EHS Lead (UK) in Edinburgh

EHS Lead

£85,000 - £100,000 + Package

Permanent | Midlands to South UK

Build Your Future

Our client is a leading specialist contractor delivering some of Europe's most technically advanced projects across the data centre, advanced manufacturing, pharmaceutical, logistics and industrial sectors.

With a strong pipeline of major projects across the UK and Europe, they are seeking an experienced EHS Lead to join their growing Health, Safety and Environmental team. This is a permanent opportunity offering long-term career progression, exposure to landmark projects and the chance to influence safety culture across some of the industry's most complex construction environments.

The successful candidate will initially support a flagship hyperscale data centre project before progressing onto future major developments across the Midlands and South of the UK.

The Role

As EHS Lead, you will take ownership of Environmental, Health & Safety performance across major construction projects, ensuring the highest standards of compliance, operational excellence and continuous improvement throughout the project lifecycle.

Working closely with Project Directors, Construction Managers, client representatives and subcontractors, you will provide visible leadership, promote a proactive safety culture and ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently and in accordance with legislative and client requirements.

This is a hands-on leadership role suited to an experienced construction safety professional who thrives in fast-paced, technically challenging environments.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Project Support

• Lead and coordinate all Environmental, Health & Safety activities across assigned projects.
• Provide leadership, mentoring and support to on-site EHS Advisors and Coordinators.
• Work closely with Project Directors and delivery teams to ensure EHS objectives are embedded throughout project delivery.
• Promote a positive behavioural safety culture across all project teams and subcontractors.

Compliance & Assurance

• Develop, implement and maintain project-specific Environmental, Health & Safety Management Plans.
• Ensure compliance with UK Health & Safety legislation, environmental regulations and client requirements.
• Conduct regular site inspections, audits and compliance reviews.
• Support projects operating under ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 management systems.
• Monitor subcontractor compliance and drive continual improvement.

Training & Engagement

• Deliver project inductions, toolbox talks and safety awareness programmes.
• Coach and mentor project teams to improve safety performance and engagement.
• Build strong relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors and regulatory bodies.
• Promote best practice and encourage continuous learning across project teams.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Lead incident investigations, root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
• Prepare monthly EHS reports, KPI dashboards and performance updates for senior leadership.
• Monitor leading and lagging indicators to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Support the implementation of innovative safety initiatives across the business.

Key Skills & Experience

Essential

• Proven experience leading Environmental, Health & Safety on major construction projects.
• Strong knowledge of UK Health & Safety legislation and construction best practice.
• Experience working within mission-critical, industrial, infrastructure or large-scale commercial construction environments.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to influence project teams and supply chain partners at all levels.
• Strong auditing, investigation and reporting capability.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Desirable

• Previous experience on hyperscale data centre or mission-critical projects.
• Experience working for a Tier 1 or specialist construction contractor.
• Knowledge of environmental management systems and sustainability principles.

Qualifications

• NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent).
• IOSH Membership (CMIOSH preferred or working towards).
• Experience operating within ISO 45001 management systems.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for an experienced EHS professional who combines strong technical knowledge with a collaborative leadership style.

You'll be confident building relationships across project teams, driving positive safety behaviours and influencing operational decision-making while maintaining the highest standards of health, safety and environmental performance.

Previous experience within data centres, advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, industrial construction, infrastructure or other technically complex projects would be highly advantageous.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Company car or car allowance.
• Performance-related bonus.
• Private medical insurance.
• Life assurance.
• Pension scheme.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Birthday leave.
• Professional memberships paid.
• Ongoing CPD and career development.
• Genuine long-term progression opportunities within a growing international contractor.

Location

This is a permanent UK role covering projects across the Midlands and South of England. Travel to project sites will be required depending on project location.

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to join one of the UK's leading specialist construction businesses, delivering some of the most technically advanced projects currently under construction.

You'll play a key leadership role in shaping project safety, influencing delivery teams and helping to deliver major mission-critical developments while building a long-term career within a business that genuinely invests in its people.