Head of HSE in Blackburn - Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited

Hays Health & Safety are excited to be working with a growing organisation in the electrical energy sector. This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced Health & Safety professional who wants to own and shape the H&S agenda within a complex, fast-moving organisation.

You'll be the organisation's lead authority on health, safety and compliance, setting direction at a strategic level while remaining close to operations. The role combines board-level influence with practical delivery, ensuring health and safety is embedded into everyday decision-making across the business.

You will have responsibility for driving standards, building capability within teams, and ensuring legal compliance while fostering a credible, proportionate, and mature safety culture.

What you'll be responsible for

• Setting and leading the organisation's Health & Safety strategy, ensuring it aligns with wider business objectives
• Acting as the principal advisor to senior leaders on occupational health, safety and regulatory risk
• Ensuring compliance with relevant UK legislation and recognised standards (including ISO 45001 where applicable)
• Designing, reviewing and maintaining policies, frameworks and management systems
• Overseeing incidents, investigations and assurance activity, ensuring learning is embedded and actions are delivered
• Leading and developing a small H&S function, setting clear priorities and supporting professional development
• Influencing operational leaders to take ownership of safety within their areas
• Managing relationships with regulators, insurers, auditors, contractors and external partners
• Providing clear, pragmatic guidance that enables the business to operate safely rather than slowing it down

What we're looking for
This role will suit someone who is comfortable operating at both strategic and hands-on levels, and who understands how to balance governance with real-world delivery.
You'll likely bring:

• A recognised professional qualification in Health & Safety (e.g. NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent)
• Chartered or working towards Chartered membership of IOSH
• Significant experience in a senior H&S role within a multi-site or higher-risk environment
• A track record of influencing senior stakeholders and driving improvement, not just compliance
• Strong judgement and confidence to challenge constructively when standards fall short
• An approach that is practical, proportionate and focused on outcomes

Why consider this opportunity?

Senior role with genuine influence and autonomy
Opportunity to shape culture, systems and standards rather than inherit a static function
Exposure to executive leadership and strategic decision-making
Competitive package with flexibility based on experience

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