Regional Head of SHESQ

Regional Head of SHESQ

Application Deadline: 25 May 2026

Department: SHEQ & Growth

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Glasgow

Reporting To: David Housley

Description

We are seeking a strategic, visible and values led SHESQ leader to lead Safety, Health, Environment, Sustainability and Quality across RJ McLeod in Scotland.

Key Responsibilities

This is a senior leadership position with responsibility for setting and driving the SHESQ strategy, governance and assurance framework.

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Develop and lead the SHESQ strategy for the RJ McLeod business and Scottish region, aligned to Group standards, client expectations and regulatory requirements.
• Provide executive leadership and assurance across all SHESQ activities, ensuring robust governance frameworks and sustainable business performance.
• Act as the senior SHESQ advisor to Business Unit Leads and Senior Leadership Teams, embedding SHESQ priorities into operational delivery and business planning.

Operational Assurance & Risk Management

• Ensure SHESQ is fully integrated throughout project lifecycles, including planning and pre construction phases, to proactively identify and mitigate operational risks.
• Lead governance and assurance activities including audits, inspections, campaigns, compliance verification and management reviews.
• Oversee strategic incident response, ensuring effective investigation, regulatory engagement, lessons learned and implementation of corrective actions.
• Ensure robust risk management arrangements are maintained, including critical risk reviews and targeted risk reduction plans.

Leadership & Culture

• Lead, develop and inspire a high performing SHESQ team, driving capability, accountability and succession planning.
• Maintain a visible and hands on leadership presence across the business through regular site visits and direct engagement with operational teams.
• Drive continuous improvement and positive cultural change through data led insight, assurance findings and collaborative leadership.

Stakeholder & Client Engagement

• Build strong relationships with clients, regulators and key stakeholders, supporting bids, mobilisation activities and external assurance processes.
• Represent the business within sector forums, steering groups and strategic working groups to shape industry best practice and organisational improvement initiatives.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise About You

You will be an experienced senior SHESQ leader with a strong track record operating within complex, high risk or regulated environments such as civil engineering, utilities, infrastructure, construction or energy.

You will bring

• Significant experience leading SHESQ strategy, governance and assurance at senior or director level
• Strong executive leadership capability with the credibility to influence at Board, client and operational leadership level
• Proven experience developing and leading high performing teams
• Deep understanding of risk management, compliance, assurance and management systems
• Strong commercial and operational awareness with the ability to balance risk, compliance and business performance
• Experience leading organisational change, cultural improvement and continuous improvement programmes
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
• A visible, collaborative and values led leadership style

Qualifications & Technical Expertise

• Degree qualified in a relevant discipline
• NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent senior level health & safety qualification
• Chartered IOSH membership or equivalent professional status preferred
• Strong understanding of SHESQ management systems and legal/regulatory frameworks
• Full UK Driving Licence and willingness to travel regularly across the region

Benefits

• Influence and shape SHESQ strategy at executive level
• Drive meaningful cultural and operational improvement
• A highly competitive executive salary and comprehensive benefits package
• Work on some of the UK's most significant energy and infrastructure projects
• Join a collaborative and ambitious leadership team
• Be part of a business committed to sustainable growth and innovation