Head of Occupational Health and Wellbeing

Role: Head of Occupational Health and Wellbeing
Type: Permanent
Salary: Up to £92,000 per annum + 20% flex fund
Location: Birmingham
Process: 1st Interview w.c. 1st December. 2nd interview 11th December. Offer extended on 15th December

Job Purpose
To develop risk-based strategies for the management of health for our workforce (including contractors and suppliers) and the wider external community in the context of those people living near to and/or likely to be affected by our construction and operations.

Accountabilities/Responsibilities

• Lead the development of policies, strategies and standards for the delivery of occupational health provision during construction.
• Support the Chief People Officer in developing surveillance and monitoring programmes (to be used in recruitment and ongoing employment) to understand pre-existing conditions and conditions caused by ongoing exposure to workplace hazards, guiding management action in limiting liability to the client.
• Develop education and communications strategies and underpinning programmes designed to help our workforce understand how best to manage their general health and wellbeing (physical and mental) and when and where to get specialist support if necessary/required.
• Develop and manage a risk-based assurance programme consistent with monitoring the application and efficacy of corporate policies and procedures in managing health.
• Lead the development of innovative approaches to the elimination and minimisation of occupational health in construction and operation through design.
• Work with community partners (Department for Health, NHS Trusts, Local Authorities, General Practitioners etc.) supporting their initiatives for community health and gaining their understanding and support for the client’s workforce needs as we move through their communities.
• Lead the supply chain in developing best practice in the above areas providing clear guidance to contractors and suppliers in the context of managing Health and wellbeing in line with expectations as client.
• Work with suppliers to understand the health hazards associated with plant and equipment and develop innovative approaches to the manufacture and supply of equipment that eliminates or mitigates the potential health impacts on the workforce.
• Act as professional head for Occupational Health, provide expert advice to the company on Occupational Health matters, and lead the specification of training requirements to upskill the business in Occupational Health requirements and arrangements.
• Actively promote and embed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in all your work, and support and comply with all organisational initiatives, policies and procedures on EDI.

Required Criteria
Skills:

• Communication skills - capable of influencing from Board level down, with experience in doing so in other organisations.
• Analysis and reporting, with the ability to structure analysis into strategic direction.
• Ability to influence business and phase teams, leading to culture change.
• Ability to manage conflicting demands and priorities.

Knowledge:

• Educated to degree level in health-related subject matter, such as Occupational Health Management or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of occupational health legislation and standards.
• Understanding of the ethical framework governing occupational health and the protection of personal data.
• Knowledge of industry-recognised health management standards and guidance.

Type of Experience:

• Experience in the development of health policies strategies, management systems and controls that have been successful in improving health and productivity.
• Experience of leading teams.
• Experience of directing businesses in good practice health management.
• Experience in senior health management roles determining health strategy and planning.

Behavioural Competencies:
The post-holder is expected to behave at all times in a manner consistent with the client’s:

• Health and Safety strategy and principles
• Company values
• Leadership framework

Decision Making
The post holder can decide the following:

• Day-to-day management and oversight of the client’s OH service.
• Development of the client’s OH strategy and health strategy for the whole programme.

The following decisions are referred for approval:

• Approval for strategies and policies.

Dimensions & Complexity (Budgets, Contracts and People)

• Leading a team of approximately 2 people.
• Leadership of the occupational health agenda for the client, ensuring employees are supported from an OH and mental wellbeing perspective.
• Key interface with HSE, ORR, RSSB and ARIOPS.
• Key interface with contractors, suppliers and Trades Unions in the development of Health strategies, policies and supporting systems.
• Key interface with HR function in developing contracts with training providers.
• Key interface with HR function in the specification and management of contracts with providers of health advice and support services.
• Key interface with Communications function in developing consistent messaging and communications campaigns – internal and across the supply chain.
• The client’s external OH provider.
• A pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction for culture and behavioural-based health and safety across the organisation.
• Deciding on the occupational health provision for the client (including the management of their external OH provider).