Principal Safety and Environmental Consultant

Overview

Whiteflare is recruiting for an experienced Principal Safety and Environmental Consultant to join a specialist Safety & Environmental team delivering high-quality consultancy across defence, aerospace and other critical systems sectors.

Specific job skills

This senior role is ideal for a technically strong, client-focused consultant who can lead safety and environmental assurance projects, support strategic delivery, and provide clear, pragmatic advice to customers operating in complex, regulated environments.

The successful candidate will lead and coordinate technical delivery, manage client relationships, contribute to bids and contract activity, and provide thought leadership through specialist insight, industry engagement and continuous improvement. They will also mentor junior and senior consultants, support recruitment and professional development, and help maintain high standards of governance, quality and assurance.

Applicants should bring significant experience in safety and environmental consultancy within high-integrity industries such as defence, aerospace, transport or nuclear, with strong expertise in system safety engineering, hazard identification, safety case development, risk management and environmental assurance. Strong stakeholder engagement, communication and leadership skills are essential.

Professional registration, project management experience, lead auditor experience and familiarity with regulatory bodies such as DE&S or the MAA would be advantageous. A relevant degree, professional body membership, and DBS Security Clearance checks are required.

Whiteflare welcomes applications from all sections of the community and supports the Armed Forces Covenant, including veterans, reservists and military families

Essential skills and experience

• Significant experience delivering Safety & Environmental projects within high-integrity industries (defence, aerospace, transport, nuclear, etc.).
• Proven expertise in system safety engineering, hazard identification, safety case development, risk management, and environmental assurance.
• Strong understanding of safety and environmental legislation, regulation, and standards.
• Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams and delivering large-scale safety programmes.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Analytical and pragmatic problem-solving approach, with attention to detail and risk awareness.

Desired skills and experience

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv), or working towards professional registration.
• Project Management experience (APMP / PRINCE2 / ITIL or equivalent).
• Lead auditor qualifications/experience.
• Experience working with DE&S, the MAA, or similar regulatory bodies.
• Knowledge of related disciplines such as reliability, human factors, or cyber safety.
• Familiarity with digital tools for safety and environmental data and reporting.

Eligibility Checks

Candidates must be SC cleared UK nationals.