Head of H&S | Construction & Property Services Contractor | London
About the client:
Our client is an established construction and property services business operating across London and the South East, delivering refurbishment, regeneration, new build, and maintenance projects. With a strong presence in the public sector, particularly social housing, they are known for high-quality delivery, a strong safety culture, and a commitment to sustainability and community impact.
Role Overview
This role is responsible for developing and delivering the company’s Health & Safety strategy, ensuring full compliance with UK legislation, and embedding a proactive, positive safety culture across all areas of the organisation. Working closely with senior leadership and operational teams, the role will support the safe delivery of refurbishment, regeneration, maintenance, and construction projects – often within occupied environments – while acting as the principal advisor on all Health & Safety matters.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop, implement, and continuously improve Health & Safety policies and procedures.
* Ensure compliance with all current UK Health & Safety legislation and regulations.
* Oversee the company’s Health & Safety management systems and accreditations, including ISO standards.
* Provide strategic guidance to senior management on risk, compliance, and best practice.
* Lead and manage the Health & Safety team, providing coaching and professional development.
* Support operational teams in developing RAMS and safe systems of work.
* Monitor site safety performance through audits, inspections, and regular reporting.
* Lead investigations into incidents, accidents, and near misses, ensuring effective corrective actions.
* Analyse safety data and trends to identify risks and improvement opportunities.
* Establish and track KPIs to measure Health & Safety performance across the business.
* Ensure robust contractor and supply chain compliance with company standards.
* Build strong relationships with clients, regulatory bodies, and external stakeholders.
* Lead on Health & Safety aspects of client audits, tenders, and pre-qualification submissions.
* Deliver initiatives to improve workforce engagement, wellbeing, and behavioural safety.
* Promote best practice and drive continuous improvement across all projects and business units.
Skills & Experience
* Proven senior Health & Safety leadership experience within construction, property services, or a related sector.
* Strong working knowledge of UK Health & Safety legislation, including CDM regulations.
* Experience managing Health & Safety across refurbishment, maintenance, and construction operations.
* Demonstrable experience maintaining ISO-aligned management systems.
* Ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels of the organisation.
* Strong leadership and people management capability.
* Excellent analytical, reporting, and problem-solving skills.
* Commercial awareness with the ability to balance compliance and operational delivery.
Qualifications
* NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent qualification essential.
* Chartered IOSH membership (CMIOSH), or working towards, preferred.
* Relevant construction or technical qualifications desirable.
Personal Attributes
* Visible and credible leader with a passion for Health & Safety.
* Proactive, resilient, and solutions-focused approach.
* Strong communicator with the ability to drive cultural change.
* Committed to high standards, continuous improvement, and employee wellbeing