Principal SHEF Manager

Our client is seeking an experienced Principal SHEF Manager to take on a senior leadership position with responsibility for driving exceptional standards of Safety, Health, Environment and Fire (SHEF) performance across a large, geographically diverse operational portfolio.

This permanent, full-time role combines strategic leadership with hands-on delivery. Acting as a Business Unit Lead, the successful candidate will provide direct line management to regional SHEF professionals, setting clear objectives, driving performance, and developing capability in line with contractual and organisational expectations. A key focus of the role is the development and implementation of a forward-looking SHEF strategy, aligned to evolving business risk and underpinned by a strong culture of compliance and continuous improvement.

The Principal SHEF Manager will provide expert advice and professional support to operational management teams, ensuring all construction activity is delivered safely and in full compliance with CDM 2015 and relevant internal standards. This support extends beyond construction into non-construction environments, including facilities management, grounds maintenance, and office-based operations, ensuring all activities are appropriately risk assessed, controlled, and managed within a robust SHEF framework.

The role carries significant influence within senior management forums, providing insight, challenge, and strategic input. Responsibilities include the production of high-quality monthly SHEF reports, offering meaningful analysis of performance metrics, incident trends, site observations, and emerging risks. Regular site inspections form a core element of the role, enabling the postholder to assess compliance, influence behaviours, and take decisive action where standards fall short.

The position also involves the delivery of agreed SHEF projects and initiatives, supporting statutory and procedural duties of both Principal Designer and Principal Contractor. The successful candidate will deliver health and safety training, targeted interventions, and both planned and unplanned inspections to ensure SHEF systems remain effective, resilient, and fully aligned with legislative and organisational requirements.

A critical aspect of the role is the ability to influence and challenge at all levels, including senior leadership, operational teams, and supply chain partners. This requires strong communication skills, sound judgement, and the confidence to manage complex or sensitive situations while driving positive change.

The Principal SHEF Manager will contribute to the organisation’s audit programme and play a key role in maintaining ISO 45001 certification. They will also support sustainability objectives, embedding environmental considerations into SHEF activities and championing a Zero Harm culture across all contracts.

This role covers a wide UK region and requires regular travel. Candidates should be centrally based and comfortable with extensive travel as part of their role.

What Our Client Is Looking For

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong analytical capability, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and translate technical findings into clear, practical guidance. Excellent presentation and communication skills are essential, enabling effective delivery of training, leadership of SHEF initiatives, and engagement with stakeholders at all levels.

Applicants must have proven experience managing SHEF within construction and/or facilities management environments, supported by strong knowledge of health and safety legislation, accident investigation, and behavioural safety. The ability to influence, coach, and challenge effectively in complex operational settings is essential.

A NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent) is required, with additional qualifications highly desirable, including environmental management, asbestos management, fire risk assessment, auditor accreditation, and training delivery capability. Chartered membership of IOSH and membership of a relevant professional body are also advantageous.

The role offers flexible working arrangements, with home-based working where practical, supported by regular travel to sites to provide operational and strategic SHEF support.