UK & Ireland Safety Director

UK & Ireland Safety Director

Location: Flexible within the UK or Ireland, with regular travel across group companies and operational sites.

Reporting to: Group Leadership Team.

Eville and Jones are part of the Phenna Group and we are recruiting for an exciting opportunity as a UK & Ireland Safety Director.

About Phenna Group Phenna Group invests in and partners with niche, independent Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) businesses serving high-growth sectors in the UK and internationally. With a buy-and-build strategy and a strong focus on operational excellence, we support our companies to grow, collaborate, and lead their markets. Building a best-in-class safety culture across all businesses is a top strategic priority.

Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership

• Develop and lead the UK & Ireland Health & Safety strategy aligned with group values and legislation.
• Act as the accountable person for safety performance across all divisions in the region.
• Define and embed safety KPIs, reporting structures, and governance frameworks.
• Partner with MDs and GMs to instil a safety-first mindset across all businesses.

Operational Delivery

• Implement group-wide safety policies and systems tailored to diverse risk profiles.
• Oversee audits, inspections, and investigations, ensuring root-cause analysis and follow-up.
• Track and report safety performance metrics consistently across the region.

Engagement & Enablement

• Build and lead safety networks to share best practice.
• Own the safety training framework and develop scalable competency programmes.
• Drive communications and engagement campaigns promoting safety ownership.
• Be a visible and credible voice for safety across Phenna's operating companies, spending time on-site and leading by example.

Risk, Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with UK & Ireland legislation (Health & Safety at Work Act, CDM, COSHH, RIDDOR, ISO standards).
• Represent Phenna Group during external inspections and investigations.
• Advise on risk during M&A activity and support due diligence for new acquisitions.

About You Experience

• Proven senior safety leadership experience in multi-site, industrial, or technical services organisations.
• Strong knowledge of UK & Ireland HSE legislation and standards.
• Success in driving safety strategy and cultural change in fast-paced environments.
• Experience engaging operational leaders across decentralised businesses.
• Exposure to TIC, construction, engineering, infrastructure, or laboratories is advantageous.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinker with hands on delivery capability.
• Excellent influencing and relationship building skills at all levels.
• Strong analytical mindset and data driven approach.
• Exceptional communication skills across diverse audiences.
• Resilient, credible, and committed to continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent) essential.
• Chartered Membership of IOSH (CMIOSH) strongly preferred.
• Relevant degree or equivalent experience in Health & Safety or related field.

Join us and play a pivotal role in shaping a world class safety culture across Phenna Group.

Apply today and help us make safety a cornerstone of our success.