My client is responsible for the biggest rail construction project in Europe, helping to improve London's commuter infrastructure.

Due to an increase in project works they require a Head of Health and Safety to join them on an initial short term contract.

Applicants are sought for this opportunity with prior experience at “Head of” or “Director of” level, and with proven experience in designing and implementing close out and completion strategies for major projects or programmes.

As the Head of Health and Safety you will provide critical leadership, overseeing business resilience & security, the H&S Improvements Programme and H&S Reporting and Delivery. This role has a focus on programme completion and close out and as the Head of H&S you will provide the H&S functional support, directly and through your team. You will also be required to deputise for the HSE Director.

Principal Accountabilities

• Manage a core team of H&S specialists and provides appropriate support to the Programme and Tier 1 contractors in meeting the requirements. Involvement in the design of the H&S organisation to provide seamless uninterrupted functional support to the Programme through completion and close out.
• Support in the delivery of the programmes legal responsibilities and Target Zero aspirations.
• Lead the development of functional support (resources and plans) for the close out and completion of the Programme. Act as the champion for work streams associated with close out and completion.
• Povide visibility of the Programme, from a shared learning perspective and to draw on opportunity for alignment of processes in the close out phases
• Deputise for the HSE Director providing support to the Executive and CEO as requested and as is necessary e.g. through periods of annual leave
• Lead the assessment process to ensure that the health and safety systems operating within the programme and its stakeholders conform to the requirements specified.
• Communicate the standard of health and safety compliance to appropriate programme management forums and gain agreement to any next steps for the programme management team.
• Manage the reporting of data and analysis of trends within the H&S function, through oversight of the H&S Reporting Manager. Support the HSE Director through the preparation of appropriate data, reports, papers or presentations to identified stakeholders.
• Manage the Business Resilience and Security function, including incident management, business resilience and continuity, and transition of the resilience function into the Operational Railway
• Provide management and support to the H&S Improvements Specialist(s) in the design and implementation of Target Zero and other H&S and OH initiatives.
• Support the development and communication of a Health and Safety Strategy that sets out the programmes H&S objectives and requirements for the delivery of a Target Zero programme.
• Monitor and act as subject matter expert for the programme in its roles as Client, Principal Designer and Designer to ensure that the programme has the necessary competence and resources to manage its duties under the CDM Regulations.
• To manage the planning and implementation of risk mitigation programmes including inspections, safety training/briefings and occupational health and safety compliance.
• Ensure relevant H&S records (e.g. policy documentation, procedures, risk assessments, safety data sheets, risk registers, fire drills and training records) are kept, maintained and updated as and when necessary utilising the programme eB system and SharePoint.
• Provide advice and assistance across the wider programme so that others understand their health and safety obligations and how to achieve them.

Main challenges of the job

• Quickly gaining enough knowledge of the Programme and ways of working across multiple stakeholders and in a complex matrix environment
• Supporting the learning legacy of the programme, providing visibility to Stakeholders (industry and partners)
• Maintain clarity and timeliness of H&S reporting, ensuring a single understanding of the data, position and outputs.
• Ensure understanding of governance structures and ensure accurate, right first time and on time delivery of reports etc.
• Support CDM duty holders in the competent execution of their duties under the CDM Regulations
• Understanding interfaces and developing and maintaining relationships, especially as the programme hands over to the Infrastructure Manager
• Working with many teams internal and external to the programme in a consistent and professional manner.
• Improving health & safety performance across the programme and leading on Client led initiatives with Tier 1 contractors, as many are considering demobilisation and completion
• Developing a collaborative approach across the programme.

Dimensions & Interfaces (both internal and external)

• Manage teams of health and safety professionals and interface with multiple teams and sites.
• Regular liaison with Programme delivery teams including management and H&S.
• Close working with the Programme Delivery Director through the Close Out and Completion phase
• Interface with external organisations including regulators when required.
• Manage interfaces with external organisations in relation to reporting health and safety performance and target zero initiatives

Person Specification

• Proven experience of delivering in a similar role.
• Evidence of successful management in a complex organisation with multiple interfaces.
• Qualified to degree level with a NEBOSH Diploma or (S)NVQ level 5 or equivalent, in occupational health and safety supported by appropriate and relevant continuous professional development.
• Chartered Member of IOSH - working towards may be considered for the right candidate.
• Experience in construction, engineering or rail environment advantageous.

If you have carried out this function in a large project or programme environment at the required level, and this opportunity sounds like the position for you, then please get in touch or apply today. A full job description is available upon request.

Due to the initial short term nature of this role and the requirement to start soon, applicants with a short notice period or immediate availability would be suitable.

This opportunity could be considered on a Fixed Term Permanent Contract or on a Contract basis. My client is within the public sector, as such contracts are considered Inside of IR35.

This vacancy is being advertised by Advanced Resource Managers. ARM is a specialist talent acquisition and management consultancy. We provide technical contingency recruitment and a portfolio of more complex resource solutions.

Our specialist recruitment divisions cover the entire technical arena, including some of the most economically and strategically important industries in the UK and the world today. We will never send your CV without your permission.