H&S Director
Utilise Recruitment
Power & Utilities (132kV, Substations, Distribution)
Cambridge (regional travel required)
Salary: Circa £80,000 + full package (car allowance, bonus, pension, benefits)
Role Purpose
The Health & Safety Director will lead the strategic and operational H&S function across a portfolio of power‑sector projects, including 132kV infrastructure, substation construction/refurbishment, and distribution network works. The role carries full accountability for safety performance, compliance, culture, and continuous improvement across multiple sites and contractors.
This position requires a senior H&S leader with deep high‑voltage experience, strong stakeholder influence, and the ability to embed a proactive safety culture across complex, multi‑disciplinary project teams.
Strategic Leadership
• Develop and implement the organisation’s Health & Safety strategy across all power and utilities projects.
• Ensure alignment with UK legislation, industry standards, and client requirements.
• Provide senior leadership guidance to project teams, directors, and operational managers.
Operational Oversight
• Lead H&S delivery across active sites including 132kV installations, substations, overhead/underground distribution works, and switching environments.
• Conduct regular site visits, audits, and safety inspections.
• Ensure robust safe systems of work for high‑risk activities.
Compliance & Governance
• Ensure full compliance with CDM 2015, Electricity at Work Regulations, and all statutory obligations.
• Maintain and enhance company H&S policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.
• Oversee internal and external audits.
Risk & Incident Management
• Lead risk assessments, method statement reviews, and HV safety protocols.
• Oversee incident investigations, root‑cause analysis, and corrective action plans.
• Report findings to senior leadership and regulatory bodies where required.
Contractor & Stakeholder Management
• Assess and monitor contractor H&S performance and competence.
• Ensure adherence to company and client standards across all supply chain partners.
• Act as the senior H&S representative with DNOs, ICPs, principal contractors, and regulatory bodies.
Culture, Training & Engagement
• Drive behavioural safety initiatives and workforce engagement programmes.
• Deliver leadership briefings, toolbox talks, and coaching sessions.
• Promote a positive, proactive safety culture across all teams.
Reporting & Continuous Improvement
• Produce board‑level reports, KPIs, and performance dashboards.
• Identify trends and implement improvement plans.
• Champion innovation in safety processes, technology, and reporting systems.
Essential Experience & Qualifications
• Proven experience as a Health & Safety Director, Head of H&S, or Senior H&S Manager within power, utilities, HV, or major infrastructure.
• Strong working knowledge of 132kV systems, substations, switching environments, and distribution networks.
• Chartered or working toward CMIOSH (minimum GradIOSH).
• NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent Level 6 qualification.
• Deep understanding of CDM 2015, EAWR, and HV safety rules.
• Demonstrable experience influencing senior stakeholders and managing H&S across multi‑site, high‑risk environments.
• Strong leadership, communication, and coaching skills.
Desirable
• Experience working with ICPs or DNOs (e.g., UKPN, SSEN, National Grid).
• Knowledge of temporary works, civils, and electrical installation practices.
• Behavioural safety training or qualifications.
• Experience implementing digital H&S systems or reporting tools.
If you are interested in this role, have any questions or wish to apply then please send us a copy of your cv.
Rob Utilise Recruitment
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