Head of Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)

Transmission & Distribution Sector

Role Purpose

The Head of HSE is responsible for leading, developing, and embedding a robust Health, Safety, and Environmental management framework across all transmission and distribution operations. The role ensures compliance with legal, regulatory, and corporate HSE requirements while driving a strong safety culture across high-risk activities such as live-line work, substations, overhead lines, underground cables, and contractor operations.

Key Responsibilities

* Define and implement the HSE strategy aligned with corporate objectives and industry best practice.

* Act as the senior HSE authority for all T&D activities, projects, and assets.

* Advise the executive team on HSE risks, performance trends, and improvement opportunities.

* Champion a “zero harm” culture across employees, contractors, and partners.

* Ensure full compliance with national HSE legislation, environmental regulations, and grid codes.

* Develop, maintain, and enforce HSE policies, standards, procedures, and safe systems of work.

* Oversee audits, inspections, and regulatory interactions, including incident reporting and investigations.

* Ensure ISO management systems (e.g., ISO 45001, ISO 14001) are implemented and maintained.

* Provide HSE leadership for transmission lines, substations, distribution networks, and capital projects.

* Ensure effective risk assessments, method statements, and permit-to-work systems are in place.

* Oversee high-risk activities including working at height, live electrical work, confined spaces, and lifting operations.

* Monitor contractor HSE performance and ensure consistent standards across the supply chain.

* Lead investigations into serious incidents, near misses, and environmental events.

* Ensure root cause analysis is conducted and corrective actions are effectively implemented.

* Track and report HSE KPIs, trends, and leading indicators to senior management and the board.

* Proactively identify and mitigate operational and project-related HSE risks.

* Ensure environmental impacts related to T&D operations are identified and controlled.

* Oversee environmental management plans for construction, maintenance, and asset replacement works.

* Support sustainability initiatives, including waste reduction, biodiversity protection, and emissions management.

* Build and lead a competent HSE team across regions and projects.

* Drive HSE training, competency frameworks, and leadership engagement programs.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

* Degree in Engineering, Health & Safety, Environmental Science, or a related discipline

* Chartered or professional HSE qualification (e.g., NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent)

* Minimum 10–15 years’ HSE experience, with significant time in the T&D or utilities sector

* Proven experience managing HSE in high-voltage electrical environments

* Strong knowledge of HSE legislation, electrical safety standards, and environmental regulations

Desirable

* Chartered status with a recognized professional body

* Experience leading HSE for large-scale infrastructure or grid modernization projects

* Experience working with regulators and government stakeholders