At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safety excellence across major nuclear capital projects and influence programme outcomes.
- Company: Join Babcock, a leader in defence and nuclear infrastructure.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, matched pension scheme, and health consultations.
- Other info: Flexible working options and commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national safety and environmental standards.
- Qualifications: Extensive leadership experience in safety management and relevant qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Compensation: Competitive + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Role ID: SF74004
Lead safety excellence across critical nuclear infrastructure that protects the nation. At Babcock we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together, and if you join us, you can play your part as Head of Safety Health and Environment Major Nuclear Capital Projects at our Devonport Royal Dockyard site.
The role involves providing strategic leadership across a portfolio of complex nuclear and defence infrastructure programmes. You will set the direction for safety, health and environmental performance across major construction and engineering projects, ensuring the highest standards of compliance, governance and continuous improvement in high‑hazard environments. Day‑to‑day, you’ll influence programme outcomes, shape safety culture across multiple sites, and provide expert assurance to senior stakeholders. You’ll play a critical role in safeguarding people, the environment and critical national infrastructure, while further developing your leadership impact within one of the UK’s most significant defence programmes.
- Leading the development and delivery of safety, health and environmental strategy across major nuclear capital projects
- Driving a proactive safety culture and ensuring high standards of compliance, governance and assurance
- Managing regulatory engagement with organisations such as ONR, HSE, Ministry of Defence and environmental agencies
- Overseeing audits, investigations and continuous improvement programmes across the business
- Leading and developing a geographically dispersed safety team while supporting project delivery and mobilisation
This role is full time, 35 hours per week and is based on site at Devonport Royal Dockyard.
Essential experience:
- Extensive senior leadership experience in safety, health and environmental management within nuclear, defence or high‑hazard industries
- Strong background in major construction or infrastructure projects
- Deep understanding of UK health, safety and environmental legislation including CDM regulations
- Experience leading high‑performing teams across complex, multi‑site programmes
- Strong stakeholder management skills, including working with regulators and government clients
Qualifications:
- Degree or Level 6 qualification in safety, health, environment, risk management or related discipline - Essential
- Chartered membership of IOSH or equivalent professional body (or evidence of working towards) - Essential
Security Clearance:
The successful candidate must be a sole UK National who is able to achieve and maintain Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPPI) security clearance for this role. Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held.
What we offer:
- Generous holiday allowance
- Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
- Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+
- Employee share scheme
- Employee shopping savings portal
- Payment of Professional Fees
- Reservists in the armed forces receive 10‑days special paid leave
- Holiday Trading is a benefit that allows UK Babcock employees to buy additional leave or to sell up to one working week of annual leave from their annual entitlement.
- ‘Be Kind Day’ enables employees to take one working day’s paid leave a year (or equivalent hours) to undertake volunteering work with their chosen organisation or registered charity
- Excellent development opportunities and benefits package including an employee assistance programme supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email with the subject header ‘Reasonable adjustments requirement’. We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.
Closing date: 14/06/2026
Head of Safety Health and Environment Major Nuclear Capital Projects in Devon employer: Nuclearinst
At Babcock, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for the Head of Safety Health and Environment Major Nuclear Capital Projects role at our Devonport Royal Dockyard site. Our commitment to safety excellence in critical nuclear infrastructure is matched by a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing, offering generous benefits such as a matched pension scheme, professional development opportunities, and initiatives like 'Be Kind Day' for volunteering. Join us to make a meaningful impact while advancing your career in one of the UK's most significant defence programmes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Safety Health and Environment Major Nuclear Capital Projects in Devon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We should be ready to discuss how our experience aligns with their safety and environmental goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! We need to be able to clearly articulate our leadership style and how we can drive safety excellence in high-hazard environments. Confidence is key, so let’s nail that delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing familiar names when we’re reviewing candidates. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Safety Health and Environment Major Nuclear Capital Projects in Devon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in safety, health, and environmental management. We want to see how your background aligns with the specific requirements of the Head of Safety Health and Environment role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a geographically dispersed team, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and influenced safety culture in high-hazard environments.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications:Don’t forget to mention your qualifications, especially if you have a degree or chartered membership in safety, health, or environmental disciplines. This will help us see your commitment to professional standards in the industry.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nuclearinst
✨Know Your Safety Standards
Make sure you’re well-versed in UK health, safety, and environmental legislation, especially CDM regulations. Brush up on the latest compliance standards and be ready to discuss how you've implemented these in past projects.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare examples that highlight your extensive senior leadership experience in safety management within high-hazard industries. Think about specific instances where you’ve influenced safety culture or led a team through complex challenges.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to talk about your experience managing relationships with regulators and government clients. Have a few anecdotes prepared that demonstrate your strong stakeholder management skills and how you’ve navigated regulatory engagements.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement
Think of examples where you’ve overseen audits or investigations that led to significant improvements. Discuss how you’ve driven a proactive safety culture and what strategies you’ve used to ensure continuous improvement across projects.
