Head of Health & Safety; East

Overview

The SHEQ Manager (East) is responsible for leading, developing, and embedding a robust Health, Safety, Environmental and Wellbeing (HSE&W) culture across all operations in the Eastern region. The role ensures full compliance with statutory obligations, client standards, and company policies, while proactively driving continual improvement in safety performance across electrical engineering works within the water and wastewater sector.

This role provides strategic leadership, expert guidance, and operational oversight for all H&S matters, supporting safe delivery of projects involving high-risk electrical, mechanical, and confined-space activities.

At Bridges we are more than Engineers. We are listed on the Sunday Times Top 100 Places to Work 2024. As a team we shape and support engineering and construction for our clients who in turn touch the daily lives of millions of people across the UK. We have a large diverse team of talented Safe & Happy People, combining their strengths and ambition to bring innovation and evolution which ensures Sustainability for all stakeholders.

Across our key sectors - Water, Power, Energy and Aggregates, and supported through our regional office network supported by our manufacturing hub located in the heart of Somerset which forms part of our 60,000ft head office complex - we deliver diverse and interesting projects and programmes throughout UK infrastructure. Our projects range in value from £5k to £15m, taking the role of Principal Contractor and Principal Designer on various schemes, and supporting our valued Tier 1 contractor clients in a subcontractor and off-site manufacturing capacity.

• Leadership & Strategy
• Develop and implement the regional Health & Safety strategy aligned with company objectives and industry best practice
• Act as the senior H&S authority for the East region, providing visible leadership and promoting a positive safety culture
• Advise senior management on H&S risks, trends, and performance, including board-level reporting

• Compliance
• Ensure compliance with all relevant UK legislation, including but not limited to:
• Health and Safety at Work Act
• CDM Regulations
• Electricity at Work Regulations
• Confined Spaces Regulations
• COSHH
• Maintain and continually improve the company s H&S management system (e.g. ISO 45001)
• Lead external audits, client audits, and regulatory inspections

• Provide expert H&S support to live water and wastewater projects, including:
• Electrical installation and commissioning
• Control panels and LV systems
• Pumping stations and treatment works
• Confined spaces and hazardous environments
• Civil Works
• Review and approve risk assessments, method statements (RAMS), and safe systems of work
• Ensure contractor and supply chain compliance with company and client H&S requirements

• Lead investigations into accidents, incidents, and near misses, ensuring root causes are identified and corrective actions implemented
• Monitor H&S performance metrics, trends, and leading indicators
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce incidents and improve behavioural safety

• Oversee regional H&S training needs analysis and delivery, ensuring workforce competence
• Support development of site managers, engineers, and supervisors in H&S leadership

• Act as the primary H&S interface with water utility clients, regulators, and principal contractors
• Support tender submissions and pre-qualification processes with H&S input
• Build strong working relationships with operational teams and client H&S representatives

Essential

• NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent Level 6 qualification)
• Chartered Member of IOSH (CMIOSH) or working towards preferred
• Strong working knowledge of electrical safety, high-risk activities, and CDM
• Proven experience influencing senior stakeholders and operational teams
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regionally

Desirable

• Experience working with major UK water authorities or framework contracts
• ISO 45001 Lead Auditor qualification
• Environmental management knowledge (ISO 14001)
• Experience leading…