At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HSE standards and culture across projects, ensuring safety is a priority.
- Company: A leading engineering contractor with a strong focus on safety and growth.
- Benefits: Comprehensive health plan, pension, gym discounts, and real training opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of health and safety.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact on safety and sustainability in a growing company.
- Qualifications: NEBOSH Diploma, IOSH Membership, and 3+ years in senior HSE leadership.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
Ever felt like HSE was tolerated, not backed?
As Head of HSE, you'd report straight into the senior leadership team — not sit three layers down from where the real decisions get made.
You'd lead the HSE function across every region the business operates in, with a team of HSE Managers and a Sustainability Advisor reporting to you.
You've done your time in construction and engineering HSE and you're done watching safety get treated as a paperwork exercise.
Is this you?
You know CDM and UK H&S legislation inside out. ISO 45001 and 14001 aren't buzzwords to you, they're how you actually run things.
Ideally you see sustainability as more than just tick box exercise with the experience to boot.
And you'd rather fix a recurring risk than write another report about it.
If that's you, keep reading.
- What you'll be doing
- Setting HSE standards, priorities and culture across every region and project
- Owning the audit programme — findings closed out, lessons actually shared
- Leading incident investigation and root cause analysis, not just filing it
- Coaching project teams and the supply chain to make HSE practical, not theoretical
- Managing and developing your own team of HSE Managers and the Sustainability Advisor
- Where you'll be doing it
The company is a leading engineering contractor with 250 people and offices across England.
This year the business reached record turnover — and you'd be the one making sure that growth doesn't outpace safety.
- What you'll need
- NEBOSH Diploma Level 6 in Occupational Health & Safety
- IOSH Membership (Grad IOSH or above)
- 3+ years senior HSE leadership in Construction or Engineering
- Experience leading HSE professionals across multiple projects or regions
CMIOSH, ISO Lead Auditor status or IEMA membership are a bonus, not a requirement — if you've got the core experience, don't rule yourself out
What you'll get
Cash health plan with EAP, 4x salary death in service, pension, enhanced maternity & paternity, paid professional subscriptions, cycle to work scheme, gym discount, and real training & development — not just a tick-box induction.
How to apply
Send your CV, or if you'd rather talk it through first, message me directly.
Apply now
Benefits
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Gym membership
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Life insurance
Head Of Health And Safety in Reading employer: Higgins McGrath
Join a dynamic family business that values innovation and personal growth, as you take the lead in shaping a brand-new office dedicated to mechanical estimating. With a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits including private healthcare and a pension scheme, and a culture that encourages you to build your own processes and relationships, this is an exceptional opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their career. Experience the satisfaction of being part of a well-established firm with a strong track record across various sectors, while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working and genuine support for your professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Health And Safety in Reading
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Higgins McGrath, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Head Of Health And Safety at Higgins McGrath.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Health And Safety in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Higgins McGrath
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
