At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead health and safety across power-sector projects, ensuring compliance and a proactive safety culture.
- Company: Dynamic power and utilities company with a focus on safety and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, pension, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety in high-voltage environments while leading diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Proven H&S leadership experience in power or utilities, with strong stakeholder management skills.
The Health & Safety Director will lead the strategic and operational H&S function across a portfolio of power-sector projects, including 132kV infrastructure, substation construction/refurbishment, and distribution network works. The role carries full accountability for safety performance, compliance, culture, and continuous improvement across multiple sites and contractors.
This position requires a senior H&S leader with deep high-voltage experience, strong stakeholder influence, and the ability to embed a proactive safety culture across complex, multi-disciplinary project teams.
Strategic Leadership- Develop and implement the organisations Health & Safety strategy across all power and utilities projects.
- Ensure alignment with UK legislation, industry standards, and client requirements.
- Provide senior leadership guidance to project teams, directors, and operational managers.
- Lead H&S delivery across active sites including 132kV installations, substations, overhead/underground distribution works, and switching environments.
- Conduct regular site visits, audits, and safety inspections.
- Ensure robust safe systems of work for high-risk activities.
- Ensure full compliance with CDM 2015, Electricity at Work Regulations, and all statutory obligations.
- Maintain and enhance company H&S policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.
- Oversee internal and external audits.
- Lead risk assessments, method statement reviews, and HV safety protocols.
- Oversee incident investigations, root-cause analysis, and corrective action plans.
- Report findings to senior leadership and regulatory bodies where required.
- Assess and monitor contractor H&S performance and competence.
- Ensure adherence to company and client standards across all supply chain partners.
- Act as the senior H&S representative with DNOs, ICPs, principal contractors, and regulatory bodies.
- Drive behavioural safety initiatives and workforce engagement programmes.
- Deliver leadership briefings, toolbox talks, and coaching sessions.
- Promote a positive, proactive safety culture across all teams.
- Produce board-level reports, KPIs, and performance dashboards.
- Identify trends and implement improvement plans.
- Champion innovation in safety processes, technology, and reporting systems.
- Proven experience as a Health & Safety Director, Head of H&S, or Senior H&S Manager within power, utilities, HV, or major infrastructure.
- Strong working knowledge of 132kV systems, substations, switching environments, and distribution networks.
- Chartered or working toward CMIOSH (minimum GradIOSH).
- NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent Level 6 qualification.
- Deep understanding of CDM 2015, EAWR, and HV safety rules.
- Demonstrable experience influencing senior stakeholders and managing H&S across multi-site, high-risk environments.
- Strong leadership, communication, and coaching skills.
- Experience working with ICPs or DNOs (e.g., UKPN, SSEN, National Grid).
- Knowledge of temporary works, civils, and electrical installation practices.
- Behavioural safety training or qualifications.
- Experience implementing digital H&S systems or reporting tools.
If you are interested in this role, have any questions or wish to apply then please send us a copy of your CV.
H&S Director in Newtown employer: Utilise Recruitment
As a leading employer in the power and utilities sector, we offer an exceptional work environment that prioritises health and safety while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. Our Cambridge location provides a dynamic setting for professional growth, with competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits including car allowances and bonuses. Join us to lead impactful projects and shape a proactive safety culture across diverse teams, all while enjoying the support and resources necessary for your career advancement.
