Head of Safety (SHEQ)

ROLE PURPOSE

Head of Safety (SHEQ) is a new role designed to lead compliance and promote an integrated approach to health, safety, environment, and quality across the business and our estate, which consists of over 5,200 unique spaces.

We are seeking a confident and experienced leader who has previously worked with a FTSE 100, FTSE 250 company, or similar and is looking for a broad role within a dynamic, customer-focused environment. As an expert practitioner in safety, you will have a proven track record of maintaining demonstrable legal compliance while developing integrated management systems and supporting departmental operations.

This is a high-profile position based in London, requiring collaboration with all parts of our business, as well as our customers, landlords, and statutory authorities. We encourage flexible working; however, the role will likely require an office or site presence at least three days per week.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Act as the competent person for Safety across the organization and develop a business-wide Safety strategy linked to defined objectives, driving coordinated implementation.
• Ensure all Safety policies and processes are legally compliant and integrated with wider organizational activities, overseeing compliance and performance through appropriate metrics and assurance.
• Oversee and lead incident investigations, ensuring lessons are learned and driving continuous improvement in Safety practices.
• Maintain a Safety training matrix for all roles, leading on content definition and facilitating direct/external delivery.
• Develop and maintain a Safety management system reflective of ISO 45001, while providing ad hoc departmental support through guidance and advice.
• Establish, maintain and develop a Quality Management System across SH&E, integrating activity within wider business systems and processes
• Horizon scan and provide strategic advice as the organization develops its service delivery model.
• Oversee corporate and operational Environmental compliance for the business while developing and maintaining an Environmental Compliance framework aligned with the safety management system.
Work with departmental heads and our supplier management team to review, on board and oversee supply partners from Safety and Environmental perspectives.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND EXPERIENCE

• Extensive knowledge of health and safety legislation related to the built environment and occupational health and safety.
• A detailed understanding of Safety compliance and enforcement, with some experience of working with both safety and environmental statutory bodies.
• Able to communicate effectively at all levels with a high degree of numeracy and IT literacy.
• Proficient in safety leadership and reporting at company level to both executive teams and shareholders
• Experience with specialist software programs related to environmental performance and H&S management.
• A strong attention to detail with a tenacious approach to ensuring compliance and influencing behaviour within an operational business and its supply chain.
• Able to manage a small team and consultants, scaling resources and activity.

Desired:

• Experience in SHEQ leadership at the director level within a real estate organisation, or expertise in the specification, selection, and deployment of property, real estate, and facilities management systems.

ABOUT US

The Arch Company offers more commercial space for small and medium-sized businesses to rent than any other provider in the UK, supporting thousands of business owners who play a vital role in the UK economy. Established in 2019, our spaces are deeply connected to the rich history and heritage of the railway. Our portfolio spans 24.8 million sq. ft. and includes 5,300 properties, such as railway arches, former station buildings, and parcels of land, many situated in prime urban locations.

Our mission is to create environments where businesses can thrive. As a values-led company, we are dedicated to accountability, making a positive impact, fostering strong business practices, and unlocking potential. We play a crucial role in local economies by supporting job creation and driving economic growth. Backed by our shareholder, Blackstone Property Partners, we have ambitious plans to invest £200 million to revitalize 1,000 previously empty and derelict spaces by 2030 as part of our 'Project 1000' initiative.

Through our ESG Strategy we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We are a member of Real Estate Balance, who help us benchmark ourselves within the industry, and we have a staff DE&I Board to champion DE&I in the company. We are open to flexible working arrangements and offer a comprehensive benefits package, as outlined above.

We believe that our differences make us stronger, and we're committed to providing everyone with a fair chance at success, no matter where they come from or who they are. If you're excited to be part of a company that champions diversity and inclusion but don’t meet every requirement in the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You might be the perfect fit for this role or for other opportunities within our organization.

For more information on Benefits, DE&I and open Vacancies, please visit our careers page Careers | The Arch Company