Global Real Estate (GRE) partners with the firm’s lines of business to deliver safe, resilient and high-performing workplace environments across a global portfolio. GRE provides real estate strategy, property management, workplace services and project delivery while safeguarding the firm’s real estate assets and investments. The EMEA portfolio spans 38 countries and includes corporate offices, trading environments, critical facilities and support locations. Strong Fire & Life Safety and H&S leadership and consistent workplace safety governance are essential to the safe operation of this portfolio.
As a Head of Workplace Safety, EMEA – Vice President in the Global Real Estate department you will be responsible for the Workplace Safety framework across the EMEA real estate portfolio. You should be able take a merged, holistic view of Workplace Safety Risk (Fire Life Safety, Health & Safety, EHS and Facility Management related risks) across multiple EMEA geographies, where legal requirements, enforcement expectations, and market practices vary. The role requires a strong strategic thinking capability to support a large, multi-country RE portfolio with intense activity and a significant book of work.
The role leads FLS strategy, governance, regulatory compliance, emergency preparedness, evacuation planning, fire risk management and life-safety assurance. It also provides oversight of workplace Health & Safety, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), and Facilities Management risks. You will act as the principal subject matter expert and trusted advisor to GRE leadership on the above quoted matters.
Job Responsibilities
- Lead the EMEA Fire & Life Safety strategy, governance model, standards, playbooks and operating framework.
- Serve as regional subject matter expert for fire protection, life-safety systems, emergency planning, evacuation protocols and regulatory compliance.
- Oversee fire risk assessments, compliance reviews, quality assurance inspections, drills, corrective actions and remediation plans.
- Govern Fire Wardens and First Aiders, Incident Management and Emergency Response programs across the EMEA portfolio.
- Provide FLS technical guidance for major construction, refurbishment, fit-out and workplace transformation projects, including design and commissioning requirements.
- Provide oversight of workplace Health & Safety programs and ensure compliance with local legislation and corporate standards.
- Oversee workplace inspections, audits, risk assessments and safety improvement plans.
- Oversee EHS governance across key environmental risk areas, including waste, refrigerants, hazardous materials, asbestos, air and water quality, chemical storage and environmental permits.
- Maintain an integrated Workplace Safety risk and controls framework, including third-party audits, regulatory inspections and control testing.
- Monitor emerging regulatory changes and ensure implementation across relevant EMEA locations.
- Build strong partnerships with Facilities Management, Engineering, Corporate Security, Risk and controls, Compliance, Legal etc and business stakeholders.
- Provide executive reporting, risk insights and senior leadership support during workplace incidents and emergency events.
Required Qualifications, Capabilities & Skills
- Extensive work experience in Fire & Life Safety, Workplace Safety, Engineering Risk, Corporate Real Estate or Facilities Management.
- Senior leadership experience managing safety programs across a complex, multi-country corporate portfolio.
- Deep technical expertise in Fire & Life Safety systems, fire engineering principles, emergency management and regulatory compliance.
- Strong knowledge of workplace Health & Safety, Environmental Health & Safety and operational risk management practices.
- Experience in developing and interpreting regional policies, standards, governance programs, controls and executive reporting.
- Strong executive presence, communication skills and ability to influence senior stakeholders across functions and geographies. Ability to be an effective and engaged public speaker
- Strong computer skills
- Member of the UK Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) or equivalent professional body preferred with Level 4 Fire Safety qualification or higher required.
- NEBOSH Diploma, NCRQ Diploma, IOSH Chartered Membership
Preferred Qualifications, Capabilities & Skills
- Experience leading Workplace Safety programs within a global financial institution or similarly regulated environment.
- Experience supporting trading floors, data centers or other business-critical facilities.
- Understanding of resilience and crisis management programs.
- Knowledge of international standards including ISO 45001, ISO 14001 and business continuity frameworks.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence senior executives.
- Equivalent Health & Safety qualification preferred.
- Additional qualifications in Fire Engineering, Risk Management, Environmental Management or Business Continuity advantageous.