SHESQ Director

RJ McLeod is one of the UK’s most respected civil engineering and energy infrastructure contractors, operating across Scotland and the North of England with a proud 75-year heritage of delivering complex infrastructure projects in some of the country’s most challenging terrains and island environments. Now part of the OCU Group, RJ McLeod is playing a central role in the UK’s transition to clean energy, supporting the delivery of major renewable and infrastructure projects that will shape the future of sustainable power generation. The business is entering an exciting phase of growth and transformation, creating the opportunity for an experienced SHESQ leader to make a genuine and lasting impact.

The Opportunity We are seeking a strategic, visible and values led SHESQ Director to lead Safety, Health, Environment, Sustainability and Quality across the RJ McLeod business and wider Scottish region based in Glasgow and further sites in Scotland. Reporting directly to the UK Health & Safety Director and RJ McLeod Managing Director this role is embedded within the RJ McLeod business and works closely with operational leadership teams across project delivery, business operations and strategic growth initiatives.

This is a senior leadership position with responsibility for setting and driving the SHESQ strategy, governance and assurance framework across a complex and operationally diverse portfolio. The successful candidate will play a key role in strengthening culture, improving performance, supporting business growth and ensuring the organisation continues to deliver safely, sustainably and in line with client and regulatory expectations. The role requires both strategic capability and operational credibility. Alongside executive-level leadership and stakeholder engagement, the SHESQ Director will maintain a strong on-site presence through regular project visits, frontline engagement and hands-on operational assurance activity.

Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Governance You will develop and lead the SHESQ strategy for the RJ McLeod business and Scottish region, aligned to Group standards, client expectations and regulatory requirements. Provide executive leadership and assurance across all SHESQ activities, ensuring robust governance frameworks and sustainable business performance. Act as the senior SHESQ advisor to Business Unit Leads and Senior Leadership Teams, embedding SHESQ priorities into operational delivery and business planning. Operational Assurance & Risk Management Ensure SHESQ is fully integrated throughout the project lifecycles, particularly including during planning and pre-construction phases, to proactively identify and mitigate operational risks. Lead governance and assurance activities including audits, inspections, campaigns, compliance verification and management reviews. Oversee strategic incident response, ensuring effective investigation, regulatory engagement, lessons learned and implementation of corrective actions. Ensure robust risk management arrangements are maintained, including critical risk reviews and targeted risk reduction plans. Leadership & Culture Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing SHESQ team, driving capability, accountability and succession planning. Maintain a visible and hands-on leadership presence across the business through regular site visits and direct engagement with operational teams. Drive continuous improvement and positive cultural change through data-led insight, assurance findings and collaborative leadership. Stakeholder & Client Engagement Build strong relationships with clients, regulators and key stakeholders, supporting bids, mobilisation activities and external assurance processes. Represent the business within sector forums, steering groups and strategic working groups to help shape industry best practice and organisational improvement initiatives.