To lead and support the effective management of Health, Safety, Environment and Quality across gas network construction, repair, and maintenance activities.
Requirements
Business Unit: Cappagh Contractors Construction (London) Ltd
Reports to: HSEQ Director
Location: South West London Area
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Role Purpose
To lead and support the effective management of Health, Safety, Environment and Quality across gas network construction, repair, and maintenance activities. You will act as a senior competent person, ensuring compliance with UK legislation, gas industry standards, and client requirements. Working closely with the HSEQ Director, you will drive continuous improvement, strengthen operational assurance, and embed a proactive safety culture across all teams and contractors working on the gas network.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & Compliance
- Support the HSEQ Director in developing and delivering the company's HSEQ strategy for gas network operations.
- Ensure compliance with relevant UK legislation including the Gas Safety (Management) Regulations GS(M)R, Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, CDM 2015, PUWER, LOLER, and environmental legislation.
- Maintain and improve the Integrated Management System in line with ISO 45001, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001.
- Provide competent advice to senior leaders, project managers, and operational teams on HSEQ matters, emerging risks, and regulatory changes.
- Support the development and review of policies, procedures, and safe systems of work specific to gas operations.
Operational Oversight & Assurance
- Provide oversight of highrisk activities and effective implementation of safe systems of work across:
- Gas main and service replacement
- Live gas environments, purging, pressure control and commissioning activities
- Excavations, temporary works and reinstatement
- Service connections and disconnections
- Use of specialist gas tools and equipment
- Lead internal audits, site inspections, and assurance reviews across all sites, depots and sub-contractors.
- Ensure compliance with the Gas Industry Registration Scheme (GIRS) and client specific requirements.
- Support project planning, design reviews, and risk assessments to ensure safe and compliant delivery.
- Oversee working practices to ensure control measures and permits are robust and effectively implemented by site teams.
- Lead or support investigations into incidents, near misses, asset damage, and nonconformances, ensuring robust root cause analysis.
- Ensure statutory (eg RIDDOR, environmental notifications) and network operator reporting requirements are met.
- Analyse performance data and trends to identify systemic issues and drive continuous improvement.
- Provide clear investigation reports and improvement recommendations to the HSEQ Director and senior leadership.
Environmental & Sustainability Leadership
- Ensure environmental compliance across gas network activities, including waste management, pollution prevention, and carbon reduction initiatives.
- Support the delivery of sustainability programmes, including resource efficiency and environmental risk mitigation.
- Monitor environmental impacts associated with excavation, reinstatement, and materials handling.
Culture, Engagement & Leadership
- Champion a positive HSEQ culture through visible leadership, behavioural safety initiatives, and workforce engagement.
- Mentor and support HSEQ Advisors, providing coaching and technical guidance.
- Build strong relationships with clients, project managers and operational teams.
- Promote open reporting, learning, and continuous improvement across the organisation and supply chain.
- Support wellbeing initiatives and fatigue management programmes.
Documentation, Reporting & Accreditation
- Assist the HSEQ Directors in maintaining accreditation processes and support external audits for ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certification
- Produce highquality reports for directors, clients, and regulatory bodies, including monthly dashboards and trend analyses.
- Develop and deliver safety briefings, campaigns, toolbox talks, and safety standdowns.
- Ensure effective use of digital HSEQ tools, reporting platforms, and mobile applications.
Required Skills and Experience
- 5+ years' experience in a senior HSEQ role within gas networks, utilities, civil engineering, or related highrisk environments.
- Strong understanding of gas network operations including live gas operations, purging, commissioning and network interface.
- Experience working under GS(M)R, CDM, and relevant IGEM standards.
- Proven ability to lead teams, influence stakeholders, and drive cultural and operational improvements.
- Strong analytical, organisational, and communication skills.
- Experience supporting senior leadership and contributing to strategic planning.
Required Qualifications
- NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent Level 6) or working toward completion.
- IOSH membership (GradIOSH or CMIOSH preferred).
- Gas industry qualifications (e.g., SHEA Gas, SCO, NCO Gas).
- CSCS Managers/Professional level
- Experience with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 management systems.
- Full UK driving licence.
- IGEM membership or working toward.
- First Aid at Work / Mental Health First Aid.
- Experience with digital permit systems or mobile HSEQ tools.
Personal Attributes
- Confident, credible, and able to influence at all levels.
- Strong leadership presence with a collaborative, coachingfocused approach.
- Calm, decisive, and resilient, particularly when managing incidents or highpressure situations.
- Passionate about continuous improvement and high standards of performance.
- Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail.