At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead health and safety initiatives, ensuring a safe environment across the Medical Sciences Division.
- Company: Join Oxford University’s Medical Sciences Division, a leader in health and safety.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension scheme, employee assistance, and childcare services.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health and safety while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: NEBOSH Certificate and experience in health and safety leadership required.
The predicted salary is between 66608 - 66608 £ per year.
You will provide strategic and professional leadership on health and safety across the Medical Sciences Division, ensuring effective oversight, risk management and continuous improvement. As a strong people manager and leader, you will lead and develop the Divisional Safety Team, fostering a collaborative, supportive and high-performing culture. You will work closely with departments and University colleagues to strengthen health and safety arrangements and promote a positive culture of accountability across the Division.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Lead, manage and develop the Divisional Safety Team, creating a positive, collaborative and high-performing team culture.
- Provide expert strategic and professional health and safety advice to departments and senior leaders across the Medical Sciences Division.
- Lead the development and implementation of the Division’s health and safety strategy, risk management and assurance arrangements.
- Build strong relationships with departments, safety professionals and other key stakeholders, promoting shared learning and a positive safety culture.
- Oversee and prioritise the Safety Team’s work programme, ensuring resources are focused on the Division’s key risks and priorities.
- Use data, audits, inspections and incident investigations to identify emerging risks and drive evidence-based continuous improvement.
- Represent the Division and work collaboratively with the wider University safety community, NHS Trusts and other partners on shared health and safety matters.
Skills and Qualifications:
- Hold a NEBOSH Certificate (or be willing to attain within the first two years) and substantial professional experience in health and safety leadership within a large, complex organisation.
- Degree-level qualification in a relevant discipline.
- Demonstrable experience of leading, developing and inspiring specialist professional teams, fostering collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement and high performance.
- Significant experience of handling complex, sensitive or high-risk health and safety issues, exercising sound professional judgement and delivering proportionate, pragmatic solutions.
What We Offer:
- Generous Annual Leave
- An excellent contributory pension scheme
- Employee Assistant Programme
- Family Leave schemes
- Cycle and electric car loan schemes
- Childcare services
- Discounted bus travel and season ticket travel loans
You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement describing how you meet the criteria, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application. The closing date for applications is 12 noon on 23 November 2026. Interviews will take place in person on 07 December 2026, you will be requested to complete a presentation as part of the interview process.
If you are interested in applying and wish to have an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Jennifer Kain, Head of Assurance by email at jennifer.kain@medsci.ox.ac.uk.
Divisional Safety Lead employer: University of Oxford
The Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Oxford is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment where finance professionals can thrive. With a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, along with generous benefits such as 38 days of annual leave and a robust family leave scheme, employees are supported in both their professional and personal lives. This role not only provides the opportunity to influence strategic financial decisions within a world-renowned department but also fosters continuous growth and development in a vibrant academic community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Divisional Safety Lead
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like University of Oxford.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at University of Oxford.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like University of Oxford, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Divisional Safety Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at University of Oxford.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at University of Oxford.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to University of Oxford. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at University of Oxford. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research University of Oxford’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
