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- Tasks: Lead health and safety strategy across a dynamic, multi-business group.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing private equity-owned organisation with a transformative vision.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £100,000, flexible working, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health and safety while driving commercial growth.
- Qualifications: NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent and senior H&S leadership experience required.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape a best-in-class H&S framework in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Flexible (weekly London visit; hybrid site travel)
Salary: Up to £100,000
Sector: Private Equity / Multi-Business Group
Irwin and Colton are partnering with a rapidly growing, private equity-owned group to appoint a Group Head of Health & Safety. Reporting to the CEO, this is the most senior H&S role across the group, responsible for setting the vision, governance, and performance framework for health and safety while enabling subsidiary leadership teams to own and deliver outcomes within their operations. Given the group's acquisitive growth strategy, the role is highly transformational. The successful candidate will design, embed, and continuously evolve a scalable, best-in-class H&S operating model, including the onboarding and integration of newly acquired businesses. The role balances strategic oversight with pragmatic delivery, protecting people while supporting commercial growth and investor expectations.
Key Responsibilities
- Group Strategy, Leadership & Transformation
- Build a scalable strategic and operating framework suitable for a decentralised, multi-risk portfolio
- Define the target-state model, governance, roles, and Group-subsidiary interfaces
- Act as senior H&S advisor to the Executive, Board, and Investors
- Set group-wide policies, standards, minimum requirements, and risk appetite
- Establish assurance mechanisms, escalation thresholds, and governance forums
- Ensure compliance across jurisdictions and readiness for diligence, refinancing, or exit
- Lead Board and investor reporting on performance, risk, and emerging issues
- Own group H&S performance management, KPIs, leading indicators, and systems
- Implement data-led insight, trend analysis, and predictive risk management
- Drive consistency and quality of reporting while enabling local ownership
- Partner with subsidiary leaders to embed strong safety cultures and accountability
- Lead onboarding and uplift of newly acquired businesses
- Provide expert support and challenge without removing operational ownership
- Oversee risk identification, audits, incident investigation, and corrective action
- Build and lead a small, high-impact central H&S capability
- Define competence standards and develop H&S capability at all levels
Candidate Profile
- NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent); CertIOSH minimum
- Senior H&S leadership experience in complex, multi-site or multi-business environments
- Group-level experience, ideally within private equity or decentralised organisations
- Proven track record of building or transforming H&S frameworks
- Strategic, commercially astute leader with strong Board-level influence
For more information on this opportunity or to discuss your next career move, contact Matthew Cathcart on +44(0) 1923 432 636 or apply here.
Group Head of Health and Safety in London employer: Irwin and Colton - HSE Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Irwin and Colton - HSE Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Head of Health and Safety in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the health and safety sector, especially those who might know someone at the company you're eyeing. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company's recent acquisitions and their impact on health and safety. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who understands their unique challenges and can bring real value.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in transforming H&S frameworks. We want to hear how you can make a difference right from day one.
✨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 love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Head of Health and Safety in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Group Head of Health and Safety role. Highlight your relevant experience in health and safety leadership, especially in complex environments. We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
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 transformational role. Share specific examples of how you've built or transformed H&S frameworks in the past, and don’t forget to express your enthusiasm for the opportunity at our rapidly growing group.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In your application, demonstrate your strategic mindset. Discuss how you would approach building a scalable H&S operating model and your experience with governance and risk management. We’re looking for someone who can balance strategic oversight with practical delivery.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. 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 the chance to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Irwin and Colton - HSE Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in health and safety regulations, especially those relevant to private equity and multi-business environments. Brush up on your NEBOSH Diploma knowledge and be ready to discuss how you've transformed H&S frameworks in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
Prepare to articulate your vision for a scalable H&S operating model. Think about how you would approach integrating newly acquired businesses and what governance structures you would implement to ensure compliance across jurisdictions.
✨Engage with Real Examples
Have specific examples ready that demonstrate your leadership experience in complex environments. Discuss how you’ve partnered with subsidiary leaders to foster strong safety cultures and the impact of your initiatives on performance management.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your understanding of the role's challenges. Inquire about the group’s current H&S strategies, their expectations for the new Group Head, and how they measure success in this transformational role.
