Head of HSSEQ

About the role

Watson Fuels is looking for an experienced Head of HSSEQ to shape and lead its Health, Safety, Security, Environment and Quality strategy across a national network of depots, offices and transport operations. Reporting to the COO, you will be the visible champion of a proactive safety culture that puts people first.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop the HSSEQ team while influencing safety culture organisation‑wide.
• Develop and maintain HSSEQ policies, procedures and management systems in line with UK legislation and company standards.
• Drive behavioural safety programmes and embed a positive, proactive safety culture.
• Lead incident investigations, root‑cause analysis and corrective‑action programmes.
• Ensure compliance with ADR, petroleum licensing, environmental permits and relevant legislation.
• Oversee environmental management, emergency response planning and physical security systems.
• Conduct site inspections, audits and risk assessments across the UK depot network.
• Prepare HSSEQ reports for senior leadership and support Board‑level due diligence.
• Build strong relationships through visible leadership and regular operational engagement.

Required profile

• Senior HSSEQ leadership experience within a multi‑site organisation.
• NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent) – essential.
• Experience in fuel distribution, chemicals, gas, hazardous logistics, bulk liquids, waste & recycling, COMAH or other high‑hazard industries.
• Strong understanding of UK Health & Safety legislation, ADR, COMAH, ISO 9001 and ISO 45001/14001.
• Proven track record of leading behavioural safety and cultural change programmes.

Required skills

• NEBOSH Diploma
• ISO 9001
• ISO 45001
• ISO 14001
• ADR compliance
• COMAH knowledge
• Behavioural safety programme design
• Incident investigation
• Root‑cause analysis
• Environmental management
• Emergency response planning
• Physical security systems
• Risk assessment
• Audit execution

What we offer

• Competitive salary (£60,000‑£80,000 per year)
• Car allowance and annual bonus
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Home‑based role with extensive UK travel (minimum three days per week on site)