At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HSEQ initiatives, ensuring safety and quality across Defence operations.
- Company: Join Serco Defence, a people-first company committed to innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company car, and extensive health and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while driving cultural transformation.
- Qualifications: HSEQ expertise, strong communication skills, and a passion for continuous improvement.
- Other info: Hybrid role with travel opportunities and excellent career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 65000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ) management? Do you thrive in roles where you can lead from the front – with people and with purpose? Join Serco Defence as an HSEQ Manager and become a driving force behind operational excellence, cultural transformation and continuous improvement across our Defence business unit. In this hybrid role, you will take the lead across a high-profile Defence Maritime site in Portsmouth, whilst also supporting Space and Technology operations across key sites in Hampshire and the South of England. This role also requires HSEQ oversight to remote and diverse locations across the UK and British Isles. You will be visible, hands-on and trusted, working closely with colleagues and customers to embed a proactive safety culture and deliver real change. Travel is part of the role, and we are looking for someone who embraces the opportunity to be out on site, building relationships, solving problems and making a difference where it matters most.
At Serco, we are proud of our people first culture. We believe in empowering our teams, celebrating innovation, and creating inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. As an HSEQ Manager, you will be part of a forward-thinking team that values your expertise, supports your growth, and gives you the platform to lead with impact.
Responsibilities
- Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for all HSEQ matters, providing trusted guidance and support to managers and colleagues across the business.
- Support performance assurance activities, conducting reviews and supporting corrective actions that align with our values and regulatory standards, focusing on meaningful action, not just metrics.
- Own incident management, leading investigations, root cause analysis, and the implementation of preventative actions, turning incidents into learning opportunities and reinforcing a Just Safety Culture.
- Provide operational oversight across Defence capabilities, attending key meetings and ensuring proactive risk management is embedded in daily operations, acting as a key liaison between the Director of HSEQ and operational teams.
- Build strong stakeholder relationships, collaborating with internal teams, customers, and third parties to align goals and deliver shared success.
- Design and deliver impactful training programmes, tailored to operational and strategic needs.
- Support strategic bids, ensuring HSEQ is embedded in proposals and delivery plans to enhance competitiveness and client confidence.
- Ensure full regulatory compliance, maintaining meticulous documentation and coordinating audits to meet all health, safety, and environmental standards.
- Champion continuous improvement, identifying opportunities for innovation, simplification, and best practice across all HSEQ systems and processes.
- Promote a strong safety culture, encouraging open communication, hazard identification, and shared accountability through site visits, inspections, and zero harm engagements.
Qualifications
- Confident, forward-thinking HSEQ professional with the ability to navigate complexity, lead with purpose and make a real difference.
- Analytical and decisive, using data to uncover trends, drive decisions, and deliver measurable improvements.
- A structured problem-solver, skilled in root cause analysis and implementing lasting solutions.
- Adaptable and growth-oriented, staying ahead in a fast-evolving HSEQ landscape.
- Self-motivated and inspiring, with strong communication skills to engage, influence, and build strong relationships at all levels.
- Highly organised, managing multiple priorities and delivering impactful results independently.
- Experience in ISO management systems (9001, 45001, 14001), with a deep understanding of compliance and best practice.
- Innovative and action-focused, turning ideas into clear plans and driving continuous improvement.
- Defence Industry experience not essential.
- SC Clearance – Candidates must be able to undertake and successfully complete SC clearance as part of the onboarding process.
- Minimum Level 6 in Occupational Health & Safety.
- IOSH/IIRSM membership or equivalent.
- Desirable qualifications: Food Safety Level 3 or above; Trained trainer; Level 3 certificate in Fire Safety & Risk Management; Foundation Certificate in Environmental Management; Lead Auditor Qualification; Accident Investigation training; Disability Confident.
Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer.
Benefits
- Company car.
- Pension - 6%.
- A company passionate about diversity and inclusion.
- Growth and development opportunities - Serco will support with a range of qualifications.
- A range of benefits to support the health and wellbeing of you and your family such as Employee Assistance Programme, Wisdom App, Simply Health Plans and more.
- Access to discounts and exclusive deals (e.g., Merlin Attractions, Mobile Phone discounts, Cinema discounts, Leisure and Hospitality discounts).
- A Serco benefits portal offering a wide range of discounts for major high street brands in Retail, Leisure & Hospitality.
- Up to 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase more.
- Life assurance.
Role Details
HSEQ Manager – Hybrid - UK Wide (South of England/Hampshire based). Full Time, Permanent. Circa £52,000 per annum. Company Car.
HSEQ Manager in Portsmouth employer: Serco Group plc
Contact Detail:
Serco Group plc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HSEQ Manager in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the HSEQ field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles. Highlight your problem-solving skills and how you’ve driven continuous improvement in HSEQ practices.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a job you like, don’t just wait for the application process. Reach out to someone at the company, express your interest, and ask insightful questions about the role. This shows initiative and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning and adapting! The HSEQ landscape is always changing, so stay updated on the latest trends and regulations. Consider taking additional courses or certifications that can boost your profile. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace HSEQ Manager in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for HSEQ: Make sure to highlight your enthusiasm for Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality management in your application. We want to see how you can lead with purpose and make a real difference in our Defence business unit.
Tailor Your Experience: When writing your application, focus on your relevant experience and skills that align with the responsibilities of the HSEQ Manager role. We love seeing how your background can contribute to our proactive safety culture and operational excellence.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and how they relate to the job. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your potential.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Serco Defence.
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco Group plc
✨Know Your HSEQ Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality management. Be ready to discuss specific regulations, ISO standards, and how you've applied them in past roles. This will show that you're not just familiar with the concepts but can also implement them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an HSEQ Manager, you'll need to lead from the front. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to build relationships and influence others, as this role requires strong stakeholder engagement.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific HSEQ challenges. Think about past incidents you've managed, how you conducted root cause analysis, and what preventative measures you implemented. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
Serco values innovation and best practices. Be prepared to discuss how you've identified opportunities for improvement in previous roles. Share examples of training programmes you've designed or initiatives you've led that enhanced safety culture or operational efficiency.