Head of SHEQ - Northumbrian Water and FMJV, with support to the Southern Division in Chelmsford

Role overview

MWH Treatment is looking to strengthen its SHEQ leadership team with a Head of SHEQ responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership across the Northumbrian Water and FMJV frameworks, while also providing agreed support to the Southern Division. Hybrid working is available, with regular travel to offices, projects and sites across the areas of responsibility.

The role will advise and support framework and divisional leadership teams in delivering SHEQ excellence, consistent governance and effective risk management. It will also lead, support and develop the relevant SHEQ teams, promoting collaboration, shared learning and consistent standards across the business.

At MWH Treatment, we believe that people matter. We know that successful, creative teams depend on a diverse workforce and an environment in which people have the freedom to develop and reach their full potential.

Reporting and key relationships

Report directly to the relevant MWH Treatment senior leader, with functional reporting to the MWH Treatment SHEQ and Sustainability Director and additional JV reporting arrangements where required.

Work closely with the Northumbrian Water and FMJV leadership teams and provide proportionate SHEQ leadership support to the Southern Division.

Build effective relationships with clients, joint venture partners, delivery teams, supply chain partners and the wider MWH Treatment SHEQ function.

Key responsibilities

• Provide visible, credible and consistent SHEQ leadership across Northumbrian Water and FMJV, together with agreed support to the Southern Division.
• Advise senior leadership teams on SHEQ risk, performance, priorities and emerging issues, ensuring that significant matters are escalated appropriately.
• Lead and support the development of framework and divisional SHEQ plans aligned with MWH Treatment requirements, client expectations and joint venture arrangements.
• Maintain a dynamic, practical and delivery-focused approach to SHEQ, integrating with project teams to understand operational challenges and strengthen frontline risk control.
• Facilitate the development, implementation and continual improvement of policies, procedures, management systems and risk controls that reduce risk and support a positive SHEQ culture.
• Support the implementation and consistent application of MWH Treatment and relevant JV management systems across the areas of responsibility.
• Plan, coordinate and support SHEQ assurance activity, including audits, inspections and reviews, and ensure that findings and actions are appropriately managed to closure.
• Monitor compliance with applicable legislation, standards, client requirements and management system obligations.
• Work collaboratively with clients and joint venture partners to align expectations, share learning and develop effective approaches to SHEQ improvement.
• Lead, coach and develop SHEQ team members, promoting clear accountability, professional development, succession planning and effective deployment of resources.
• Use performance data, assurance findings and operational intelligence to identify trends, priorities and opportunities for improvement.
• Support incident management, investigation, learning and the implementation of corrective and preventive actions across the relevant frameworks and division.
• Promote sustainable solutions and ensure that environmental, quality, health, safety and wellbeing considerations are embedded in planning and delivery.
• Support the maintenance and continual improvement of externally certified management systems.
• Encourage the consistent sharing of good practice and lessons learned between Northumbrian Water, FMJV, the Southern Division and the wider MWH Treatment business.

Essential experience and qualifications

Extensive experience in the construction sector, including senior SHEQ leadership responsibility. Ability and willingness to travel regularly to sites and offices across Northumbrian Water (Essex and Suffolk), FMJV and the Southern Division. Experience of working on large, complex projects or programmes, including projects with a value of £100m or more. Expert knowledge of current UK health and safety legislation and relevant regulatory requirements. Expert knowledge of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations and their practical application. Detailed knowledge of recognised construction good practice, HSE guidance and approved codes of practice. Proven ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary SHEQ teams across geographically dispersed operations. Detailed knowledge and practical experience of ISO 45001 or comparable occupational health and safety management systems. A formal occupational safety and health qualification, such as the NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent. Membership of a recognised health and safety professional institution at a level appropriate to the role. A construction-related health and safety qualification, such as the NEBOSH Health and Safety Management for Construction qualification, or equivalent. Strong communication, influencing and decision-making skills, with the confidence to engage effectively at operational, client and senior leadership levels.

Desirable experience and capabilities

Good experience in the water sector. Knowledge of infrastructure and non-infrastructure works in the water sector. Experience of working within a joint venture or multi-partner delivery environment. Experience of providing leadership across multiple frameworks, clients or regions. Detailed knowledge of process safety systems and controls relevant to water and wastewater operations. Ability to collect, analyse and evaluate large volumes of data while maintaining data integrity. Ability to identify trends and clearly communicate findings, risks and required actions. Ability to interpret legislation, standards and approved codes of practice and translate them into practical requirements. Excellent organisational and time-management skills, including the ability to balance priorities across several areas of responsibility. Confidence to make decisions while recognising when escalation is required. Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel and PowerPoint. A current full driving licence and an appropriate CSCS card. Chartered membership of IOSH, or demonstrable progress towards Chartered status.

Leadership expectations

Be visible and accessible to delivery teams, creating trust through practical support, constructive challenge and consistent follow-through. Balance the differing needs of Northumbrian Water, FMJV and the Southern Division while maintaining clear priorities and consistent MWH Treatment standards. Champion a learning culture in which concerns are raised early, good practice is shared and improvement actions are owned and completed. Demonstrate personal integrity, sound judgement and a collaborative approach in all client, partner and internal relationships.

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