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- Tasks: Lead the University’s Safety, Health and Wellbeing Strategy to create a supportive environment.
- Company: Join a prestigious University committed to safety and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy 32 days annual leave, hybrid working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community safety and wellbeing while shaping organisational culture.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in health and safety leadership with professional accreditation.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
We’re looking for a dynamic and forward‑thinking Director of Safety, Health and Wellbeing to lead the strategic direction of the University’s approach to creating a safe, healthy and supportive environment for our community. As a senior member of the HR leadership team, you will act as the University’s senior competent person under Health and Safety legislation, advising the Vice‑Chancellor, University Executive Board and Board of Trustees. You will shape and deliver our Safety, Health and Wellbeing Strategy, ensuring we maintain an effective framework that supports our academic and operational ambitions. You will lead a high‑performing team of specialists across health and safety, occupational health and staff counselling, and serve as the University’s senior expert voice in this critical area.
What will you be doing? In this pivotal leadership role, you will:
- Set and deliver the institutional Safety, Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
- Ensure the University has a robust, compliant and future‑focused health and safety management system.
- Build strong, trusted relationships with senior leaders, including the Vice‑Chancellor and Board of Trustees.
- Lead, inspire and develop a team of subject matter experts across health and safety and wellbeing services.
- Provide authoritative advice and constructive challenge to improve organisational culture and performance.
- Oversee policy development, risk management, audits, monitoring and continuous improvement activities.
- Act as the University’s escalation point for serious incidents, coordinating responses and liaising with emergency services and enforcing authorities.
- Maintain key relationships with regulatory bodies including HSE, Local Authority, Environment Agency and Fire & Rescue.
- Take accountability for compliance with specialist areas such as ionising and non‑ionising radiation.
- Manage a significant departmental budget and ensure resources are aligned to institutional priorities.
You should apply if you are an experienced and influential senior health and safety leader who:
- Has substantial expertise across safety, health and wellbeing in a large, complex organisation.
- Holds professional accreditation (e.g., IOSH) and a strong commitment to CPD.
- Can confidently influence and advise senior executives and governing bodies.
- Communicates with clarity and impact, even in high‑stakes or emotionally charged situations.
- Has a proven track record of leading high‑performing teams and building credibility at all levels.
- Operates with strong moral and ethical values and isn’t afraid to “speak truth to authority.”
- Brings sound political judgement and can represent the University in a range of internal and external forums.
- Is motivated by shaping a culture where people feel safe, supported and able to thrive.
Benefits of working for the University include:
- 32 days of annual leave per year (plus bank holidays)
- Automatic entry to a generous pension scheme
- Hybrid working environment
- Inclusive culture, valuing the diversity of thought, beliefs and background
This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Sunday 8th March 2026. For informal queries please contact James Bigwood, Chief People Officer, via Sarah Haworth – sarah.haworth@bristol.ac.uk
Our strategy and mission: We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.
Director of Safety, Health and Wellbeing employer: University of Bristol
Contact Detail:
University of Bristol Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Safety, Health and Wellbeing
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at the University. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience and successes in safety, health, and wellbeing. Use specific examples that demonstrate how you've made a difference in previous roles.
✨Prepare for the Tough Questions
Expect some challenging questions about your approach to health and safety management. Think about how you would handle high-stakes situations and be ready to discuss your strategies for building a positive organisational culture.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Safety, Health and Wellbeing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in safety, health, and wellbeing. We want to see how your skills align with our mission and the specific requirements of the Director role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior position, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire teams. Share examples of how you've built strong relationships and developed high-performing teams in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bristol
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in health and safety legislation, especially the specifics that relate to the university environment. Brush up on your knowledge of compliance standards and be ready to discuss how you would implement these in a strategic way.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about times when you inspired your team or improved organisational culture. Be ready to explain your approach to building trust with senior leaders and how you can influence them effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Given the high-stakes nature of this role, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to communicate complex ideas simply. Consider doing mock interviews to refine your delivery.
✨Align with Their Values
Research the university’s mission and values, and think about how your personal values align with theirs. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to creating a safe and supportive environment, showing that you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the institution as a whole.