Job Purpose:

The purpose of this role is to continue the fantastic safety journey our retiring SHEQ Director has established alongside the whole Bridges team who relentlessly focus on our number one value ‘SAFE PEOPLE’. Bridges is on an exciting journey, a business enjoying ongoing significant growth.

We are looking for an ambitious SHEQ Director to lead, develop and deliver Bridges Bridges SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality) strategy across all areas of the business, including onsite turnkey construction and MEICA activities for Water projects across the UK, through to our manufacturing facilities and maintenance and breakdown teams.

You will support SLT in fostering a culture of zero harm and zero incidents through resilient SHEQ systems and practices.

This role ensures full compliance with all regulations including a particular focus water industry regulations and drives a proactive safety culture, environmental stewardship, and quality excellence across operations and capital delivery programs.

At Bridges we are more than Engineers.

We are listed on the Sunday Times Top 100 Places to Work 2024.

As a team we shape and support engineering and construction for our clients who in turn touch the daily lives of millions of people across the UK. We have a large diverse team of talented Safe & Happy People, combining their strengths and ambition to bring innovation and evolution which ensures Sustainability for all stakeholders.

Across our key sectors – Water, Power, Energy and Aggregates, and supported through our regional office network supported by our manufacturing hub located in the heart of Somerset which forms part of our 60,000ft head office complex – we deliver diverse and interesting projects and programmes throughout UK infrastructure.

Our projects range in value from £5k to £15m, taking the role of Principal Contractor and Principal Designer on various schemes, and supporting our valued Tier 1 contractor clients in a subcontractor and off-site manufacturing capacity.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic SHEQ Leadership

• Be accountable for our ‘SAFE PEOPLE’, Environment and Quality plan, the  ongoing development and implementation of an integrated SHEQ strategy aligned with corporate goals and specifically construction and industry regulations.
• Be an advisor to the board, senior leadership team and business on SHEQ risks, compliance obligations, and performance improvement.
• Ensure a culture of safety and operational integrity across the business.
• Champion thinking outside the box; focusing on behavioural initiatives, embracing technology through AI/ new technology and taking the business on its journey to achieve its number one goal ‘SAFE PEOPLE’.
• Supporting and leading SHEQ elements of Framework bids.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure full compliance with applicable legislation (e.g. Health and Safety at Work Act, ATEX and DSEAR, CDM, Water Industry Act, Environmental Permitting Regulations etc.).
• Maintain strong relationships with regulatory bodies (e.g. DWI, HSE, EA, EN) and lead on audit responses, enforcement actions, and performance reporting.
• Oversee risk assessments and critical control frameworks for operational and high-risk activities (e.g. confined spaces, hazardous substances, process safety).
• Policy Development: Ensuring policies are reviewed, maintained and compliant with new and existing legislation.

Environmental & Sustainability Leadership

• Lead the delivery of environmental compliance and sustainability objectives, including reduction of emissions, water efficiency, ecology and waste management.
• Ensure compliance with environmental permits and waste management legislation requirements.
• Support ESG strategy development and reporting in line with industry and government targets (e.g. Net Zero, Biodiversity Net Gain).

Quality Management

• Oversee the implementation and continual improvement of ISO-certified management systems (ISO 9001, 14001, 45001).
• Ensure robust quality assurance practices across the business.
• Lead audits, non-conformance investigations, and root cause analysis to ensure continuous improvement.

Operational Oversight & Incident Management

• Provide SHEQ leadership across the business.
• Oversee incident investigations (e.g. pollution events, near misses, RIDDOR) and implement preventative actions.
• Promote proactive hazard identification and behavioural safety engagement programs.

Team Development & Leadership

• Lead and develop a high-performing SHEQ team across multiple regions and functions.
• Deliver SHEQ training strategies tailored to operational and technical teams.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration and integration of SHEQ into business decision-making.

Requirements

 Qualifications & Experience:

• Minimum NEBOSH Deploma Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety. 
• Degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or related discipline and/or chartered member of IOSH.
• Lead Auditor qualifications in ISO standards (9001, 14001, 45001).
• Minimum 10 years’ SHEQ experience, with at least 5 in a senior leadership role.
• Demonstrable experience of working within the water sector including an understanding of regulators (Ofwat, DWI, EA, HSE).
• In-depth knowledge of water projects, construction processes, including Civil & MEICA Engineering and Health Safety and Environment legislation.

Skills & Competencies:

Essential:

• Able to operate at all levels in the business, down to earth and willing to support activities that support the business’s success.
• Build strong relationships with senior client management and SHEQ Teams to maintain
• Strategic thinker with strong leadership and change management skills.
• Strong knowledge of water industry compliance requirements and SHEQ risks.
• Positive industry reputation and respected within our field
• Business Ambassador for SHEQ, ability to chair and present to industry and customers.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and influencing abilities.
• Analytical mindset with a continuous improvement focus.
• Competent working in both operational and board-level environments.
• Full UK Driving Licence. 
• Due to role requirements willingness and ability to work away from home when required.

Desirable:

• Chartered Member of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health
• Member of the International Institute of Risk & Safety Management
• NEBOSH Level 6 National Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals or NEBOSH Level 6 International Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals
• Experience with capital delivery programs and framework contracts.
• Familiarity with digital SHEQ tools and data analytics platforms.

Benefits

BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR BRIDGES

RoSPA Gold Medal winner, Bridges - is an excellent company to work for and a great place to develop your career. Our goal is to exceed the very highest standards and ensure our people work in a culture of health, safety and well-being.

We are currently holders of the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award, which reinforces our commitment to supporting the armed forces community.

We are a family-run business with a friendly and welcoming culture, and we are dedicated to helping our employees learn, develop, and achieve success - along with us and throughout their careers.

Bridges also offers an excellent benefits package:

• Competitive salaries
• Company car/car allowance
• Health cash plan with Healthshield
• Standard Life Pension Scheme - 5% company contribution
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Employee Discount Scheme
• Bike 2 Work scheme
• Training and development opportunities
• Employee referral scheme - £1,000 if you successfully introduce someone
• Employee recognition schemes
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay

When you join us, you’ll be part of our exciting journey.

Wherever your journey begins with us, through mutual engagement, we’ll make sure you are supported and invested in. We believe in ‘team bridges’ and leadership at all levels with our guiding principles: Safe People, Happy People, Sustainable Business.

Come and be part of our team!

Bridges is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to ensuring equality and diversity within the workplace