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Ford & Stanley Executive Search (Part of the Ford & Stanley Group) are a leading Executive Search firm to the UK, North American and European Engineering, Technology, Sustainability & Heavy Manufacturing industries.

Our search directors, search consultants and research teams specialise in all horizontal functions of our clients’ organisation with expertise spanning engineering, commercial, procurement, HR, IT, finance, HSQE, sales, projects, operations and c-suite.

We are trusted by over 100 leading organisations when they seek to make a leadership appointment, be that a permanent appointment or an interim solution.

We have been retained and appointed by ADComms on the search and selection for an engaging, proactive and driven Head of HSE who will be pivotal in driving safety for the business.

Below you will find an ‘opportunity brief’ developed from notes taken during the scoping meeting (Situational Discovery) held between the Business Manager & Senior Research Consultant of Executive Seach and the COO and Head of HR of ADComms, This brief is designed to give candidates a deeper insight into the opportunity inherent within the role, the challenges the role presents and provide access to the detail that sits behind the job specification.

Client Opportunity Statements:

“Ultimately, we are looking to bring in an experienced individual who can lead our HSE function from the front placing specific emphasis on the value of two-way communication and relationship building between the function and wider business”

“You will be working shoulder to shoulder with the team whilst upskilling, mentoring and educating our colleagues within the world of HSE. Whilst we have a good safety culture and knowledge within the business, it’s important to note that there are changes that still need to be made for us to continue on our journey of continuous improvement.”

“Additionally, we are in the process of rolling out a new fatigue and rostering software and strategy that will see us further unify our safety practices across all sites in the business. It is imperative that we hire an experienced, passionate and pragmatic safety professional to take a personal lead on this new strategy and ensure its success across all projects and sites.”

Company Overview: ADComms

ADComms delivers innovative technology solutions and services to owners and operators of the UK rail network.
With extensive experience in telecommunications and network markets, ADComms works with clients to develop intelligent connected solutions that solve operational challenges. We innovate, design, and build telecoms, network, energy and on-train technology solutions. Our maintenance and distribution capabilities support our solutions post-deployment, to ensure maximum reliability and extended operational life.
ADComms is a quality, safety, and environmentally focused business, which constantly drives through performance improvements to make the business stronger and smarter for the future.
Our Vision – Delivering innovative solutions to enable better journeys.
Our Mission – Building on our experience to become the leading provider of track-to-train communications solutions for the UK rail market.
Our Values

Our values were developed by utilising feedback from employee surveys and key working groups. These values embrace the best of what we are today and combine with what we want to be going forward as a thriving, sustainable organisation.

Demonstrating togetherness – In our business, we look after each other. This means engaging honestly with our colleagues, supporting each other when we need it, speaking with one voice to the outside world and working toward common goals.
Knowing what to do – We pride ourselves on the breadth and depth of the knowledge that we have in the business and being a dependable expert for our customers. To maintain and grow our expertise we actively focus on developing our people and managing competency across the team.
Doing the right thing – We always do the right thing in how we interact with our people, how we look after our planet, having strong, fair relationships with our customers and suppliers, and ensuring our solutions are delivered safely and remain safe in use.
Delivering on our commitments – When we agree to do something, that becomes our bond. We will always enter into commitments with our eyes open and commit honestly with the best of intentions. When things don’t go according to plan, we will be transparent and quickly deliver a resolution.
Promoting innovation – Standing still is not for us. But innovation doesn’t come on order. That’s why we must always create an environment which nurtures innovation across the business. This means making time and space for new ideas and accepting that everyone in our business is capable of great ideas and deserves to have their voice heard.
Making work enjoyable – We spend a lot of time working hard so let’s enjoy it. Be nice to your colleagues, have an appropriate joke at the right time, find the challenges which motivate you. Be visible and be friendly it will come back to you 10-fold.
 Challenges expected within the first 12 months include

You will be required to be exceptionally hands-on in your mission to create a positive health and safety process across the business which will require you to lead from the front and develop relationships across the business.
There is a high proportion of manual reporting within the business in addition to a new fatigue procedure. As the business moves towards a more automated process there will undoubtedly be difficulties along the way.
Key deliverables within the first 12 months include:

Develop close working relationships with the ‘Head of Projects’ and ‘Head of Engineering’ to gauge a clear understanding of where the business is at with HSE protocols within specific projects and where support is needed to ensure processes are followed.
Vocalise good HSE practice with teams, leading briefings and integrate with subcontractors and members of the team to drive a positive H&S culture.
Roll out of fatigue and rostering software (signal) and manage ‘pain points’ within the rollout.  

Essential Hard Skills (Skills & Experience)

§  Experienced HSE Professional from a rail industry background.

§  RISQS Audit knowledge, taking a lead role in annual RISQS audit against CORS, Sentinel, SWP, CDM & PCL modules.

§  NEBOSH Diploma or Degree in Health & Safety and Environment. CIMOSH Status.

§  Experience with PC Licences.

§  ISO 45001 – extensive knowledge of implementation and day-to-day management of maintaining the system

§  Strong experience in leadership & management of cross-functional relationships.

§  Hold either a CIMOSH or PIEMA status.

§  Experienced across a multi-site/multi-project business.

Essential Soft Skills (Attributes & Behaviours)

§  Calm, authoritative yet engaging individual that has gravitas and presence.

§  Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written) from shop floor to boardroom.

§  A proactive and collaborative individual who can lead from the front.

§  Ability to embrace change, be open-minded, continuous improvement mindset.

Desirables (Not essential)

§  5 Years + experience in managing Health, Safety and Environmental in Railway Construction Projects (PCL Requirement).

§  Demonstrable understanding of Health & Safety legislation, Company policies and QA procedures.

§  HSE knowledge around working at height, telecommunications, radio frequency and electricity.

§  Knowledge on environmental matters including waste/carrier permitting, SSSI.

§  Lead (preferable) or internal auditor for ISO 14001.

Working Arrangements & Location:

The Head of HSE will work out of ADComms site in Scunthorpe, there is some flexible working available (up to 2 days a week from home), but the successful candidate must be comfortable with being in the office up to 5 days depending on business need, as it will be integral to the success of this role. Travel to different sites will be required with this role on an ad hoc basis.
ADComms’ Interview process

1st Stage interview:  To focus on cultural fit and leadership skills to be held face-to-face or via teams (to be confirmed) with the COO.
2nd Final Stage Interview: A technical competency-based interview. The interview will be on-site with the COO and Head of HR. This will include a site tour.
Ford & Stanley Interview Process:

1st Stage – Candidate Discovery: An open, conversational and consultative discussion where interested candidates are assessed on their suitability for the role in the context of the above and challenged on how the opportunity lines up with their career aspirations, motivations, financial expectations and personal circumstances.
2nd Stage – The ‘shortlist’: Candidates are asked to reflect on the candidate discovery discussion, take time to reflect on the opportunity and undertake subsequent research on the client business reporting back on their thoughts, questions and providing additional specific information on their suitability (if applicable). Final checks of role, package and logistical alignments made.
Good to know:

This role has been exclusively retained with Ford & Stanley Executive Search for the entire lifecycle of the vacancy.
Role reports into the MD with a dotted line into the COO. This role will have 3 direct reports of H&S Managers.
Current Headcount is circa 160 permanent employees and 50 agency staff.
Turnover of the business is ~£33 million.
The current Health and Safety culture is good, however, there is work to be done to ensure that the business continues to progress and develop on the journey they are on.
It is key we have a proactive leader who can articulate themselves at all levels and bring continuous improvement ideas to the team.
It’s important that this person has the understanding of working within an SME and the differences this brings from working in a large organisation.
Experience of working with PC licences is vital. Due to the nature of leadership required, a calm and level-headed approach will be needed, even in the face of significant problems.
Part of the Mutares Group is formed of two main businesses: ADC and Gemini Rail Services
The right candidate will be the type to not be fazed by the challenges of working within a fast-growing VC-owned SME. Change, turnaround, and transformation are key buzzwords for the type of character required.
Budget:

Low: £75,000 Mid: £80,000 High: £85,000
Supporting benefits

Car Allowance circa £8,000 
Salary reviews: Annually
Holidays: Standard holiday entitlement of 25 days increases to 27 days after 4 years
Additional day leave for birthday.
Pension: 5% Matched
Life Insurance: 4 x salary
Critical Illness cover
Employee Assistance Programme
Corporate Eyewear Scheme
Flu Jab Programme
O2 Staff Benefits
Buy and Sell Annual Leave
Cycle to Work Scheme
Benefits following successful probation

Additional 1% increase in pension from ADComms
Private Health Insurance
Gym Pass

Cash Plan – e.g. claim towards dental bills, 24/7 doctor support line
Choice of one additional benefit following successful probation

Executive Search Delivery Team:

Tom Norton – Business Manager (Client Recommendations/Advisory, Offer Negotiations, Networking)
Emma Barlow – Senior Research Associate (Shortlisting, Offer Negotiations, Headhunting, Networking, Research, Search, Longlisting, Interviews, Data & Market Intel)
Ralitsa Kuzeva – Executive Assistant (Diary Management, Interview Arrangement, Coordination, Candidate Experience)
About Ford & Stanley Executive Search:

Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group are in the business of people and performance. Our mission is to create one million better workdays through facilitating great recruitment, leadership and occupational mental fitness. We support our clients in their most challenging business areas - recruiting, developing and retaining the best talent from shop floor to boardroom.

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Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group Ltd is a Disability Confident employer that is committed to a policy of equal opportunities for all opportunity seekers. We shall adhere to such a policy at all times and will review on an on-going basis all aspects of recruitment to avoid unlawful or undesirable discrimination. We will treat everyone equally irrespective sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief or political beliefs and we place an obligation upon all staff to respect and act in accordance with the policy.

Services advertised by Ford & Stanley are that of an employment consultancy business