Director of Health and Safety

We are seeking a proactive and forward-thinking Director of Health and Safety to provide strategic leadership across our diverse and dynamic community.

ABOUT THE ROLE 

Northumbria University is a research-intensive, modern university with a global reputation for academic excellence and societal impact.

Reporting to the Chief People Officer, you will lead the development of a modern and proactive approach to health and safety, supporting world-class teaching and research. You will provide visible, trusted leadership, build strong relationships, and foster a positive health and safety culture across the University.

We offer a competitive starting salary of circa £85,000, with the potential for flexibility for the right individual who brings outstanding skills and experience. 

Key responsibilities include:

• Shaping and delivering a forward-looking health and safety strategy aligned to Northumbria’s Strategy and Values.
• Providing expert advice on health and safety, risk, and compliance across diverse and specialist environments.
• Acting as a visible and trusted leader, engaging colleagues and students in building a strong safety culture.
• Leading and developing a professional team, embedding best practice and continuous improvement.

Further information is available in the job description. 

ABOUT YOU 

We are looking for an experienced leader with the credibility, influence, and vision to deliver real impact. You will bring:

• Significant senior leadership experience in health and safety within a large, complex organisation (ideally research or higher education).
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels.
• A proactive, modern, and forward-thinking approach to enabling innovation while maintaining high standards of safety and wellbeing.
• Working knowledge of sustainability, business continuity, and risk management, with the ability to integrate these into the broader safety agenda is desirable, but not essential.

You must hold relevant health and safety qualifications, as well as demonstrating a sound knowledge of relevant regulatory requirements.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a university that is ambitious, people-focused and making a real impact regionally, nationally, and globally.

For further information please see the person specification. 

Apply Before: 27/10/2025, 13:00

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