UK

United Kingdom · Compliance, quality and safety · Director/VP (16-20 years)

Director of EHS & Quality

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  • Experience bandDirector/VP (16-20 years)
  • Direct reports4-8 reports
  • Reports toChief Operating Officer (COO)
  • UK framework levelUsually a director, accountable for a division and its numbers

Also advertised as Head of Compliance and Safety · VP, Health, Safety & Environment · Divisional Compliance Lead · Quality & Regulatory Affairs Director

Built on 43,079 real UK job descriptions we analysed · grounded in what real qualifications cover

Two short quizzes about you

1From this job to a course

The qualifications matched to this job

CMI Level 5 NVQ Diploma in Management and Leadership Chartered Management Institute · Level 5 · covers 2 of 13 standards
IWFM Level 4 Diploma in Facilities Management Practice Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management · Level 4 · covers 1 of 13 standards
ProQual Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Management ProQual Awarding Body · Level 4 · covers 1 of 13 standards
GQA Level 5 Diploma in the Practice of Process Safety Management GQA Qualifications Limited · Level 5 · covers 1 of 13 standards

Matched from the standards this job is measured against: a suggestion, not an official ruling.

The units you would start with

Manage Health and Safety in own area of responsibility CMI Level 5 NVQ Diploma in Management and Leadership
Implement health and safety and environmental facilities management procedures IWFM Level 4 Diploma in Facilities Management Practice
Maintain Systems and Processes for Health, Safety, Welfare and Environmental Protection in an Engineering Environment NOCN Level 5 Diploma in Computer Engineering (Information Technology and Data Science)
Understand how to comply with the relevant Regulations, Industry Standards and Management Requirements for Process Safety GQA Level 5 Diploma in the Practice of Process Safety Management

The future skills this job leans on

AI Fluency working with AI as a thinking partner
Data Fluency turning numbers into a decision
AI Governance Fluency using AI responsibly
Automation Fluency building AI into how work runs
Change Fluency taking people through change
Your Plan Illustration

Built for Director of EHS & Quality

4 units that map to this job, from the qualifications that cover it.

  1. Manage Health and Safety in own area of responsibility Chartered Management Institute · covers 2 of 13 standards Level 5
  2. Implement health and safety and environmental facilities management procedures Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management · covers 1 of 13 standards Level 4
  3. Maintain Systems and Processes for Health, Safety, Welfare and Environmental Protection in an Engineering Environment NOCN · covers 1 of 13 standards Level 5
  4. Understand how to comply with the relevant Regulations, Industry Standards and Management Requirements for Process Safety GQA Qualifications Limited · covers 1 of 13 standards Level 5
These are the real units behind this job, in the order they rank for it. Nothing here is marked done, because this plan has not been started by anyone yet. Yours would fill in as you go.

2AI and this work

Will AI change your work as a Director of EHS & Quality?

Nobody can say exactly how. Here is what this job is being asked for next, and where to start.

The new skills this role is being asked for

  • ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Integration
  • Digital Transformation Leadership for EHS/Q
Why each one is rising

The future skills this job leans on

We'll only ever tell you what we can actually back up. No hype, no scare tactics.

What happens when you start

Next, a free account. We build your Director of EHS & Quality plan as you set up, starting with the free Growth Mindset module. No card.

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3What this role really is

A Director of EHS & Quality builds and oversees safety, quality and compliance standards across a business unit. The role protects staff, products and reputation, and shapes decisions that affect the safety of employees and the quality of what customers receive.

4What you'd actually use

The tools this job runs on, and how well you'd need to know each one.

Archer / OneTrust (or similar GRC platform) Strategic/Architect

Leading the selection, implementation, and strategic governance of the GRC platform for the business unit. You'll define enterprise-wide data governance rules, oversee integration with other business systems, and use it to drive strategic risk reporting to the executive team.

Enterprise Content Management Strategy (e.g., SharePoint/Veeva Vault) Strategic/Architect

Setting the policy for records retention, defining metadata standards, and overseeing system validation for regulatory compliance (e.g., FDA 21 CFR Part 11) across the business unit. This isn't just about using it; it's about designing its use.

Tableau Server / Power BI Premium (or similar BI platform) Strategic/Architect

Governing the analytics environment for EHS and Quality data. You'll establish certified data sources, ensure data integrity, and present strategic risk dashboards to the executive team, using the platform to drive data-led decision-making.

Strategic Horizon Scanning Platforms (e.g., AI-powered regulatory intelligence) Strategic/Architect

Utilising advanced platforms to predict future regulatory trends, assessing their potential impact on the business unit's strategy, and influencing lobbying efforts or long-term business adjustments. This is about proactive intelligence.

Workday HCM / SAP SuccessFactors (or similar HRIS/LMS integration) Strategic/Architect

Overseeing the integration of the Learning Management System (LMS) with the core HRIS, aligning the compliance training strategy with overall talent management and succession planning for the business unit. This is about systemic integration, not just running reports.

5What you get to decide, and how that grows

Power in a job isn't your title. It's what you're allowed to decide. Here's how it grows as you move up.

The choiceComing in Where you are nowThe step above
Strategic Programme Design Supports by gathering data and documenting options. Proposes solutions for specific programme components, usually within a project. Leads the design of a complete workstream or project, making technical recommendations.
Budget Allocation No authority. Flags potential cost implications. Estimates costs for specific tasks or small projects. Manages project budgets up to £50K, recommends larger investments.
Regulatory Interpretation & Response Researches specific regulatory clauses. Interprets regulations for routine operational questions, drafts initial responses. Provides expert interpretation for complex scenarios, drafts formal responses for review, advises on applicability.
Hiring & Team Structure No involvement. Participates in interviews for junior roles. Interviews and makes recommendations for specialist roles, mentors junior staff.

6How you'll be judged

The scoreboard, and what is not on it. The hard targets, how often each is actually looked at, and the quiet signals that never reach a dashboard.

Lost Time Injury Rate (LTIR)
The number of workplace injuries resulting in lost workdays per 100 employees.
Target · Reduce LTIR by 10% annually across the business unit.

If the business unit's LTIR was 0.8 last year, your target would be 0.72 or lower this year. You'd track this against our internal benchmarks and industry averages.

Regulatory Fines & Penalties
The total monetary value of fines or penalties incurred due to non-compliance with EHS or Quality regulations.
Target · £0 in preventable regulatory fines annually.

Avoiding a £250,000 fine from the Environment Agency for a breach in waste disposal regulations, which you prevented by implementing a new waste management programme.

External Audit Score Improvement
The score achieved in external EHS or Quality management system audits (e.g., ISO 14001, ISO 9001).
Target · Improve average external audit score from 85% to 95% within two years.

Moving our ISO 9001 certification audit score from a 'minor non-conformance' rating to 'zero non-conformances' by overhauling our quality documentation system.

GRC Maturity Score
Progress on our Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) maturity model, typically a 5-point scale (e.g., Ad-hoc to Optimised).
Target · Advance GRC maturity score from 'Developing' to 'Managed' within 18 months.

Implementing a new GRC platform that allows for centralised risk registers and automated control monitoring, moving us beyond manual spreadsheets.

Proactive Risk Identification
The ability to identify and mitigate emerging EHS and Quality risks before they manifest as incidents or non-conformances.
  • You'll be regularly presenting proactive risk assessments to the executive team, with clear mitigation plans. We'd expect to see a reduction in 'surprise' incidents that weren't on our risk register. You'll also be driving the adoption of leading indicators, not just lagging ones.
Cross-Functional Influence
Your ability to influence and gain buy-in from other business unit leaders (e.g., Operations, R&D) on EHS and Quality initiatives.
  • Other department heads will actively seek your input on new projects or process changes, not just comply with mandates. You'll be seen as a trusted advisor, not just the 'compliance police'. We'd see your strategic initiatives being adopted without significant resistance, showing you've built strong relationships and trust.
Leadership Development
The growth and development of your direct reports and the broader EHS & Quality team.
  • Your team members will be taking on more complex projects, demonstrating increased autonomy, and, frankly, sticking around because they feel supported and challenged. We'll see internal promotions from your team and positive feedback in 360-degree reviews about your mentorship and coaching style.
Regulatory Relationship Management
Developing and maintaining constructive relationships with key regulatory bodies.
  • You'll be the primary point of contact for significant regulatory interactions. We'd expect clear, professional communication and a proactive approach to addressing regulatory concerns, often pre-empting formal enforcement actions. Feedback from regulatory bodies, even informal, would indicate a positive working relationship.

7Would you like it

Both sides. What people enjoy, and what grinds them down.

What people enjoy
Protecting People and Planet

You'll get a real buzz from seeing a reduction in incident rates, knowing your programmes are directly making workplaces safer. This isn't just a job; it's a mission to prevent harm.

Leading a successful initiative that reduces a specific type of workplace injury by 20%, directly impacting the lives of dozens of employees.

Strategic Impact & Problem Solving

You'll thrive on identifying complex, systemic risks and designing multi-year strategies to address them. This role is about shaping the future of our operations to be more resilient and compliant.

Developing and implementing a new enterprise-wide risk management framework that identifies and mitigates a previously unrecognised major business threat.

Building and Developing Teams

You'll genuinely enjoy mentoring your managers and specialists, seeing them grow into more capable leaders and experts. Their success will be a significant source of your own satisfaction.

Coaching a Senior Compliance Specialist to successfully lead a critical external audit, leading to their promotion to Compliance Manager.

What frustrates people
  • Dealing with business leaders who prioritise speed or cost over safety and quality, requiring you to constantly make the case for compliance.
  • The slow pace of cultural change; sometimes it feels like you're pushing a boulder uphill, even with executive backing.
  • When a major incident occurs despite all your preventative efforts, leading to intense scrutiny and the need for immediate, high-pressure responses.
  • Managing a team that sometimes struggles with the same resistance you face, requiring significant coaching and support.
  • The sheer volume and complexity of regulatory changes, meaning you're always having to learn and adapt, with little downtime.
What this role does not give you
  • A quiet, purely analytical role where you don't have to deal with people or politics.
  • A role where you're always celebrated for your contributions without facing challenging conversations.
  • A 'set it and forget it' environment; compliance is a continuous, evolving challenge.
  • A role with minimal pressure or high-stakes decision-making.

8Who you work with

Your decisions directly shape the operational resilience and ethical standing of an entire business unit, impacting everything from employee wellbeing and product integrity to regulatory relationships and the company's public image. You'll be accountable for preventing major incidents and ensuring sustained operational compliance, which in turn protects our revenue and market share. Honestly, your work helps us stay in business and grow responsibly.

Inside the business
  • Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Executive Leadership Team
  • Business Unit Heads (e.g., Manufacturing, Logistics, R&D)
  • Legal and Risk Management Departments
  • HR and People Operations
  • Finance Department
Outside the business
  • Regulatory bodies (e.g., HSE, Environment Agency, CQC)
  • External auditors and certification bodies
  • Key suppliers and contractors
  • Industry associations and peer groups
  • Local community representatives

9What you need before you start

Not a wish list. The things you would be expected to already have.

  • Extensive experience (15+ years) in EHS, Quality, or Compliance roles, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership or management position.
  • Proven track record of successfully leading and implementing complex EHS and Quality programmes across multiple sites or a large business unit.
  • Demonstrable experience in managing significant budgets (multi-million £) and resources.
  • Experience in engaging with and presenting to executive leadership teams and/or boards.
  • Strong understanding of integrated management systems (e.g., ISO 9001, 14001, 45001) and experience driving certification processes.
  • Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and develop high-performing teams.

10What to practise next

Where the job is going, and what to do about it starting this week.

AI/ML for Predictive Compliance & Risk Management

AI and Machine Learning are moving beyond simple automation to predictive capabilities. Directors will need to understand how to leverage these technologies to anticipate compliance breaches, predict incident hotspots, and proactively manage risks, rather than just reacting to them. This will transform how we allocate resources.

Supervised vs. unsupervised learning for risk iden · Natural Language Processing (NLP) for unstructured · Machine learning model validation and bias detecti · Ethical implications of AI in safety decision-maki · Data governance and privacy for AI-driven EHS/Q sy

  • This month: Read introductory articles on AI/ML applications in EHS and Quality, focusing on real-world examples.
  • Next quarter: Engage with our data science or IT teams to understand their current capabilities and how they might apply to EHS/Q challenges.
  • Within 6 months: Sponsor a small pilot project using AI for predictive maintenance or incident analysis within your business unit.
  • Within 12 months: Develop a roadmap for integrating AI/ML into our long-term EHS and Quality strategy.

Quick win: Use readily available AI tools (like ChatGPT or Claude) to summarise complex regulatory documents or brainstorm potential risk scenarios for a new project.

11Staying current once you are in

What people here do to keep up
  • Regularly attend industry conferences and seminars to stay abreast of emerging trends and regulatory changes.
  • Actively participate in professional associations, potentially serving on committees or working groups.
  • Pursue executive education programmes focused on leadership, strategy, or specific technical areas (e.g., advanced environmental law).
  • Seek out mentorship opportunities from other senior leaders within and outside the organisation.
  • Engage in continuous learning around digital transformation, AI, and data analytics as they apply to EHS and Quality.

12The rising capability

The rising capability

Zavmo analysis

What's rising in its place

This is where the work is heading, and the higher pay with it. Get fluent here and the shift stops being a threat and starts being your edge.

ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Integration

Investors, customers, and employees are increasingly demanding robust ESG performance. EHS and Quality are foundational pillars of the 'E' and 'S' in ESG. Directors will need to integrate these programmes into broader corporate sustainability reporting and strategy, moving beyond pure compliance.

  • Materiality assessments for ESG reporting
  • Alignment with frameworks like GRI, SASB, TCFD
  • Measuring and reporting on Scope 1, 2, and 3 emiss
  • Linking EHS/Quality metrics to broader ESG goals
  • Communicating ESG performance to investors and ext

Digital Transformation Leadership for EHS/Q

Manual processes, paper records, and disconnected systems are becoming liabilities. Directors need to lead the charge in adopting digital tools (AI, IoT, advanced analytics) to create more efficient, proactive, and data-driven EHS and Quality functions. This isn't just about using tools, but strategically implementing them.

  • IoT sensor integration for real-time safety monito
  • Predictive analytics for incident prevention (e.g.
  • Digital twin technology for process optimisation a
  • Blockchain for supply chain traceability and quali
  • Cybersecurity considerations for EHS/Q data and sy

13What you’ll use

What you’ll use

Skills this role draws on

Technical

  • Advanced Regulatory Interpretation & Applicability Analysis
  • Enterprise Risk Assessment & Management Frameworks
  • Integrated Management Systems (IMS) Design & Governance
  • Audit Programme Leadership & Oversight
  • Crisis & Incident Management Leadership

14The pathway

The pathway

How you actually get there, here

How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.

  1. 1

    From Senior Compliance Manager (Internal)

    3-5 years as a Compliance Manager

    Skills to master

    • Demonstrating the ability to manage larger, more complex teams, successfully leading cross-functional strategic initiatives, and consistently delivering on departmental objectives. Building strong relationships with senior leadership is crucial.

    You're ready to move on when

    • Successfully managed a team of 5+ specialists/managers for at least 3 years.
    • Led a major EHS or Quality programme from conception to successful implementation.
    • Consistently met or exceeded departmental KPIs.
    • Received strong feedback on leadership, strategic thinking, and influence from peers and superiors.
  2. 2

    From Head of EHS/Quality (External)

    Coming from a similar leadership role in another large organisation or business unit (e.g., Head of EHS for a manufacturing division).

    Skills to master

    • Adapting quickly to our company culture and specific industry regulations, demonstrating immediate strategic impact, and effectively integrating with our executive team. Proving you can lead a team through change is key.

    You're ready to move on when

    • Proven track record of success in a comparable role in a similar industry.
    • Clear examples of driving significant improvements in EHS/Quality performance.
    • Strong references highlighting leadership, strategic acumen, and ability to influence at senior levels.
    • A clear vision for how you'd approach the first 90 days in this role.
  3. 3

    From Senior Consultant (EHS/Quality)

    5-8 years as a Senior Consultant in a reputable EHS/Quality consulting firm, with significant experience leading engagements.

    Skills to master

    • Transitioning from an advisory role to an operational leadership position, demonstrating the ability to 'own' outcomes rather than just recommend solutions. Building and managing an internal team is a new muscle for many consultants.

    You're ready to move on when

    • Led multiple large-scale EHS/Quality transformation projects for clients.
    • Demonstrated ability to manage complex client relationships and deliver tangible results.
    • Strong desire to move into an in-house leadership role with direct accountability.
    • Examples of mentoring junior consultants or leading project teams.

15Where this role leads

The long view: This role can lead to senior executive positions such as Chief Risk & Compliance Officer or Chief Operating Officer. It can also lead to a Global Head of EHS & Quality role, covering multiple business units and countries.

The ten Future Fluencies

Zavmo analysis

The credential is what you can do today. These are what keep you valuable.

A qualification proves you can do the job as it's defined today. These ten are what decide whether you're still the obvious person for it in five years. They're the capabilities employers are now writing into senior roles faster than people are learning them. Zavmo weaves them through whatever you study, so you come out with both: the credential and the fluency.

The highlighted ones are the Fluencies your role leans on hardest, from how Director of EHS & Quality is actually changing.

Where it leads

Roles this leads to

How you would learn this

One to one, on the work you already do

A tutor sets the task against your own job and marks the reasoning, at your pace. There is no cohort to fall behind.

A lesson from Manage Health and Safety in own area of responsibility, worked against Director of EHS & Quality.

Manage Health and Safety in own area of responsibility Level 5

Applied to your work in Director of EHS & Quality

This unit aims to enable learners to understand and manage health and safety within their own area of responsibility. Learners will gain knowledge of legal responsibilities, risk assessment, and risk minimisation strategies to promote a safe working environment.

How the thinking builds
  1. 1 Remember
  2. 2 Understand
  3. 3 Apply
  4. 4 Analyse
  5. 5 Evaluate
  6. 6 Create
An illustration of a Zavmo lesson, built from this role’s own route. The unit, its objective and every criterion above are the awarding body’s own words, not an example.

It is £70 a month, billed monthly. Your free first module is Future Fluency, and you can cancel any time.

See Your Progress Grow Illustration
Director of EHS & Quality
  • Advanced Regulatory Interpretation & Applicability Analysis
  • Enterprise Risk Assessment & Management Frameworks
  • Integrated Management Systems (IMS) Design & Governance
  • Audit Programme Leadership & Oversight
  • Crisis & Incident Management Leadership
This is your Mind Palace on learn.zavmo.ai. Every skill above comes from this role's own record, not an example borrowed from another job. A node lights up when you evidence it, and what you build stays yours between jobs. That is the part a course cannot do.

16The detail, folded away

Everything else the record holds

The career branches in full, how AI is already showing up in the day-to-day, and the questions people ask about this job. Here when you want them, out of the way while you decide.

Where it leads next, rung by rung

Where it leads

The career path, and where it branches

Director of EHS & Quality is a start, not a ceiling. Each step below asks for new skills and hands back more autonomy.

  1. Chief Risk & Compliance Officer (CRCO)

    3-5 years in the Director of EHS & Quality role

    Level 7 (C-Suite)

    • Leading cross-functional risk committees at the executive level
    • Developing and implementing a holistic GRC strategy across the entire enterprise
    • Managing relationships with major insurers and legal counsel for risk transfer/mitigation
    • Overseeing data privacy and cybersecurity compliance at an enterprise level
    • Shaping the organisation's ethical culture and code of conduct
Working with AI on the job

Working with AI

Where AI is starting to help

Let's be real, a Director's time is precious. You're meant to be thinking strategically, influencing, and leading, not getting bogged down in administrative tasks or sifting through endless reports. AI isn't here to replace your judgment; it's here to free you up to use it where it truly matters.

Imagine having a personal assistant that never sleeps, constantly monitoring regulatory changes, summarising complex incident data, and even drafting your first-pass reports. That's the power AI brings to the Director of EHS & Quality role. It means less time on the mundane, more time on the truly impactful work that shapes our business unit's future.

Regulatory Horizon Scanning & Impact Analysis

AI platforms can monitor thousands of global regulatory sources, flagging changes relevant to our industry. It won't just tell you a new law is coming; it'll summarise the key points, highlight potential impacts on our operations, and even draft an initial risk assessment for your review. This means you're always ahead of the curve, not reacting to surprises.

Advanced Incident & Audit Trend Analysis

Instead of manually sifting through hundreds of incident reports or audit findings, AI can analyse unstructured text and quantitative data to identify subtle, recurring patterns and emerging risks. It can spot correlations that a human might miss, giving you deeper insights into systemic issues and helping you target your preventative programmes more effectively. Think of it as having a super-powered data analyst on your team.

Automated Board & Executive Report Generation

Feeding AI your raw EHS and Quality data, along with previous report templates, can generate a polished first draft of your quarterly board reports or executive summaries. It can pull key metrics, summarise trends, and even suggest narrative points, saving you hours of drafting and formatting time. You'll still add your strategic insights, of course, but the heavy lifting is done.

Policy & Procedure Drafting Assistant

When you need to create or update a policy or procedure, AI can take your high-level brief and generate a structured, compliant first draft. It can pull relevant clauses from existing regulations and internal documents, ensuring consistency and accuracy. This significantly speeds up the initial creation process, letting you focus on the critical content and strategic alignment.

Common questions

Common questions

How do you become a Director of EHS & Quality?

Common routes in include From Senior Compliance Manager (Internal) (3-5 years as a Compliance Manager), From Head of EHS/Quality (External) (Coming from a similar leadership role in another large organisation or business unit (e.g., Head of EHS for a manufacturing division).) and From Senior Consultant (EHS/Quality) (5-8 years as a Senior Consultant in a reputable EHS/Quality consulting firm, with significant experience leading engagements.). Times vary with prior experience.

Where can a Director of EHS & Quality progress to?

This role can lead on to Chief Risk & Compliance Officer (CRCO) (3-5 years in the Director of EHS & Quality role), depending on the skills you build.

What new skills matter most for a Director of EHS & Quality?

Increasingly, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Integration and Digital Transformation Leadership for EHS/Q. These are the skills our record of this role lists as growing.

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17Where to go from here

Other roles at Level 7

Same depth of qualification, different job. Useful if the work appeals but this particular role does not.

 More jobs in compliance, quality and safety

Stay in the field you know and move sideways rather than up.
If you leave this industry

The skills built in this role transfer to other regulated industries, such as pharmaceuticals, aerospace, energy or finance. They also support moves into broader operational leadership, risk management or senior consulting work.

This role profile is © 2026 Growth Engineering Technologies Ltd. Built from UK occupational standards and regulated qualification data, and written for Zavmo.

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