The University of Birmingham is a comprehensive, research-intensive institution ranked 68th globally in the QS World University Rankings and home to a diverse community of more than 45,000 students from over 150 countries and 10,000 staff. As Britain's first civic university, we combine a proud heritage with a bold ambition for the future. More than 90% of our research is recognised as world-leading or internationally excellent, and our Strategic Framework sets out our ambition to become a global top 50 university by 2030.

We are now seeking an outstanding health and safety professional to join us as Director of Health and Safety Services, leading the development and implementation of a comprehensive health and safety strategy across the institution. This pivotal role is central to fostering a safe, inclusive and high-performing environment for our students, staff and visitors.

The Director of Health and Safety Services will provide strategic leadership for health, safety and occupational health across the University of Birmingham, ensuring the University maintains an environment that supports its world-leading teaching, research and operational activities. Reporting to the Director of People and Culture and as one of six heads of department within the HR function, the postholder will play a key role in shaping both the University's health and safety agenda and the wider People and Culture strategy.

Leading the Health and Safety Services and Occupational Health teams, you will drive the development and delivery of institutional strategy, strengthen governance, risk management and compliance frameworks, and act as a key catalyst and influencer on the University's practices and behaviours associated with health, safety and occupational health. This highly visible leadership role requires an individual who can combine strategic vision with operational excellence, build strong relationships across a complex organisation, and foster a culture of engagement, accountability and continual improvement.

An accomplished health and safety leader with significant experience operating at a senior level within a large, complex and highly regulated organisation, you will bring a proven track record of developing strategy, strengthening governance, leading organisational change and building high-performing teams, alongside the credibility and influencing skills to engage confidently with executive leaders, governing bodies and a diverse range of stakeholders.

A collaborative and inclusive leader, you will be passionate about creating positive organisational cultures and will recognise that this role extends beyond compliance; you will be a visible champion for continuous improvement in health, safety and occupational health, helping to shape behaviours, build engagement and embed a positive safety culture across the University.

You will combine strategic vision with sound operational judgement, demonstrating the ability to drive organisational improvement, enhance risk management and foster greater awareness, accountability and engagement across a complex institution.

This is an outstanding opportunity to shape the future health, safety and wellbeing agenda of one of the UK's leading global universities whilst contributing to a broader institutional mission that transforms lives through education, research and innovation.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Sian Gardiner at The Management Recruitment Group.

The University is committed to building a fully inclusive and diverse community, including its senior leadership. We welcome applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented at senior levels.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 22nd November 2026.

The formal stages at the University of Birmingham are scheduled for w/c 14th December 2026.