Location: London (St Pancras) / Hybrid - 3 days a week required onsite & occasional travel to Boston Spa site.
Are you an experienced safety professional ready to lead operations for a world-class institution? The British Library is seeking a Head of Health and Safety Operations to direct our safety strategy and embed a collaborative, positive safety culture. If you are a qualified technical leader with strong incident management experience, join us in this vital role.
About Us
The British Library is the national library of the United Kingdom, housing millions of items of world culture. We are committed to a ‘One British Library’ approach; breaking down silos, embracing innovation, and putting our users, staff, and partners at the heart of everything we do.
About the Role
As the technical lead and competent person for the library, you will provide strategic oversight and technical expertise across all sites to ensure a safe environment for staff, visitors, and contractors. Reporting directly to the Senior Director of People, Culture and OD, you will manage a dedicated Health and Safety team, alongside the Health and Wellbeing Officer.
In this dynamic role, you will design and implement the Corporate Safety Strategy and lead the creation of an organisation-wide Mental Health and Wellbeing strategy. You will collaborate closely with the Head of Security and Safety Management, actively participating in the operational roster as a St Pancras Duty Security Manager and out-of-hours Incident Control Officer.
Your responsibilities will include managing a budget of approximately £100k, leading hazard elimination in partnership with Trade Union committees, managing business continuity tools, and directing frontline responses during significant safety incidents.
About You
- Qualifications: NEBOSH Level 6 National Diploma (or NVQ equivalent) with Chartered IOSH membership or working towards it.
- Experience: Substantial track record leading a modernised H&S function within large, multi-cultural public sector organizations, including incident investigation and risk assurance.
- Crisis & Risk Management: Deep experience directing frontline incident response procedures, managing operational security for large public sites, and mitigating strategic risks.
- Skills: Highly developed communication skills with a proven ability to advise and influence Executive Leadership Teams, Boards, and external partner agencies.
- Team Leadership: Strong capability in setting team objectives, managing performance, and supporting employee development and wellbeing.
Benefits
- Generous Civil Service Pension scheme.
- Flexible working and flexi-time arrangements.
- Substantial annual leave allowance.
- Access to extensive professional development and technical training.
- Dedicated health, mental health, and employee wellbeing programmes.
For more information please visit:
https://osbornethomas.org/jobs/head-of-health-safety-operations/
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Head of Health and Safety Operations in City of London employer: The British Library
The British Library is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where safety and wellbeing are prioritised. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have the opportunity to lead innovative health and safety strategies while collaborating with a passionate team dedicated to fostering a positive safety culture across all sites. Located in the heart of London, the Library provides unique access to cultural resources and a supportive atmosphere that encourages professional development and meaningful contributions.
