Head of HSEQ Performance and Compliance in Manchester

Description As the Head of HSEQ Performance and Compliance, you will lead a strategic function responsible for driving operational excellence through robust HSEQ performance management, regulatory compliance, assurance, and governance. Reporting directly to the HSEQ Director, you will provide leadership to specialist teams responsible for HSEQ performance reporting, compliance monitoring, health surveillance administration, subcontractor compliance, and assurance activities. You will ensure the organisation has the data, insight, and governance mechanisms required to support informed decision-making, regulatory compliance, and continual improvement. This role is pivotal in transforming complex data into actionable intelligence, identifying trends, emerging risks, and opportunities that support safer operations, improved quality outcomes, environmental sustainability, and effective risk management. Through strong collaboration with operational and functional leaders, you will drive accountability, performance improvement, and a culture of continuous learning across the business. Key Responsibilities Leadership and Strategy Lead and develop the HSEQ Performance and Compliance function, ensuring the delivery of high-quality reporting, assurance, and compliance activities. Provide strategic leadership on HSEQ performance, supporting the delivery of corporate objectives and business priorities. Develop a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement across all areas of HSEQ performance and compliance. Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, providing expert guidance on compliance trends, risks, and opportunities. Performance Management and Reporting Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of HSEQ performance dashboards, scorecards, and reporting frameworks. Ensure timely, accurate, and insightful reporting against key performance indicators (KPIs), legal requirements, client expectations, and internal standards. Analyse complex HSEQ datasets to identify trends, performance gaps, emerging risks, and areas requiring intervention. Develop predictive and trend analysis capabilities that support proactive risk management and business planning. Produce high-quality reports, presentations, and executive briefings that translate complex information into clear strategic insights. Compliance and Assurance Strategic lead for compliance and reporting across the organisation, ensuring adherence to legislative requirements, industry standards, and company policies. Oversee the management of health surveillance programmes and associated case management processes, ensuring compliance with statutory obligations. Lead the governance and compliance processes associated with subcontractor onboarding and assurance. Ensure effective monitoring of compliance performance and promptly escalate areas of concern to relevant stakeholders. Data Governance and Analytics Champion data quality, integrity, and governance across all HSEQ systems and reporting platforms. Ensure analytical methodologies are robust, transparent, and aligned with organisational objectives. Work closely with business intelligence and digital teams to enhance reporting capabilities and data management processes. Maximise the use of business intelligence tools to improve visibility, reporting efficiency, and decision-making. Present HSEQ performance information to senior leadership teams, governance boards, and other key forums. Experience and Qualifications Essential Significant experience in HSEQ performance management, compliance, assurance, governance, and data analytics within a complex operational environment. Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams. Strong understanding of HSEQ management systems, regulatory frameworks, and compliance requirements. Advanced experience using Business Intelligence and data visualisation tools, including Power BI or equivalent platforms. Demonstrated ability to analyse complex datasets, identify trends, forecast risks, and develop actionable insights. Experience designing and implementing performance measurement frameworks and reporting systems. Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all organisational levels. Strong project management and problem-solving capabilities. NEBOSH Diploma, NCRQ Level 6 Diploma, or equivalent H&S qualification. Desirable Degree-level qualification in Health & Safety, Environmental Management, Data Analytics, Business Management, or a related discipline. Relevant HSEQ professional membership (IOSH, IEMA, CQI or equivalent). Lead Auditor qualification. Experience within infrastructure, utilities, facilities management, construction, engineering, or other regulated operational sectors. Experience managing insurance performance, claims reduction initiatives, and risk analytics programmes. Key Competencies Strategic Leadership Regulatory Compliance and Governance Data Analytics and Business Intelligence Performance Management Risk Management Continuous Improvement Stakeholder Engagement and Influence Communication and Presentation Skills Team Leadership and Development Decision Making and Problem Solving Change Management Salary and Benefits We offer a competitive salary based on experience along with a full benefits package. Network Plus is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law. We are Armed Forces-friendly. We welcome applications from ex-Armed Forces personnel, reservists, armed forces veterans, cadet instructors and military spouses/partners. We understand that privacy and the security of your personal information is extremely important. By applying for this role, you agree to the terms of our privacy policy. About Network Plus Network Plus is an award-winning business delivering essential utility and infrastructure services for the UK’s major providers of gas, power, telecoms, transport, water, and wastewater. We value the variety of experience, perspective, and other points of difference our workforce, clients, and supply chain offer. We are actively working with colleagues across the Network Plus Group to develop an inclusive environment – we want all our employees to feel valued and included to enable everyone to thrive at work and understand the value of their contribution matters no matter their background, identity, or circumstances.