Regional Head of SHEQ

Job Description:

Position: Regional Head of SHEQ

Location: Derby

Salary Guide: £75,000 - £85,000 Plus Bonus, Car/Allowance & Excellent Package

Our client is a Tier 1 D&B Contractor operating predominantly in the water industry who have been awarded a programme of work to deliver non-infrastructure water and wastewater projects for Severn Trent Water and they are recruiting for a Regional Head of SHEQ to help deliver these projects.

They are seeking an experienced, forward‑thinking SHEQ Manager to lead Safety, Health, Environment and Quality across the Severn Trent Water framework (East Midlands). This is a pivotal leadership role, shaping SHEQ strategy and culture across a major UK water sector programme. Hybrid working is available, with regular presence across regional project sites.

You will report to the Framework Director, with a key strategic link to the SHEQ & Sustainability Director UK. As the senior SHEQ leader for the region, you will foster a high‑performing, collaborative culture across their teams, partners, and client-helping to drive excellence, innovation and continuous improvement throughout AMP8 and beyond.

SHEQ Leadership & Strategy:

• Lead the delivery, monitoring and review of the SHEQ strategy and associated action plans at regional level.
• Represent the Company as the SHEQ Lead for the Severn Trent Water framework, promoting best practice across One Supply Chain partners.
• Identify regional SHEQ focus areas and work with the Divisional and Regional Heads to set measurable, outcome-driven improvement targets.
• Provide strategic direction and expert SHEQ guidance to the Senior Management Team, client representatives and regional SHEQ teams.

Culture, People Development & Engagement:

• Champion and embed the Cultural Development Programme to strengthen behaviours, ownership and engagement across the region.
• Set clear expectations, roles and responsibilities for the SHEQ team, ensuring robust professional development pathways and succession planning.
• Lead by example and be a visible advocate for the Company and Severn Trent SHEQ standards, values and behaviours.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration, open communication and a culture of continuous improvement.

Assurance, Compliance & Risk Management:

• Maintain, improve and assure the effectiveness of SHEQ Management Systems, ensuring full compliance with legislation.
• Organise, support and deliver internal and external audits, inspections and assurance activities.
• Ensure robust identification, assessment and control of SHEQ risks throughout project lifecycles.

Client, Partner & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with Severn Trent Water, supply chain partners and internal teams.
• Influence and support client and partner change activities, ensuring SHEQ is fully embedded in new initiatives and delivery processes.
• Integrate effectively with project teams to understand operational challenges and drive proactive SHEQ solutions.
• Promote collaborative working across the One Supply Chain network to share learning and elevate standards region-wide.

Performance, Data & Innovation:

• Lead benchmarking, performance trending, data analysis and presentation of key indicators to drive informed decision making.
• Identify opportunities for sustainable, innovative SHEQ solutions aligned to AMP8 priorities.
• Use data intelligently to highlight risks, performance gaps and improvement opportunities.
• Drive innovation in SHEQ processes and digital solutions to enhance effectiveness and efficiency.

Skills, Qualifications & Experience:

• Proven experience managing a multi-disciplinary SHEQ team in construction, utilities or a similar environment.
• Strong leadership capability with experience influencing senior stakeholders and complex project teams.
• NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent).
• Competent and trained risk assessor with an environmental qualification.
• Chartered member of IOSH (CMIOSH)
• Ability to collect, analyse and interpret large volumes of data with accuracy and insight.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills at all organisational levels.
• Strong understanding of SHE legislation, ACoPs and industry standards.
• High level of competence with Microsoft Office tools, particularly Visio, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Organised, adaptable, and confident making decisions while recognising when escalation is appropriate.