Head of Health & Safety

At Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing (MTVH), keeping people safe isn't a standalone function - it's something we do together. We're looking for a Head of Health & Safety who can lead strategically, work collaboratively across a complex organisation, and embed a strong, practical safety culture that supports both our colleagues and the communities we serve.

This is a senior leadership role with real influence. You'll shape and deliver our Health & Safety strategy, act as a trusted adviser to leaders and stakeholders, and ensure occupational H&S is fully integrated into how we operate - from frontline services to corporate decision-making.

What you'll be responsible for

As our Head of Health & Safety, you will:

Provide strategic leadership for Health & Safety across MTVH, setting clear frameworks, policies and management systems aligned to legislation, best practice and our organisational goals.

Champion occupational H&S, ensuring risks are properly understood and managed across diverse services including housing, construction-related activity and corporate environments.

Work collaboratively with colleagues across directorates to embed Health & Safety into everyday operations, decision-making and service delivery.

Engage and influence stakeholders at all levels - acting as the organisation's health & safety authority while building trust, shared ownership and practical solutions.

Lead risk management, owning corporate risk registers, monitoring programmes and assurance activity, and driving proactive risk mitigation.

Ensure compliance with all relevant health & safety legislation, keeping the organisation informed of changes and implications.

Oversee incident management, ensuring investigations are proportionate, learning-focused and result in meaningful preventative action.

Strengthen competence and capability, through clear training, awareness programmes and professional development within the H&S team.

Monitor performance and report effectively, using data, KPIs and insight to identify trends, risks and opportunities for improvement.

Lead systems, budgets and resources, ensuring H&S tools, systems and budgets are well managed and add real value.

Develop and lead a high-performing team, setting clear direction, supporting continuous development and fostering a culture of learning and improvement.

You'll bring credibility, confidence and a collaborative leadership style, alongside:

A recognised Health & Safety qualification, minimum NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent) in Occupational Safety & Health.

Proven experience in a senior health & safety leadership role, ideally within housing or a similarly complex, asset-based environment, with construction-related exposure.

A strong working knowledge of UK health & safety legislation, regulation and best practice.

Demonstrable experience in risk management, incident investigation and assurance.

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at senior and operational levels.

A pragmatic, improvement-focused mindset - confident using data and insight to drive better outcomes.

Strong people leadership skills, with experience of managing, motivating and developing specialist teams.