Job description
We are seeking a highly experienced Safety and Environmental professional to join our leadership team as Head of Safety & Environmental, reporting to Deputy Director. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for defining and delivering our safety and environmental assurance strategy, overseeing all safety engineering and environmental outputs, and leading a high-performing team of consultants and specialists.
The Head of Safety & Environmental will act as the organisation’s subject matter authority on system safety, designing for the environment, compliance, and legislative assurance, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives, regulatory frameworks, and client expectations. The role demands deep technical knowledge, and skilled leadership, client engagement, and people management, to ensure the safe and compliant delivery of complex, high-integrity projects.
The Safety & Environmental Team provides services to clients across defence, aerospace, and critical systems domains, as well as supporting internal business functions. The team is well-respected for its technical excellence, collaborative ethos, and consistent delivery. We value teamwork, professional development, and a healthy work-life balance while striving for excellence in all that we do.
SQEP Ltd really do live our company values, we are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Responsibilities
SQEP Leadership
• Develop and implement a Safety & Environmental Strategy aligned to organisational and client priorities.
• Provide strategic leadership on Safety Management Systems (SMS), Environmental Management Systems (EMS), and regulatory compliance.
• Identify and pursue business growth opportunities through thought leadership, client engagement, and industry collaboration.
• As a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), contribute to the effective operation of SQEP, where necessary, highlighting business risk and advising on health, safety and environmental policy development .
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement in safety methodologies, tools, and processes.
Safety & Environmental Delivery
• Lead delivery of the organisation’s safety and environmental consultancy services, ensuring outputs meet client and regulatory requirements.
• Embed safety and environmental assurance within all project phases, from concept through delivery and in-service support.
• Oversee compliance monitoring, risk reporting, and audit readiness for safety and environmental.
Leadership
• Promote and live the organisation’s values in all leadership behaviours.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of safety and environmental professionals, including performance management and professional growth.
• Build and sustain a culture of accountability, technical excellence, and collaboration.
Client & Stakeholder Relations
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients on safety and environmental matters.
• Build strong working relationships with clients, partners, and regulatory authorities.
• Represent the organisation at safety and environmental fora, industry events, and professional networks.
• Support client engagement activities, proposal development, and technical assurance reviews.
Qualifications
• Masters’ Degree (or equivalent experience) in Engineering, Safety Management, Environmental Science, or related discipline.
• Membership of a relevant professional body (SaRS, RAeS, IET, IEMA, or equivalent).
A DBS and Security Clearance check will be required for this role.
Experience
Essential
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent
• Extensive experience in leading safety and environmental assurance within high-integrity industries (defence, aerospace, transport, nuclear, etc.).
• Strong understanding of system safety engineering, including hazard identification, safety case development, and risk management.
• In-depth knowledge of safety and environmental legislation, regulation and standards
• Proven experience managing multi-disciplinary teams and delivering large-scale safety programmes.
• Excellent communication (particularly written), collaborative stakeholder engagement, and influencing skills.
• Ability to think strategically while maintaining a practical and analytical approach to problem-solving.
Desirable
• Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) or equivalent).
• Project Management experience (APMP / PRINCE 2 / ITIL membership or equivalent)
• Lead auditor qualifications / experience
• Experience working with DE&S, the MAA, or similar regulatory bodies.
• Knowledge of related disciplines such as reliability, human factors, or cyber safety.
• Familiarity with digital tools for safety data and reporting.