Regional Head of SHESQ in Glasgow

RJ McLeod is one of the UK’s most respected civil engineering and energy infrastructure contractors, operating across Scotland and the North of England with a proud 75-year heritage of delivering complex infrastructure projects in some of the country’s most challenging terrains and island environments. Now part of the OCU Group, RJ McLeod is playing a central role in the UK’s transition to clean energy, supporting the delivery of major renewable and infrastructure projects that will shape the future of sustainable power generation. The business is entering an exciting phase of growth and transformation, creating the opportunity for an experienced Regional Head of SHESQ to make a genuine and lasting impact.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a strategic, visible and values led SHESQ leader to lead Safety, Health, Environment, Sustainability and Quality across the RJ McLeod business and wider Scottish region based in Glasgow and further sites in Scotland. Reporting directly to the UK Health & Safety Director and RJ McLeod Managing Director this role is embedded within the RJ McLeod business and works closely with operational leadership teams across project delivery, business operations and strategic growth initiatives. This is a senior leadership position with responsibility for setting and driving the SHESQ strategy, governance and assurance framework across a complex and operationally diverse portfolio. The successful candidate will play a key role in strengthening culture, improving performance, supporting business growth and ensuring the organisation continues to deliver safely, sustainably and in line with client and regulatory expectations. The role requires both strategic capability and operational credibility. Alongside executive-level leadership and stakeholder engagement, the SHESQ Director will maintain a strong on-site presence through regular project visits, frontline engagement and hands-on operational assurance activity.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Governance: Develop and lead the SHESQ strategy for the RJ McLeod business and Scottish region, aligned to Group standards, client expectations and regulatory requirements. Provide executive leadership and assurance across all SHESQ activities, ensuring robust governance frameworks and sustainable business performance. Act as the senior SHESQ advisor to Business Unit Leads and Senior Leadership Teams, embedding SHESQ priorities into operational delivery and business planning.
• Operational Assurance & Risk Management: Ensure SHESQ is fully integrated throughout the project lifecycles, particularly including during planning and pre-construction phases, to proactively identify and mitigate operational risks. Lead governance and assurance activities including audits, inspections, campaigns, compliance verification and management reviews. Oversee strategic incident response, ensuring effective investigation, regulatory engagement, lessons learned and implementation of corrective actions. Ensure robust risk management arrangements are maintained, including critical risk reviews and targeted risk reduction plans.
• Leadership & Culture: Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing SHESQ team, driving capability, accountability and succession planning. Maintain a visible and hands-on leadership presence across the business through regular site visits and direct engagement with operational teams. Drive continuous improvement and positive cultural change through data-led insight, assurance findings and collaborative leadership.
• Stakeholder & Client Engagement: Build strong relationships with clients, regulators and key stakeholders, supporting bids, mobilisation activities and external assurance processes. Represent the business within sector forums, steering groups and strategic working groups to help shape industry best practice and organisational improvement initiatives.

About You

You will be an experienced senior SHESQ leader with a strong track record operating within complex, high-risk or regulated environments such as civil engineering, utilities, infrastructure, construction or energy. You will bring:

• Significant experience leading SHESQ strategy, governance and assurance at senior or director level
• Strong executive leadership capability with the credibility to influence at Board, client and operational leadership level
• Proven experience developing and leading high-performing teams
• Deep understanding of risk management, compliance, assurance and management systems
• Strong commercial and operational awareness with the ability to balance risk, compliance and business performance
• Experience leading organisational change, cultural improvement and continuous improvement programmes
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and relationship-management skills
• A visible, collaborative and values-led leadership style

Qualifications & Technical Expertise

• Degree qualified in a relevant discipline
• NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent senior-level health & safety qualification
• Chartered IOSH membership or equivalent professional status preferred
• Strong understanding of SHESQ management systems and legal/regulatory frameworks
• Full UK Driving Licence and willingness to travel regularly across the region

Why Join RJ McLeod OCU?

This is an opportunity to join a business with an exceptional reputation, a strong project pipeline and a critical role to play in the UK’s energy transition journey, we are united by shared values that shape how we work and support one another prioritising safety, acting with integrity, striving for continuous improvement, making a positive impact, delivering sustainable growth and working together as one team. You will have the opportunity to:

• Influence and shape SHESQ strategy at executive level
• Drive meaningful cultural and operational improvement
• A highly competitive executive salary and comprehensive benefits package
• Work on some of the UK’s most significant energy and infrastructure projects
• Join a collaborative and ambitious leadership team
• Be part of a business committed to sustainable growth and innovation

Our Vision

To be the UK’s leading energy transition and utilities contractor. We are committed to delivering sustainable infrastructure solutions, investing in our people and capabilities, and setting new standards across the utilities and energy sectors. If you are an experienced SHESQ leader looking to play a defining role within a growing business at the forefront of the UK’s energy transition, we would welcome your application.