Head of Health & Safety

at  The Arch Company

ABOUT US

The Arch Company is the UK’s largest small business landlord, serving thousands of business owners who make a unique and vital contribution to the UK economy. The company purchased Network Rail’s former commercial property estate in early 2019 and have a property portfolio of more than 5,000 railway arches, business estates, former station buildings and other properties.
The Arch Company is proud to be the landlord to a diverse, passionate group of small business owners, entrepreneurs and community organisations across England and Wales. The Arch Company shareholders are TT Group and Blackstone Property Partners.
We’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, so if you’re interested in this job but don’t meet every aspect of the job description, we’d still encourage you to apply. You might be the ideal candidate for this role, or other positions.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Assume responsibility for ensuring all health and safety procedures and processes are legally compliant and aligned with organisational and group policies across asset management and development.
• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of health and safety strategies, plans, and objectives, ensuring they are aligned with the risk profile and operational activities of the business.
• Own and manage health and safety performance metrics, including the monthly and quarterly reporting cycles, and deliver key reports to senior leadership, boards, and governance forums.
• Develop and implement practical risk management procedures and auditing regimes, ensuring compliance with national legislative standards and industry best practices.
• Oversee incident investigations, ensuring that lessons are learned, and driving continuous improvement in health and safety practices across the organisation.
• Ensure that the Compliance Management Software is aligned with business requirements and that health and safety reporting accurately reflects business activities.
• Create and manage a training matrix for relevant managers, conduct health and safety inductions, and provide ongoing training and support to staff across the organisation.
• Represent the organisation at relevant health and safety governance forums, both internally and externally, ensuring alignment with group-wide standards.
• Oversee health and safety performance reviews of managing agents, operating partners, and contractors, ensuring they meet agreed KPIs and contractual obligations.

• Oversee the health and safety management system to maintain ISO 45001 certification and drive continual improvement across all business operations.

• Oversee and manage incident reporting systems, ensuring compliance with legislation, identification of trends, and sharing of learning across the organisation.

• Work closely with health and safety management specialists across the organisation to ensure consistency and best practices in health and safety management.
• Provide guidance, advice, and day-to-day support to internal stakeholders on health and safety matters, ensuring that all business lines are well-supported in their health and safety needs.
• Lead the development and execution of measurement, inspection, and audit regimes to ensure effective delivery of health and safety strategies, including the closure of remedial actions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential:

• NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health
• Degree or equivalent level qualification.
• Previous senior management experience in a health and safety role
• Extensive knowledge of health and safety legislation related to the built environment and occupational health and safety.
• Experience in multi-site operations, particularly within the commercial property sector.
• Familiarity with facilities management processes and systems.
• Experience with specialist software programs related to environmental performance and health and safety management.
• Recognised as a senior specialist who shares knowledge and advises others within the organisation.
• IT literate with proficiency in MS Office
• Experience in budget and cost control, with the ability to manage within budget and minimise overhead costs.
• Strong attention to detail and a tenacious approach to health and safety management.
• Experience managing a small team, with a focus on coaching, mentoring, and developing junior employees.

Desired:

• Chartered Member of IOSH (CMIOSH) or equivalent qualification.

The Head of Health & Safety is responsible for fostering a culture of best practice in health and safety across the business and its property portfolio. This role ensures compliance with all relevant regulations and the effective implementation of The Arch Company’s Health and Safety Policies. The postholder will be based in London, with an expectation to work in the office three days per week.