At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead health and safety strategy across a dynamic, multi-business group.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing private equity-owned group with a transformative vision.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £120,000 and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Opportunity for career advancement in a supportive and innovative environment.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 108000 - 120000 £ per year.
Location: Flexible (weekly London visit; hybrid site travel)
Salary: Up to £120,000
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
- Governance, Risk & Private Equity Oversight
- 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
- Data, Insight & Performance
- 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
- Subsidiary Engagement & Integration
- 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
- Risk, Assurance & Culture
- 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 937 128 or apply here.
Group Head of Health and Safety in Slough employer: Irwin and Colton
Irwin and Colton is an exceptional employer that prioritises safety, sustainability, and diversity within its dynamic work culture. As a leader in health and safety recruitment, the company offers robust employee growth opportunities and a supportive environment where your expertise can significantly impact organisational safety performance across the UK. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to fostering a proactive safety culture and driving strategic initiatives at an executive level.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Head of Health and Safety in Slough
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like Irwin and Colton.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at Irwin and Colton.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like Irwin and Colton, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Head of Health and Safety in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Irwin and Colton.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at Irwin and Colton.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Irwin and Colton. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at Irwin and Colton. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Irwin and Colton
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Irwin and Colton’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
