The Opportunity:
This is an opportunity to take ownership of a newly created, senior leadership role and shape the future of Health & Safety across Praxis Facilities Management (PFM).
With responsibility spanning a diverse national portfolio of major shopping centres, business parks, commercial offices and public realm environments, you will set the strategic direction, establish consistent standards and drive operational excellence across the business.
This is a national role with responsibility for sites across the UK, from Plymouth to Glasgow. Regular travel will be a fundamental part of the position.
You can be based from either our London, Manchester or Birmingham office, which will act as your main office base.
Main Purpose:
To lead the strategic direction and operational oversight of the Health & Safety function across Praxis Facilities Management.
The role is responsible for establishing and maintaining the standards, systems, policies and governance arrangements necessary to ensure PFM operates safely and complies with its statutory and regulatory obligations across its national property portfolio.
Working closely with the senior PFM leadership team, the Head of Health & Safety will provide technical expertise, operational assurance and strategic direction, ensuring risks are effectively managed and a culture of ownership, accountability and continuous improvement is embedded throughout the business.
Overview of duties:
The Head of Health & Safety is responsible for translating the strategic priorities of the business into effective policies, procedures and operational standards across a diverse property portfolio, including major shopping centres, business parks, commercial offices and public realm spaces.
Acting as the senior Health & Safety lead, the role will provide technical leadership, oversight and assurance across the business, ensuring clear accountability at operational level and that appropriate systems are in place to manage risk, maintain compliance and drive continuous improvement.
The role will also identify opportunities to develop PFM's internal capability, improve operational standards and support the wider commercial objectives of the business.
Key responsibilities:
Leadership & Strategy
Leadership & Strategy
Set the strategic direction and development priorities for Health & Safety, aligned with PFM's wider business objectives. Act as the senior Health & Safety lead, providing technical expertise, guidance and direction across the business. Contribute to senior leadership discussions, providing recommendations and insight on significant Health & Safety matters. Develop a culture of ownership, accountability and continuous improvement across PFM. Identify opportunities to improve processes, develop internal capability and enhance operational performance.
Develop the Health & Safety function and its resources in line with the evolving needs of the business.
Compliance & Accreditation
- Develop, implement and maintain Health & Safety policies, procedures and operational standards, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and industry best practice.
- Establish an effective governance framework, providing clear responsibilities, accountability and escalation arrangements throughout PFM.
- Provide assurance to senior management that appropriate systems and controls are in place to manage statutory and regulatory obligations across the portfolio.
- Maintain oversight of key statutory compliance areas, including fire safety, asbestos, legionella, electrical safety, gas safety, lifting equipment and other relevant building compliance requirements.
- Provide strategic oversight of fire safety management, including Fire Risk Assessments, fire strategies, fire compartmentation, fire doors and associated remedial actions.
- Manage the implementation, maintenance and ongoing accreditation processes for relevant management systems, including ISO 45001.
- Oversee internal audits, inspections and compliance monitoring, ensuring identified issues are addressed and appropriate corrective actions implemented.
- Ensure significant risks, incidents and instances of non-compliance are appropriately escalated.
- Benchmark PFM's standards against industry best practice and identify opportunities for improvement.
Operational Excellence
- Support site operations, projects, and maintenance teams with expert H&S guidance.
- Conduct inspections and audits to identify risks, drive improvements, and share best practice.
- Manage incident response processes and lead investigations, including root cause analysis.
Performance Monitoring
- Define, track, and report on H&S KPIs.
- Use data analytics to identify trends and proactively reduce incidents and non-conformities'
Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as the principal point of contact for relevant regulatory bodies
- Provide expert H&S advice during property development, refurbishment, and major event planning
- Conduct regular briefings to senior leadership and stakeholders on H&S risks, and strategy
- Partner with business development teams to support high-value pitches with credibility, clarity, and insight
Required skills and experience:
- Proven experience (10+ years) in senior QSHE roles within engineering, property, FM or complex operational environments
- NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent (essential)
- Chartered membership of IOSH (CMIOSH preferred)
- Experience in leading behavioural safety initiatives
- Certified lead auditor for ISO 9001 / 14001 / 45001
- Proven success in securing and managing accreditations and compliance schemes
- Strong familiarity with UK H&S legislation, risk frameworks, and auditing standards
- Demonstrable experience of managing fire safety and statutory compliance within complex commercial buildings.
Person Specification
- Confident communicator with excellent report-writing and presentation abilities
- Skilled in stakeholder management (internal and external), negotiation and performance reviews
- A demonstrable ability to get things done and deliver change quickly and effectively
- Highly self-driven and comfortable in a fast-growth, entrepreneurial setting
- An ability to prepare and present concise business cases
- Values-led leadership style that aligns with Praxis’s ethos: professional, proactive and unafraid to challenge convention
Benefits:
- Highly competitive salary DOE
- Discretionary bonus scheme
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Private Medical Insurance (medical history disregarded)
- Healthcare Cash Plan
- Company pension contribution
- 3X Life assurance
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Business travel (fuel allowance or trains), subsistence and accommodation expenses covered in line with company policy
Values
Professionalism | We consistently seek to exceed expectations. Our people can express themselves fully while upholding the highest standards of conduct, competence, and integrity.
Ownership | Every asset, challenge, and opportunity is treated as our own. We deliver all real estate services in-house — never outsourcing responsibility, accountability, or blame.
Entrepreneurialism | We challenge convention and champion imaginative solutions. Rigorous debate is encouraged, and everyone is empowered to make decisions that elevate performance.
Meritocracy | Results, hard work, and strong ideas matter more than age, tenure, or titles. We are a diverse team that collaborates openly so each person can reach their full potential.
Action This Day | We do not defer or delay. Anything that can be done today, is done today.
Head of Health and Safety in Manchester employer: Praxis Real Estate Management
Praxis is an exceptional employer located in Birmingham, offering a dynamic work environment for Building Managers who take pride in their role. With a strong focus on professionalism and ownership, employees benefit from a supportive culture that encourages personal growth and development, alongside competitive perks such as a discretionary bonus scheme, private medical insurance, and a generous holiday allowance. The company fosters a collaborative atmosphere where innovative ideas are valued, ensuring that every team member can thrive and contribute to a high-performing workplace.
Contact Details:
Praxis Real Estate Management Recruitment Team
