Head of Operational HSE

Overview

At VVB, we design and deliver Mechanical, Electrical, Fire and Telecommunications engineering solutions for infrastructure across the UK. Combining Tier 1 strength with Tier 2 agility and specialist expertise, we deliver works across the full lifecycle - from design through to maintenance. We're trusted partners to clients across Rail, Highways, Power and Tunnelling, delivering high-quality engineering with safety, integrity and collaboration at our core.

At VVB, we're more than just engineers - we're collaborators, innovators, and stewards of our environment. Our projects are guided by our CORE values: C-Care & Collaboration; O-Opportunity & Ownership; R-Responsibility & Respect; E-Excellence & End Result Focus.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salaries with yearly appraisals
• Travel expenses covered for assignments outside your base location
• Perkbox membership for 24/7 access to perks, benefits, discounts, and wellbeing tools
• Life Assurance and Private Medical Insurance schemes provided by leading providers
• Generous pension scheme
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (this includes a Christmas shutdown)

The Role

We're looking for an experienced and motivated Head of Operational Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) to lead the strategic and operational development of HSE across all VVB projects and functions. As part of the Safety and Project Support Services leadership team, you'll shape and embed a safety-first culture, ensuring that health, safety and environmental excellence is integral to everything we do.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all strategic and operational HSE matters across VVB's work portfolio.
• Develop and deliver a rolling three-year Operational HSE Strategy, aligned with VVB's business objectives and client expectations.
• Embed the strategy across all projects and functions, tracking and reporting progress at business and project level.
• Provide expert HSE guidance throughout project lifecycles - from tender through to design, construction, testing, commissioning and handover.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to promote best practice and ensure compliance with legislation, industry standards and accreditations.
• Oversee the recruitment, leadership and development of VVB's operational HSE team, fostering a culture of collaboration and professional growth.
• Develop and implement digital solutions for HSE management in partnership with IT and Business Systems teams.
• Monitor performance and trends through inspections, audits, KPIs and digital reporting tools such as Asite and Power BI.
• Support the HR team in developing wellbeing initiatives, and the Procurement team in reviewing supply chain HSE credentials.
• Represent VVB on relevant industry panels and customer working groups.

Key Skills / Qualifications

Essential:

• Degree and/or NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent)
• Chartered or professional membership (CMIOSH preferred)
• Proven experience in a senior HSE role, ideally within infrastructure or major project environments
• Strong working knowledge of UK HSE legislation and ISO management systems
• Experience leading teams, developing strategies and implementing behavioural safety initiatives
• Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder-management skills
• Proactive, collaborative and decisive, with the ability to perform under pressure
• Willingness to travel regularly to sites and client locations

Desirable:

• ILM Level 3 or equivalent leadership qualification
• IMS management experience
• Behavioural safety and mental health awareness training
• Audit and investigation experience

How to apply

If you're passionate about driving safety excellence, developing people and making a tangible difference across complex, high-profile infrastructure projects, we'd love to hear from you. Click the link to apply.

VVB values the benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to treating all prospective and current employees with dignity regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnerships, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. All employees must demonstrate commitment and enthusiasm in promoting the principles of equality in employment and service delivery.

NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES