do now If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be Skills: Health Safety Environmental Benefits: £Attractive - Negotiable TPBN1_NI