SHEQ Director in London

A market-leading contractor specialising in groundworks and concrete frame delivery for major construction projects across the UK is looking for a SHEQ Director to join their team. With a reputation for delivering complex builds safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards, they are trusted partners to Tier 1 clients in residential, commercial and infrastructure sectors. They are committed to embedding a positive and proactive SHEQ culture throughout the business — from head office to every workface.

Role Overview

They are seeking an experienced, strategic and highly credible SHEQ Director to lead their Safety, Health, Environment and Quality function. You will shape and drive the strategic SHEQ agenda as an integral member of the senior leadership team, championing best practice, compliance and continuous improvement across a diverse project portfolio. This role is ideal for a proactive leader with deep industry experience, excellent stakeholder influence skills, and a passion for making measurable improvements in safety and quality performance in heavy civil and structural environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Governance
  • Develop and implement the SHEQ strategy that aligns with business goals and growth plans.
  • Establish clear SHEQ governance, frameworks and performance expectations.
  • Advise the Board and Executive Leadership on key SHEQ risks, opportunities and compliance landscape.
• Operational Engagement
  • Collaborate across commercial, operations and project leadership to integrate SHEQ into planning and delivery.
  • Ensure policies and systems support safe and quality execution of groundworks and concrete frame activities.
  • Lead site-level engagement to maintain visible and credible SHEQ presence.
• Regulatory Compliance & Standards
  • Maintain compliance with UK health, safety, environmental and quality legislation and industry standards.
  • Oversee SHEQ audit programmes, inspections and regulatory interfaces.
  • Ensure third-party certifications (e.g. ISO 45001, ISO 14001, ISO 9001) are maintained and enhanced.
• Risk Management & Performance
  • Drive systematic risk identification and control across all projects.
  • Lead or support complex incident investigations, ensuring effective learning and prevention.
  • Define, monitor and report meaningful performance indicators, driving measurable improvement.
• Culture & Capability Building
  • Champion a positive, accountable SHEQ culture across all levels of the business.
  • Deliver effective training, coaching and capability initiatives for teams and leaders.
  • Embed behaviour-based principles into everyday site and office activities.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Promote innovation in safety, environmental stewardship and quality assurance.
  • Benchmark performance and apply lessons learned from across the industry.
  • Strengthen SHEQ systems, tools and digital reporting where appropriate.

What You’ll Bring

• Experience & Qualifications
  • Significant executive-level experience in SHEQ leadership, preferably within groundworks, civil engineering or concrete frame sectors.
  • Proven track record influencing operational teams and senior stakeholders.
  • In-depth knowledge of UK safety, environmental and quality legislation and best practice.
  • Experience with ISO management systems and certification processes.
  • Professional membership (e.g. IOSH Chartered &/or Lead Auditor qualifications) desirable.
• Personal Attributes
  • Credible, confident and proactive leader.
  • Strong communicator with ability to influence across functions.
  • Commercially aware with pragmatic decision-making.
  • Passion for continuous improvement and operational excellence.

What We Offer

• Executive leadership role in a respected and growing contracting business.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to shape culture and best practice across challenging and high-profile projects.
• Professional development and long-term career progression.