Health and safety roles are found in almost every organisation. Whether it’s within manufacturing, infrastructure, financial services or professional services, these roles help businesses safeguard their people, meet legal obligations, reduce operational risk, and build positive, forward-thinking cultures.
At Acre, we have a team of professional consultants with deep expertise in the health and safety space. With years of experience and an extensive network of professionals across industries, we’re proud to support clients in building resilient, high-performing safety functions.
What does a typical health and safety role involve?
Health and safety professionals are responsible for protecting people and operations from harm. They play a vital role in helping organisations understand and manage risk.
Typical responsibilities might include:
- Developing and implementing health and safety strategies across the business
- Carrying out audits, inspections and investigations
- Advising leaders on how to embed safety into operations and culture
- Supporting employee training and engagement
- Ensuring compliance with national and international legislation
In some sectors, particularly those with higher risk profiles like construction or energy, these roles are often embedded at senior levels to ensure safety is prioritised as a strategic issue.
Why are health and safety jobs so important?
These roles exist to keep people safe. But they also do more than that. Health and safety professionals help organisations protect their reputation, attract and retain staff, and build stronger cultures.
Their influence is growing too. Many are involved in areas such as mental health and wellbeing, supply chain resilience, and broader ESG and sustainability programmes.
With the right people in place, businesses can create safer, more ethical and more productive workplaces.
What types of roles do we recruit for?
We work across all levels of seniority and a wide range of industries. Some of the common roles we recruit for include:
- Health and Safety Advisors and Managers
- Heads of Health, Safety and Wellbeing
- Risk and Assurance Leads
- Process Safety Specialists
- SHEQ professionals (Safety, Health, Environment and Quality)
Whether you’re looking to build out a full safety team or hire for a key leadership role, our consultants can help you find the right people.
What do employers look for in health and safety professionals?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every business is different, and so are the skills they need. That said, there are a few qualities that are always in demand.
Strong candidates tend to have:
- A solid understanding of health and safety legislation and best practice
- Practical experience with audits, investigations and training
- The ability to influence others and drive behavioural change
- A strategic mindset and commercial awareness
- Empathy and strong communication skills
At Acre, we use a bespoke competency framework to assess candidates not just on technical ability, but on the behaviours and leadership qualities that make them effective in their roles.
Are there many opportunities available?
Yes. Demand for health and safety professionals has never been higher. With shifting regulations, growing ESG expectations, and a renewed focus on employee wellbeing, organisations are investing more than ever in their safety teams.
Whether you’re hiring or looking for your next move, we’d love to help. Our consultants understand the market inside out and are here to support you every step of the way.
What other areas does Acre work in?
We recruit across a range of functions linked to sustainability and impact, including:
- Clean Technology
- Financial Services
- Consumer Markets
- Professional Services
- Energy & Infrastructure
- Industry & Manufacturing
- Natural Resources
- Public & Non-Profit
What are some useful resources for environmental professionals to have?
If you’re interested in learning more about environmental careers, or if you’re looking for a career change and want to pursue a career in the environmental sector, have a read of our latest thought leadership here.
