Head of HSEQ

Head of HSEQ – Manufacturing – Derbyshire – £70,000 - £80,000 + Benefits Package

Principal People are delighted to be working exclusively with a manufacturing business to recruit a Head of HSEQ.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced HSEQ leader to join a fast-paced manufacturing businesses and take ownership of Health, Safety, Environment and Quality.

The successful candidate will report directly into the Managing Director and be an active part of the senior leadership team, taking a strategic lead in developing and delivering the Group's long-term HSEQ strategy.

This is a highly influential role with genuine authority to drive cultural change, strengthen operational standards and improve HSEQ performance across the Group.

The key duties include:

• Developing and implementing HSEQ strategy, establishing consistent standards and a clear route for continuous improvement across both sites
• Leading the Group's safety strategy, including risk management, safe systems of work, permit-to-work, contractor control, machinery safety, emergency preparedness and incident investigation
• Driving a proactive safety culture through behavioural safety, workforce engagement, near-miss reporting, safety training and visible leadership across both sites
• Taking ownership of environmental compliance, permits, emissions, and sustainability initiatives, while managing relationships with the Environment Agency
• Providing strategic HSEQ advice to the Managing Director and Board, including performance reporting, emerging risks and future regulatory requirements
• Leading and developing the HSEQ and operational teams while coaching operational leaders to take ownership of HSEQ performance within their areas

Why should you apply for the role?

• The opportunity to take ownership of HSEQ across a leading manufacturing business
• A genuinely strategic leadership position reporting directly to the Managing Director and sitting on the senior leadership team
• Join a business entering a significant period of transformation and investment
• Genuine Board and senior leadership commitment to investing in and improving HSEQ performance
• The opportunity to shape the Group's HSEQ strategy and drive meaningful cultural and operational change.
• Work within a high-hazard environment where HSEQ is recognised as being fundamental to operational success
• A career-defining opportunity to establish best-practice HSEQ standards across a multi-site organisation

We would love to see CVs from people who have:

• A senior HSEQ leadership background working within heavy industries (manufacturing, chemical, engineering, waste and recycling preferred)
• A NEBOSH Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety or equivalent is preferred
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to drive change while operating under commercial pressure.
• Experience working across multiple sites and influencing senior stakeholders
• The credibility and confidence to engage with regulators, senior leadership and operational teams.