Government and E&R Head of HSEQ

Job Introduction

• 40 hours per week
• Monday - Friday 
• Salary up to £100,000 per annum, dependant on experience
• Eligible for a 15% annual bonus
• Sodexo rewards and benefits 
• Driving Licence Required (must be over 21 for insurance purposes)
• Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Job Introduction

At Sodexo, we believe in leading with purpose, fostering safety, efficiency, and community wellbeing. As part of our mission to build stronger, healthier environments, we’re looking for an experienced and visionary Head of HSEQ to lead health, safety, environmental, and quality standards across our Government and Energy & Resources (E&R) segment.

This is your chance to shape culture, set strategic direction, and influence outcomes that genuinely matter—for people, for communities, and for the planet.

Your Role at a Glance

As Head of HSEQ, you'll be the senior strategic leader responsible for all aspects of HSEQ within the Government and E&R segment. This includes fire safety, food safety, environment, wellbeing, and quality standards. Your leadership will be critical in aligning Technical and Soft Services activities with regional policies, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring robust governance, compliance, and performance.

You’ll report directly to the Segment Leadership and collaborate closely with our UK&I Regional HSEQ Director to deliver on our commitment to zero harm, sustainability, and safety excellence.

What you’ll do:

• Lead and Advise: Direct all HSEQ matters, including food, fire, wellbeing, and environmental standards across the segment.
• Set Strategy: Shape and align segment-level HSEQ strategy with broader regional goals.
• Drive Culture: Promote a proactive, positive HSEQ culture with high levels of engagement and accountability at all levels.
• Manage Risk: Champion the segment’s risk management strategy, ensuring risks are assessed, mitigated, and monitored.
• Support Growth: Provide expert HSEQ input on bids, mobilisations, and client consultations to enable safe and compliant expansion.
• Ensure Compliance: Monitor and audit adherence to Sodexo’s UK&I HSEQ policies and legal requirements.
• Team Leadership: Guide and develop a high-performing HSEQ team, while collaborating across all levels of the organisation.
• Performance Monitoring: Track and report key metrics (e.g., LTIR, LTHC, RIDDOR) and ensure timely incident investigation and follow-up.

What you bring:

To succeed in this role, you'll be a confident and experienced HSEQ leader with the gravitas to influence at senior levels and the agility to drive change across complex, multi-site environments.

Essential:

• Proven leadership in HSEQ within a multi-site, complex setting
• Strong track record in stakeholder engagement and influencing
• NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent); Chartered HSEQ professional (desired)
• Experience in risk management, business continuity, and safety governance
• Internal auditing knowledge of ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 (and ideally others)
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications

Desirable:

• Food Safety or Environmental Management experience
• Experience working in government, defence, or critical infrastructure sectors
• Project management or change management experience

What we offer:

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it’s a chance to be part of something greater. You’ll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you’ll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you’ll be able to thrive in your own way. In addition, we offer:

• Mental health & wellbeing support
• Employee Assistance Programme for personal, legal, and financial advice
• 24/7 virtual GP & lifestyle rewards
• Discounts for you & family
• Financial tools & retirement plan
• Cycle to Work & Paid volunteering day

Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!