At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape SHEQ strategy across multiple sites in a dynamic nuclear services environment.
- Company: Join a leading nuclear services company with a focus on safety and quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, car allowance, and strategic authority at board level.
- Other info: Opportunity to reshape the SHEQ function and develop talent in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Drive cultural transformation and make a real impact on safety and quality in the industry.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in SHEQ management with proven expertise in ISO standards.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
A leading nuclear services company is recruiting a Head of SHEQ to take strategic leadership of their SHEQ function. This is a director-level role - a genuine opportunity to shape SHEQ strategy, build capability, and drive cultural transformation across a multi-site, multi-project organisation operating in complex, regulated environments.
Why Now: The previous Head of ESH&Q has transitioned to lead international project delivery. This creates a leadership vacancy at a pivotal moment - the business is growing, strategic capability is being refreshed, and there's genuine scope to remodel the department structure if you believe it would improve performance and outcomes.
The Scale: You'll lead a team across multiple locations, overseeing quality assurance, health & safety, environmental management, and operational compliance. You'll report to the Board, shape SHEQ strategy aligned with business objectives, and drive cultural change that embeds safety and quality as non-negotiable.
What This Role Demands
- Strategic Leadership: You will develop and implement SHEQ strategy that is integrated into the business plan, not bolted on. You will contribute to strategic planning with the board, ensure governance arrangements support safe delivery across operational and project environments, and champion initiatives that embed SHEQ into how the business operates.
- Department Ownership & Reshaping: You will take full accountability for the SHEQ function and the team delivering it. You will build capability, lead multi-disciplinary teams, and have the authority and strategic vision to reshape the department structure if you believe it would improve performance.
- Cultural Transformation: You will drive a strong safety culture where questioning attitude, adherence to procedures, and continuous improvement operate as business-as-usual. You will shape behaviours, influence senior leaders, and build organisational resilience through learning and challenge.
- Assurance & Risk Management: You will ensure the business remains compliant with legislation and regulatory expectations. You will oversee assurance programmes, engage credibly with clients and regulators, and ensure ESH&Q risks are identified, assessed, and managed to ALARP.
- Client & Stakeholder Interface: You will act as senior SHEQ interface with clients and regulators. You will provide authoritative advice to the Board on SHEQ risks and regulatory trends. You will support bids, tenders, and major project reviews, ensuring proposals meet client and regulatory expectations.
- Technical Communication: You will translate complex technical, regulatory, and operational SHEQ data into clear, actionable guidance. You will communicate at all organisational levels—from frontline teams to the Board—with clarity and credibility.
About You
- Essential Experience & Expertise: 10+ years in Health & Safety, Quality and Environment management – preferably with exposure to multiple disciplines. Proven expertise in ISO 9001, 14001 & 45001 accreditations and quality management systems. Track record driving organisational change, including integration, restructuring, and capability uplift. Demonstrated evidence of leading cultural transformation, behavioural safety initiatives, and embedding organisational learning. Leadership capability to manage multi-disciplinary teams across multiple locations. Strategic thinking with ability to shape long-term ESH&Q strategy aligned to business and regulatory expectations. Assurance mindset – ability to challenge, verify, and provide independent oversight whilst maintaining operational credibility. Communication excellence – ability to synthesise complex information into clear, actionable guidance. Influencing and stakeholder engagement skills at senior levels.
- Qualifications: NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent (Essential). Professional body membership in appropriate technical/safety body (Desirable).
Why You’ll Succeed: You understand that SHEQ isn’t a compliance exercise – it’s a strategic lever for business performance. You can operate at board level without losing operational credibility. You’re driven by outcomes, not bureaucracy. You’re open to challenging the status quo and reshaping how the function operates if it improves delivery. You balance risk management with operational pragmatism. You inspire teams and drive cultural change through influence, not just authority.
The Role in Context: This is a director-level position within a leading nuclear services company with established expertise across decommissioning, waste management, consultancy, R&D, engineering design, site installation, and high-hazard physical work. The business operates across multiple sites, manages diverse project portfolios, and serves complex nuclear clients with regulatory requirements that demand rigorous SHEQ leadership. The role offers genuine opportunity to develop strategic SHEQ capability and reshape how the function supports the business. You’ll have real autonomy to restructure, develop capability, and drive change.
What We Offer:
- Salary & Benefits: Competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus car allowance. Annual bonus structure.
- Strategic Authority: Full accountability for SHEQ strategy and function. Authority to reshape department structure if you believe it improves performance. Seat at board level. Genuine influence on business direction.
- Team & Scale: Leadership of a team across multiple locations managing quality, health & safety, and environmental functions on diverse projects.
- Development: Opportunity to build capability, develop talent, and transform how SHEQ operates within a business that values continuous improvement and professional excellence.
Head of SHEQ in Preston employer: Scantec Personnel Limited
Scantec Personnel Limited is an excellent employer for those seeking a fulfilling career in asbestos analysis and surveying. With a strong focus on professional development, employees benefit from a supportive work culture, competitive overtime pay, and the convenience of a company vehicle, all while working in the beautiful Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire regions. Join a team that values high standards and offers meaningful growth opportunities in a dynamic industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of SHEQ in Preston
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like Scantec Personnel Limited looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of SHEQ in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at Scantec Personnel Limited. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scantec Personnel Limited
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with Scantec Personnel Limited’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
