We are seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Safety & Environmental Consultant to join our Safety & Environmental team. Reporting to the Head of Safety & Environmental, this role will play a key part in delivering expert consultancy to our clients across defence, aerospace, and critical systems domains, ensuring compliance with relevant regulatory frameworks and advancing SQEP’s reputation for excellence in safety and environmental assurance.

The successful candidate will combine deep technical knowledge with a proactive, client-focused approach and the ability to mentor and support less experienced consultants. This is a unique opportunity to shape and influence safety and environmental strategy and delivery across a range of high-profile projects.

Technical Delivery

• Lead and coordinate Safety & Environmental projects as directed by the Head of Safety & Environmental, delivering required artefacts and outputs for customers.

• Prioritise tasking and resources to achieve outputs, collaborating with other Principals and departments for effective delivery.

• Implement the Safety & Environmental Operational Plan on a Page (PoAP) aligned with SQEP’s strategic objectives.

• Support business development through client engagement and responsiveness to client needs, focusing on value-added delivery rather than hard selling.

• Lead aspects of the Opportunity Management Process (OMP) and Contract Management Process (CMP) as required, including bid response development, technical narrative creation, resource allocation, project management input, cost modelling, and facilitating reviews.

• Act as a key account holder or client lead, managing activities and deliverables for assigned clients, monitoring resource usage, and supporting contract management.

• Provide thought leadership in Safety & Environmental specialisation, including creating white papers, presenting at industry events, and participating in specialist panels.

Leadership & Mentoring

• Lead and manage Senior and Junior Safety & Environmental consultants, providing guidance, mentorship, and support.

• Conduct probation and employee reviews, assess performance, competency objectives, and professional development.

• Support recruitment processes and contribute to company events, including Away Days.

• Act as Head of Safety & Environmental during periods of absence, attending leadership meetings and requirements reviews as needed. •

Report issues across the team or with clients that may impact the business, escalating to leadership as appropriate.

Client Engagement

• Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with clients, partners, and regulatory authorities.

• Act as a key interface between SQEP and client Safety & Environmental Authorities or Certification Bodies.

• Translate complex technical and regulatory concepts into clear, actionable advice for clients.

• Identify opportunities for business growth, cross-functional collaboration, and service improvement within client engagements.

Governance, Quality & Assurance

• Ensure all deliverables meet quality standards and regulatory expectations.

• Support internal assurance activities, audits, and process reviews to maintain compliance and continuous improvement.

• Promote a culture of safety, environmental responsibility, compliance, and professional excellence across all projects.

Personal Development

• Manage own professional development in accordance with a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Plan, agreed with the Head of Safety & Environmental.

• Provide input to CPD Plan in advance of annual appraisal.

• Degree (BEng / BSc / MEng / MSc) 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.

• Highly motivated self-starter, able to work independently or as part of a collaborative team.

• Confident communicator, capable of influencing stakeholders at all levels.

• Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to continuous learning.

• Passionate about delivering quality outcomes and supporting the development of others.

Essential

• Significant experience delivering Safety & Environmental projects within high-integrity industries (defence, aerospace, transport, nuclear, etc.).

• Proven expertise in system safety engineering, hazard identification, safety case development, risk management, and environmental assurance.

• Strong understanding of safety and environmental legislation, regulation, and standards.

• Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams and delivering large-scale safety programmes.

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.

• Analytical and pragmatic problem-solving approach, with attention to detail and risk awareness.

Desirable

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv), or working towards professional registration.

• Project Management experience (APMP / PRINCE2 / ITIL 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 and environmental data and reporting.