Head of QHSE in Exeter

Due to continued growth, TMS Maritime is creating this senior leadership role to strengthen and elevate QHSE across an expanding portfolio of marine civil engineering projects. You'll join a business offering a competitive package (competitive salary + bonus + car benefit), up to 10% matched pension, private medical insurance and the chance to shape safety and quality standards in a carbon neutral-certified marine civils contractor.

About TMS Maritime: TMS Maritime is a leading marine civil engineering contractor delivering projects across harbours, jetties and piers, flood defences, coastal protection, inland waterways and emergency repairs. With over 31 years' expertise, TMS operates across the UK and Europe, combining directly employed teams with substantial in-house marine plant to respond quickly and deliver safely. TMS is also recognised for raising the bar on sustainability, becoming the UK's first carbon neutral marine engineering company (scope 1 and 2).

The Role:

• Location: TMS HQ, Dawlish Business Park, Dawlish, Devon (EX7) - predominantly office-based, with regular travel to project sites across the UK (and occasional overnight stays)
• Hours: Core hours are 07:30–17:30, with flexibility required for site demands (including occasional weekend work and being available for urgent QHSE issues).

This is a senior, visible role with real influence. You'll lead QHSE strategy and implementation across marine and civil engineering works-embedding a practical, “safety-first” culture and driving compliance, risk reduction, continuous improvement and performance reporting.

What you'll be doing:

• Lead QHSE strategy and compliance: Own policies, procedures and best practice; ensure alignment to regulatory requirements and recognised standards (including ISO frameworks).
• Risk management & incident response: Drive robust risk assessments, audits, incident investigations and root cause analysis-then follow through with corrective actions that stick.
• Build an engaged safety culture: Deliver training and awareness that works for people on site, on vessels and in the office-communicating confidently at every level.
• Lead and develop the QHSE function: Coach, mentor and support a high-performing team; raise capability through training and professional development.
• Be the credible external face of QHSE: Liaise with regulators, certification bodies and stakeholders; produce senior-level reporting and help protect and enhance the TMS reputation.

What we're looking for:

• Relevant degree level qualification(s) or equivalent.
• Extensive experience in QHSE management within marine, inshore or civils/construction settings.
• Strong knowledge of safety regulations, industry standards, and risk management practices.
• Proven leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent analytical, proactive problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for stakeholder engagement.
• Certifications in NEBOSH and ideally of CMIOSH standard or equivalent safety qualifications.

Location Requirement: You'll need to be within a reasonable commute (ideally within 1 hour) of Dawlish HQ to stay close to the leadership team and operational heartbeat of the business.

Why join TMS:

• Shape a safety-first culture in a specialist sector where the work is varied, high-impact and visible-from flood defences and harbour works through to emergency repairs.
• Join a business that invests in standards and people, with professional memberships supported and training provided to keep your knowledge current.
• Work with a company that leads on sustainability, including carbon neutral certification (scope 1 & 2).
• Be part of a hands-on, collaborative culture rooted in capability, integrity, service, quality and value.
• At TMS, we're proud to do things differently. We're big enough to deliver major infrastructure projects but small enough to value every individual contribution.
• You'll be part of a supportive, down-to-earth team where your ideas are heard, your expertise is recognised, and your career can grow.
• Competitive salary
• Car Benefit & Company Bonus
• Three times salary life assurance (Death in Service)
• 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays, increasing with service
• Company pension scheme, matched up to 10% contribution
• Company healthcare
• Opportunities to work on iconic marine infrastructure projects across the UK
• A culture that genuinely encourages collaboration, diversity, and continuous improvement.

Inclusion & accessibility: TMS is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and identities, and we're committed to creating an environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. If you need any adjustments to support you through the recruitment process, you'll be encouraged to let us know.

Ready to lead QHSE in a business that's building and protecting the UK's coastlines and waterways? Click to Apply.