Who Are We:
Cardo Group is a trusted provider of building maintenance, refurbishment, and retrofit services for social housing and public sector buildings across the UK. With nationwide coverage and skilled local teams, we deliver a reliable end-to-end service that ensures homes and public spaces are safe, sustainable, and well-maintained.
We specialise in responsive repairs and voids, planned maintenance, energy-efficiency upgrades, compliance works, and major improvement programmes. Our approach combines quality workmanship, strong resident communication, and efficient project delivery to achieve the best outcomes for customers and communities.
Driven by ambitious growth plans, we continue to expand our capabilities and adapt to the evolving needs of our clients. Our reputation is built on consistent service delivery, trusted partnerships, and a commitment to doing things the right way. As we grow, so do the opportunities – for our people, our clients, and the communities we support.
Cardo Group is becoming one of the UK’s most forward-thinking maintenance and retrofit providers. Do you want to be part of something great?
Role Purpose
The Group Head of SHEQ provides strategic, professional, and visible leadership for Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality across the entire Cardo Group.
Reporting at executive/board level, the role is accountable for defining and delivering the Group SHEQ vision, governance framework, and performance strategy across all business units, regions, joint ventures, and frameworks. The postholder will ensure full legal compliance, maintain and evolve the Group Integrated Management System (IMS), and embed a consistent, high performance SHEQ culture aligned to business growth, client expectations, and regulatory requirements.
Responsibilities:
Group Strategy, Governance & Leadership
- Define, own, and deliver the Group SHEQ Strategy, aligned to Cardo Group’s corporate objectives, risk appetite, and growth plans.
- Act as the Group level technical authority for SHEQ, advising the Board, Executive Team, and Managing Directors.
- Establish and maintain clear Group SHEQ governance, assurance, and reporting frameworks.
- Lead and develop the SHEQ leadership community across regions and business units, ensuring consistent standards and competence.
- Chair Group SHEQ forums, management reviews, and governance committees.
Compliance, Legal & Assurance
- Ensure Group wide compliance with UK Health & Safety legislation, environmental law, quality standards, and client contractual requirements.
- Maintain certification and continual improvement of ISO 45001, ISO 14001, and ISO 9001 across all operations.
- Own relationships with regulators, certification bodies, and external auditors.
- Provide independent assurance to the Board through audits, inspections, performance reviews, and risk reporting.
- Oversee legal registers, compliance monitoring systems, and Group level risk controls.
Risk Management & Operational Oversight
- Lead the identification, assessment, and mitigation of strategic, operational, and emerging SHEQ risks across the Group.
- Provide senior SHEQ oversight for high risk activities, complex programmes, live assets, and major projects.
- Ensure effective CDM compliance across all roles (Client, Principal Designer, Principal Contractor).
- Support operational leadership teams with expert advice, challenge, and solution focused interventions.
Performance Management & Reporting
- Define Group SHEQ KPIs, dashboards, and assurance metrics (leading and lagging indicators).
- Report performance trends, risks, incidents, and improvement actions to the Board and Executive Team.
- Lead Group IMS Management Reviews and continuous improvement planning.
- Drive measurable reductions in accidents, incidents, environmental harm, and quality defects.
Quality & Business Integration
- Ensure quality management (ISO 9001) is fully integrated with safety and environmental systems.
- Oversee document control, non conformance management, root cause analysis, and corrective actions at Group level.
- Champion “right first time” delivery, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support operational efficiency, consistency, and scalability through robust processes and controls.
Training, Competence & Culture
- Define the Group SHEQ competence framework and training strategy, including leadership, operational, and supply chain requirements.
- Sponsor behavioural safety, quality, and environmental culture programmes across the Group.
- Promote visible leadership, workforce engagement, and positive reporting culture.
- Ensure effective competence management for employees, subcontractors, and partners.
Supply Chain, Clients & External Stakeholders
- Set Group standards for supply chain SHEQ pre qualification, monitoring, and improvement.
- Act as the senior SHEQ interface for key clients, strategic partners, and regulators.
- Support business development, bids, and frameworks with expert SHEQ input.
- Align SHEQ leadership with Cardo Group’s social value, sustainability, carbon reduction, and environmental commitments.
Incident Management & Crisis Response
- Lead the Group response to serious incidents and high potential events.
- Ensure robust investigation, reporting (including RIDDOR), and learning across the business.
- Own Group emergency preparedness and crisis management arrangements.
Digital, Data & Continuous Improvement
- Own Group SHEQ data systems, platforms, and reporting tools.
- Use data driven insights to predict risk, target interventions, and drive improvement.
- Evaluate and sponsor innovation, technology, and best practice to reduce risk and improve outcomes.
You Will Need:
- NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent); chartered or progressing toward chartership desirable.
- Significant senior leadership experience in SHEQ within construction, maintenance, or built environment services.
- Proven experience leading multi site, multi region, or group level SHEQ functions.
- Strong track record maintaining and improving ISO 45001, ISO 14001, and ISO 9001.
- Deep knowledge of CDM Regulations 2015 and high risk construction activities.
- Environmental competence (IEMA or equivalent) and understanding of sustainability and carbon management.
- Credibility and confidence operating at Board and Executive level
We Will Provide:
- Excellent development and progression opportunities
- Competitive Salary
- 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays
- Range of Salary Sacrifice Schemes [holiday purchase, EV schemes, AVC Pension contributions]
- Life Assurance cover
- Wellbeing Resources and Counselling services
- Retail & Lifestyle Discount Platform
- Enhanced Family Leave Provisions
- Recognition initiatives and awards
- Occupational Sick Pay
- Private Medical Insurance
Please note all our roles are subject to Background, Identity & Security checks before commencement of employment.
Why Join Cardo Group?
We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. Diverse perspectives strengthen our business, drive innovation, and help us better serve the communities we work with.
Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is rooted in our core values:
Teamwork – We collaborate, support one another, and achieve more together.
Integrity – We act with honesty, fairness, and transparency in everything we do.
Excellence – We set high standards and deliver quality for our people and our customers.
Respect – We value every individual and create a space where all voices are heard.
We ensure fair opportunities, embrace diverse backgrounds and experiences, and foster a culture where everyone truly belongs. Join us on our ambitious, exciting, and inclusive journey.
