The Head of Fire, Health & Safety is responsible for ensuring a positive safety culture is embedded across Harrods, while ensuring legislative requirements are met and safety-related risks are effectively managed.
You will lead the strategic development and delivery of our Fire, Health & Safety strategy, policies, standards and operational plans, ensuring the highest levels of compliance across our estate. This includes our iconic Knightsbridge store, production kitchens, warehouses and distribution centre.
Working closely with the Director of Security, you will provide strategic leadership and expert advice across all aspects of fire, health and safety and risk management, with the safety of our colleagues and customers at the heart of everything you do.
You will also lead and develop a multi-disciplinary, experienced team across Health & Safety and Fire, creating a high-performing, engaged team focused on continuous improvement.
About the Role
As Head of Fire, Health & Safety, you will:
- Develop and deliver the strategic vision for Fire, Health & Safety across the business and ensure it is embedded.
- Act as the organisation's subject matter expert, providing senior-level advice and guidance on fire, health and safety, building safety and risk.
- Ensure policies, procedures and operational standards remain compliant with legislation and recognised best practice.
- Provide specialist advice on building projects and upgrades, including the review of plans and proposed works.
- Oversee significant risk assessments, audits and assurance activities across the business.
- Lead the investigation and analysis of serious incidents, ensuring lessons are identified and appropriate actions implemented.
- Monitor fire safety compliance, including the adequacy and maintenance of firefighting equipment and associated controls.
- Develop effective governance, reporting, KPIs and management information, presenting key risks and findings to senior leaders and external stakeholders where required.
- Drive continuous improvement, proactively challenging the business and promoting a strong, positive safety culture.
- Lead, coach and develop your team, setting clear expectations and creating an environment of high performance, engagement and accountability.
- Deputise for the Director of Security when required, taking responsibility for strategic and operational decision-making in their absence.
About You
You will be an experienced Fire, Health & Safety leader with the credibility and expertise to operate effectively at a senior level within a complex, fast-paced organisation.
You will have:
- A NEBOSH Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, or equivalent Level 6 NVQ.
- Chartered Membership of IOSH (CMIOSH), or be working towards this.
- Extensive knowledge of Health & Safety, Fire Safety and Building Safety legislation and the ability to translate regulatory requirements into practical solutions.
- Strong governance and assurance experience, including presenting risk and compliance information at executive level.
- A track record of developing and delivering strategic Fire, Health & Safety plans, supported by clear KPIs and measurable outcomes.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to balance commercial priorities with regulatory compliance and best practice.
- Strong risk management and decision-making capability, with a proactive and pragmatic approach.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the confidence to engage and challenge senior leaders, operational teams, regulators and external partners.
- Proven senior leadership experience in leading, developing and motivating Health, Safety and Fire Safety professionals, fostering a high-performing culture focused on compliance, risk reduction and continuous improvement. A demonstrable passion for Health & Safety.
Working Pattern
This is a highly visible, operational leadership role and we prefer five days per week on site, with a minimum of four days on site. The role requires flexibility to work across our sites.
The working pattern will include approximately one weekend in every six, with two days off in lieu during the week. Bank and Public Holidays are considered normal working days, and occasional additional or changed hours may be required to meet the needs of the business.
Uniquely You
At Harrods, we believe anything is possible. We celebrate and welcome applications from all cultures, backgrounds, tastes and experiences, and we're proud to create an environment where people from all walks of life can grow and thrive. What makes you unique makes us exceptional.
If you want to know more about life at Harrods, search #TogetherHarrods on LinkedIn, or follow us on Instagram @togetherharrods.
Additional Information:
Time Type:
Permanent
Department:
Security Management Team (Tim Parker)
