Role Purpose The Head of HSQE will set the strategic direction for, and take overall responsibility for, health, safety, quality and environmental performance across the business. You will lead the HSQE function, embed a strong safety culture from board level to the workface, and ensure we meet the demanding standards of TfL, London Underground, Network Rail and our wider client base. You will be a visible, credible leader on site and a trusted advisor to the senior leadership team. Key Responsibilities Strategy and Leadership You will develop and deliver the HSQE strategy, aligned to business objectives and client requirements, and act as the company's senior HSQE representative, advising the board and attending leadership meetings. You will lead, mentor and develop a team of HSQE managers, advisors and inspectors, and promote a positive, proactive safety culture, including leadership engagement, behavioural safety and a just culture approach to reporting. Health and Safety You will ensure compliance with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, CDM 2015 and all relevant regulations, and oversee safety management for high-risk activities such as working on or near the railway, confined spaces, working at height, electrical safety, lifting operations and night and possession working. You will ensure compliance with Network Rail and TfL/LU standards, rules and safety management requirements, and review RAMS, safe systems of work and permit-to-work arrangements for quality and suitability. You will lead incident and accident investigations, ensure RIDDOR reporting, and drive effective root cause analysis and corrective actions. You will also manage occupational health, wellbeing and fatigue management arrangements. Quality You will own the quality management system, ensuring consistent delivery to client specifications and industry standards. This includes oversight of inspection and test plans, non-conformance management, audits, and handover and commissioning documentation, as well as driving continuous improvement and lessons learned across projects. Environment and Sustainability You will ensure compliance with environmental legislation and client environmental requirements, and oversee waste, noise, vibration, dust, pollution prevention and ecology controls on site. You will also support the company's carbon reduction and sustainability commitments. Governance, Assurance and Accreditation You will maintain and develop the integrated management system, with certification to ISO 45001, ISO 14001 and ISO 9001, and maintain supplier prequalification and accreditations such as RISQS, Achilles and CHAS/SafeContractor as applicable. You will plan and deliver a programme of internal audits, site inspections and assurance reviews, and monitor closure of actions. You will lead on tender HSQE submissions, client audits and interface with regulators (HSE, ORR) where required, and produce HSQE performance reports and KPIs for the board and clients, using data to drive improvement. Supply Chain and Training You will assess and monitor the HSQE competence and performance of subcontractors and suppliers, and oversee competence management, training matrices and inductions, including railway sentinel and track safety requirements. Essential Experience and Qualifications We are looking for someone with significant senior-level HSQE experience in rail, underground, tunnelling or similar safety-critical infrastructure environments, including proven experience working with Network Rail and/or TfL/London Underground standards and assurance processes. You will have a background in M&E, building services or engineering contracting. You will hold a NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent) in occupational health and safety, and Chartered Membership of IOSH (CMIOSH) or be working towards it. You will have strong working knowledge of CDM 2015, RIDDOR and UK health and safety legislation, and experience managing integrated management systems and ISO 45001/14001/9001 certification. You will be able to demonstrate experience leading and developing HSQE teams, and have excellent communication and influencing skills, with the credibility to challenge constructively at all levels. A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to sites across London and the wider network are also required. Desirable It would be an advantage to have a degree or equivalent in engineering, construction, safety or a related discipline, along with additional environmental or quality qualifications such as IEMA membership or Lead Auditor certification. Valid track safety certification (for example PTS or equivalent) is desirable, as is experience in tender and bid support for rail and infrastructure frameworks, and experience in tunnels and shafts, depots, signalling or traction power environments. Key Competencies You will be a strategic thinker with a practical, hands-on approach, resilient and calm under pressure, including in incident response. You will be collaborative and approachable, with strong stakeholder management skills, a data-driven mindset and a commitment to continuous improvement. Strong integrity and ethical leadership are essential. Working Arrangements This is a hybrid role based in London, with a mix of home working, office days and regular site visits. Out-of-hours attendance may occasionally be required for incidents, night works or possessions
Head of HSQE (Rail) in London employer: TSSI
Join a dynamic team in Windlesham where we prioritise employee well-being and professional growth. As a Labourer, you'll benefit from competitive pay, a supportive work culture, and opportunities to develop your skills on exciting commercial projects. We value our employees and offer a collaborative environment that fosters teamwork and personal development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of HSQE (Rail) in London
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like TSSI, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Head of HSQE (Rail) at TSSI.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at TSSI
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
