Health & Safety Director

  • Austin Recruitment LTD
  • City, London
  • 03/03/2026
Full time Construction

Job Description

Our client is a highly reputable, client-centric construction logistics and operations company, delivering complex projects across London, Northern Europe, and Scandinavia. They are experiencing rapid growth, driven by repeat business with top-tier clients, and pride themselves on doing things the right way - no cutting corners.

They are seeking a Health & Safety Director to lead, develop, and implement their health, safety, environmental, and compliance strategy across all operations. This is a strategic, high-profile role that will influence the safety culture across multiple sites and international projects.

Role Overview

The Health & Safety Director will act as the company s competent person under UK health and safety law, ensuring full compliance with legislation, promoting a proactive safety culture, and driving continuous improvement. You will protect employees, subcontractors, clients, and the public, embedding best practice across all projects and operations.

Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership
  • Develop and implement a company-wide Health & Safety strategy aligned with business objectives.
  • Advise senior leadership on H&S performance, risks, and compliance matters.
  • Promote a positive safety culture across all sites and offices.
  • Set annual H&S objectives and KPIs and monitor performance.
Legal & Regulatory Compliance
  • Ensure full compliance with UK legislation including CDM 2015, HSW Act 1974, RIDDOR 2013, COSHH, and more.
  • Act as liaison with regulatory bodies including the HSE.
  • Oversee accident investigations and ensure timely reporting.
Operational Oversight
  • Develop, implement, and review H&S policies, procedures, and risk assessments.
  • Conduct site inspections, audits, and compliance reviews.
  • Approve method statements, RAMS, and safe systems of work.
  • Monitor subcontractor compliance and performance.
Incident Management
  • Lead investigations into serious incidents and near misses.
  • Identify root causes and implement corrective and preventative actions.
  • Provide clear reporting to senior leadership and external bodies where required.
Training & Development
  • Ensure H&S training is delivered across all levels of the organisation.
  • Oversee competency frameworks for site managers and operatives.
  • Promote behavioural safety initiatives and continuous improvement programmes.
Environmental & Sustainability Oversight
  • Ensure environmental compliance and support sustainable construction practices.
  • Monitor waste management, pollution prevention, and environmental impact.
Leadership & Team Management
  • Lead, develop, and mentor the H&S team.
  • Manage departmental budgets and resources effectively.
Key Skills & Experience Essential:
  • Senior leadership experience in Health & Safety within the UK construction sector.
  • In-depth knowledge of UK construction legislation and CDM responsibilities.
  • NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent Level 6 qualification).
  • Chartered Member of IOSH (CMIOSH).
  • Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and operational teams.
  • Strong investigation and reporting skills.
Desirable:
  • Degree in Occupational Health & Safety or related discipline.
  • Experience managing multi-site operations and principal contractor environments.
  • Environmental qualifications (e.g., IEMA).
Personal Attributes
  • Strategic thinker with strong commercial awareness.
  • Influential, inspiring leader with excellent communication skills.
  • Proactive, solution-oriented, and highly professional.
  • Calm, decisive, and credible under pressure.
Why This Role is Exciting:
  • Join a fast-growing, client-focused company that prioritises quality and integrity.
  • Lead H&S strategy across high-profile projects in London and across Europe.
  • Influence organisational culture and operational excellence from the ground up.
  • Long-term growth opportunities as the company continues to expand internationally.
If you are ready to make the move into a hugely influential Health & Safety position with a team that truly values your input, let's have a confidential conversation.