Be Part of Something Wonderfully Different
At Red Funnel, we're proud to be Wonderfully Different and deliver a lifeline service for the Isle of Wight.
Behind every sailing is a network of talented people working together to make a difference, and this is an exciting time to join us! We have big plans for the future and are looking for an experienced and influential Head of Safety, Sustainability & Compliance to lead a team that will shape the future of safety, environmental stewardship, risk management and compliance across a variety of environments that includes; vessels, ports, passenger terminals and support functions.
Reporting to the Operations Director, you'll provide strategic leadership across safety, compliance, sustainability and risk, ensuring we continue to deliver safe, sustainable and reliable services while supporting our long-term business objectives.
The Role
As our Head of Safety, Sustainability & Compliance, you'll be responsible for embedding a positive safety culture throughout the organisation, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and driving continuous improvement across our Integrated Management System (IMS). You'll work closely with leaders across the business to identify emerging risks, influence decision‑making and implement effective controls that protect our people, customers, assets, environment and reputation.
You'll also act as Red Funnel's primary Designated Person (DP), providing independent oversight of our Safety Management System and serving as a critical link between ship and shore operations.
What You'll Be Doing
- Providing strategic leadership for safety, sustainability, compliance, risk and environmental management across Red Funnel.
- Championing a proactive safety culture and strengthening our commitment to a Just Culture approach.
- Leading the ongoing development and effectiveness of our Integrated Management System (IMS), including compliance with ISM and ISO standards.
- Building strong relationships with regulators, including the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and classification societies.
- Overseeing audits, inspections, compliance activities and corrective action programmes.
- Leading accident, incident and near‑miss investigations, ensuring lessons learned are shared and embedded.
- Supporting business continuity planning and leading emergency exercises across the organisation.
- Driving delivery of our ESG strategy, Changing Tides, helping colleagues across the business contribute to our sustainability ambitions.
- Reporting on safety, compliance and sustainability performance to senior leadership and the Board.
- Ensuring organisational compliance with health, safety, environmental and relevant maritime regulations.
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking a visible and credible leader who can engage colleagues at all levels, challenge where necessary and inspire positive change.
You’ll bring:
- Significant experience in a senior safety, compliance or risk leadership role.
- A proven track record of improving safety culture and driving organisational performance.
- Strong knowledge of health and safety legislation, compliance frameworks and assurance processes.
- Experience within a regulated operational environment, ideally maritime, transport, logistics, infrastructure or similar.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- The ability to influence decision‑making at Executive and Board level.
- Strong analytical, investigation and problem‑solving capability.
- Experience of leading teams and developing talent.
Qualifications
- Degree‑level qualification or equivalent experience in Health & Safety, Risk, Sustainability or a related discipline.
- NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent Level 6 Health & Safety qualification.
- Qualified ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 Auditor.
- Company Security Officer (CSO) certification or equivalent ISPS knowledge.
Desirable:
- Chartered IOSH Membership (CMIOSH), or working towards chartered status.
- Environmental, Sustainability or Risk Management qualifications.
What Success Looks Like
You’ll create an environment where safety, sustainability and compliance are embedded in every decision. You’ll build trusted relationships across our vessels, terminals and support functions, helping colleagues understand risk, improve performance and ensure Red Funnel continues to operate to the highest professional standards.
Why Join Red Funnel?
At Red Funnel, you’ll have the opportunity to shape the future of a business that is vital to the Isle of Wight and the communities we serve. You’ll join a passionate team in an organisation with ambitious plans for the future, where your expertise will have a genuine impact on how we operate, improve and grow.
In Return, You’ll Enjoy:
Free foot passenger travel to and from the Isle of Wight, plus a generous vehicle travel allowance (as well as 50% discounts to share with friends and family!)
5 weeks' annual leave and loads of IOW attraction discounts
Scottish Widows pension scheme
Recognition Awards and Long Service Awards
Private medical insurance and Death in Service insurance
75% discount schemes on South Western Railway services and the full National Rail network
Further details about our full benefits package can be found here.
If you’re an experienced safety and compliance leader who is passionate about creating safer, more sustainable businesses, we’d love to hear from you.
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