Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental Director in London

A leading UK supplier of plant hire, equipment sales, and related support services for the construction, civil engineering, infrastructure, utilities, and industrial sectors.

Purpose: The QHSE Director will progress to a Board-level role, responsible for the strategic direction, governance and performance of Quality, Health, Safety, Environmental and Sustainability functions across UK sites, employing approximately 200 people. The role oversees regulatory compliance, effective risk management and the development of a strong safety-first and quality-driven culture. The postholder will oversee a multi-disciplinary QHSE team of four and provide assurance to the Board that systems, controls and behaviours align with statutory obligations and the organisation’s long-term ESG objectives.

Responsibilities:

• QHSE Strategic Leadership

• Provide executive oversight of health, safety, environmental and quality management systems.
• Develop and deliver the company-wide QHSE strategy aligned to growth objectives.
• Oversee governance frameworks, reporting structures and accountability models.
• Lead improvement initiatives to strengthen safety and quality ownership.
• Oversee compliance with UK legislation, ISO and HSE requirements, RIDDOR reporting, environmental regulations and standards.
• Oversee accident, incident and near-miss investigation processes, ensuring learning is embedded and trends are addressed.
• Monitor and report on key QHSE KPIs to the Board.
• Strategic oversight of RAMS and COSHH governance, health surveillance programmes, and environmental monitoring and controls.

• Own the QHSE risk register and ensure integration with wider business risk management processes.
• Anticipate emerging regulatory change and ensure organisational readiness.
• Oversee compliance audits and corrective actions delivery.
• Ensure statutory duties are clearly delegated and understood at all management levels.
• Provide strategic oversight of UKCA/CE marking requirements.
• Provide robust governance for training, competency frameworks and specialist operational accreditation (e.g. ROTELs).

• Provide leadership and direction to the QHSE team.
• Build capability within the team to support operational excellence.
• Set clear KPIs, performance objectives and development pathways.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration between QHSE, Operations, Finance and Sales.
• Champion engagement through Safety Committees and company-wide campaigns.
• Act as a visible leader in driving positive behavioural safety culture.

• Working alongside the Operations Director, Finance Director and Sales Director, develop and manage the QHSE departmental budget.
• Ensure cost-effective implementation of compliance systems, training and external support.
• Assess financial impact of risk exposure and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Contribute to tender submissions where QHSE credentials form part of competitive positioning.
• Oversee investment relating to safety systems, environmental controls and quality infrastructure.

Experience:

• Essential

• Relevant qualification/certification e.g. NEBOSH; Member of IOSH.
• Expert knowledge and understanding of QHSE across multi-site operations.
• Exceptional leadership and strategic planning capabilities.
• Excellent organisational, problem-solving and communication skills.

• Experience in plant hire or specialist equipment markets.
• Experience in steel and rotary moulded plastic manufacturing.
• Established industry network within construction, infrastructure or utilities sectors.
• Additional QHSE or IEMA qualifications.
• Chartered Member of IOSH (CMIOSH).