Head of Health & Safety (Construction)
Head of Health & Safety
Location: Office / Site (UK)
Salary: £90,000 – £100,000
Hours: 40 hours per week (or as required)
Salary: £90,000 – £100,000
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Health & Safety to lead and deliver our organisation's health, safety, and building safety strategy. This is a senior leadership role responsible for ensuring full compliance with UK legislation and industry standards, including ISO 45001, the Building Safety Act 2022, and BS 5975 (Temporary Works Procedures).
You will act as the organisation's senior competent person for health and safety and, where required, undertake or oversee the role of Designated Individual (DI) for temporary works.
Key Responsibilities
Health & Safety Leadership (ISO 45001)
Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety Management System.
Ensure compliance across all ISO elements including risk management, operational control, auditing, and performance monitoring.
Oversee internal and external audits and ensure timely corrective actions.
Maintain accurate compliance records and documentation.
Building Safety (Building Safety Act 2022)
Ensure organisational compliance with all relevant building safety legislation.
Provide strategic oversight for higher-risk buildings (HRBs).
Support Accountable and Principal Accountable Persons.
Oversee key safety requirements, including:
The Golden Thread of information
Safety Case Reports
Mandatory Occurrence Reporting systems
Liaise with regulatory authorities and ensure robust risk management frameworks are embedded across projects.
Temporary Works (BS 5975)
Establish and maintain Temporary Works procedures in line with BS 5975.
Appoint and manage competent Temporary Works Coordinators (TWCs) and Supervisors (TWSs).
Oversee Temporary Works registers, design checks, and compliance processes.
Promote competency, training, and regular auditing of temporary works procedures.
Report risks and performance at senior level.
Team & Operational Management
Lead and develop the Health & Safety team.
Ensure site audits, inspections, and reporting are effectively delivered.
Monitor industry developments, legislation changes, and best practice.
Manage the investigation of incidents and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Oversee competency assessments, including subcontractors and designers in line with CDM regulations.
Support pre-construction teams with tenders and submissions.
Provide regular reporting, including Board-level health & safety updates.
Produce internal communications such as monthly health & safety newsletters.
Support operational teams at all levels with expert advice.
Systems & Continuous Improvement
Develop and enhance health & safety systems, processes, and procedures.
Maintain accurate data across platforms and reporting systems.
Support training and development initiatives in collaboration with learning teams.
Contribute to external recognitions and awards submissions.
About You
Qualifications & Experience
Chartered Membership of IOSH (CMIOSH) – essential
Strong experience in a senior health & safety leadership role within construction or a related sector
Proven knowledge of ISO 45001, Building Safety Act 2022, and BS 5975
Skills & Competencies
Strong analytical skills with attention to detail
Proactive risk management and problem-solving approach
Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
Demonstrated leadership and influencing ability
Commitment to fostering a safe, compliant, and high-performing culture
What We Offer
Competitive salary (£90,000 – £100,000)
Ongoing professional development and training support
Opportunity to lead and shape organisational safety strategy
Collaborative and forward-thinking working environment