At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and own HSE strategy, driving safety culture and compliance across operations.
- Company: Established UK business in utilities and infrastructure with a focus on growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary package, flexible for the right candidate, and hybrid working.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety standards and influence decision-making at a senior level.
- Qualifications: Senior HSE leadership experience, knowledge of ISO standards, and NEBOSH Diploma.
- Other info: High-visibility role with genuine authority to shape HSE practices.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Location: North West England (hybrid)
Salary: Up to 70000 package (flexible for the right person)
Real Authority. Real Impact. No Box-Ticking. This is not a paper-pushing HSE role. A well-established UK business operating across utilities, electrical and infrastructure environments is appointing a Head of Health, Safety & Environmental to take ownership of safety, health and environmental performance at a critical stage of growth. The organisation is raising standards, increasing scrutiny and strengthening its safety culture. They are looking for a senior HSE leader who can set direction, influence decision-making and drive consistent standards across the business.
The Role
Reporting into the senior leadership team, you will lead and own the company's HSE and Occupational Health strategy, combining strategic oversight with visible hands-on leadership across operations. Key areas of focus include:
- Providing senior-level HSE leadership guidance and challenge
- Ownership and continuous improvement of ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 systems
- Oversight of CDM, NERS and Electrical Safety Rules & Procedures
- Driving consistency across RAMS, Construction Phase Plans and risk management
- Leading audits, accreditations and external assessments
- Embedding a strong proactive safety culture across the workforce
- Contractor and supply chain HSE governance
- Incident investigation, RIDDOR reporting and corrective actions
- Environmental performance, sustainability initiatives and ESG support
This is a high-visibility role with genuine authority to influence how work is planned and delivered.
The Person
You will be an experienced HSE leader with the confidence to operate at senior management level and the credibility to engage both leadership teams and operational staff.
Essential:
- Senior experience in Health, Safety & Environmental leadership roles
- Strong knowledge of ISO 45001, ISO 14001, CDM and NERS
- Background within utilities, electrical or infrastructure environments
- NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent)
- IOSH membership or equivalent
Desirable:
- ISO 45001 / ISO 14001 Internal Auditor qualification
- IEMA Practitioner or Chartered status
- Experience driving safety culture or organisational change
Why This Role Stands Out
- Clear authority to influence standards and behaviours
- Opportunity to shape and mature the HSE function
- Senior role with visibility across projects and stakeholders
- Flexibility on package for the right individual
Interested? For a confidential discussion about the role please apply or contact Craig McDonald at Mercury Hampton.
Head of Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) in Preston employer: Mercury Hampton
Contact Detail:
Mercury Hampton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can get you in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company’s HSE culture and recent initiatives. We want to see you shine by showing how your experience aligns with their goals!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from showcasing your leadership skills. We’re talking about real authority here, so be ready to discuss how you’ve influenced safety standards and driven change in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
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.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience in leading HSE initiatives. We want to see how you've influenced safety culture and driven improvements in previous roles.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Use concrete examples to demonstrate your knowledge of ISO 45001 and ISO 14001. We love details, so share any specific projects or achievements that showcase your expertise in these areas.
Tailor Your Application: Make your application stand out by tailoring it to our job description. We’re looking for someone who can take ownership and drive change, so reflect that in your writing!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mercury Hampton
✨Know Your Standards
Familiarise yourself with ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 standards. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these in previous roles, as this will show your depth of knowledge and experience in HSE leadership.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your hands-on leadership approach. Discuss specific instances where you influenced decision-making or drove safety culture improvements, as this role requires a proactive leader.
✨Understand the Business Context
Research the company’s operations within utilities, electrical, and infrastructure environments. Being able to speak about their projects and challenges will demonstrate your genuine interest and understanding of their needs.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate questions about incident investigations and risk management. Think through your past experiences and be ready to explain how you handled specific situations, focusing on your problem-solving skills and outcomes.