Director Of Health And Safety

PLEASE NOTE THIS ROLE IS FOR INTERNAL CANDIDATES ONLY.

About Cognita: Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 90 schools in 20 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, "Thrive in a rapidly evolving world".

About the Role:

As Director of Health and Safety, you will provide strategic leadership across Cognita, shaping and driving the organisation’s global health and safety strategy, governance framework and standards. The role is responsible for strengthening safety culture, risk management, compliance and organisational resilience across all regions, while empowering schools and operational teams to take effective local ownership. Working closely with senior leaders, you will provide oversight of health and safety performance, assurance, incident management and continuous improvement, using data and insight to support decision-making and organisational learning. In addition to leading and developing Cognita’s network of Health and Safety professionals, you will retain direct responsibility for health and safety leadership within selected Cogs, providing strategic guidance, challenge and support to ensure the highest standards of safety and wellbeing are achieved across the group.

This role offers flexibility and can be based in either the UK or the Middle East, with travel across Cognita's international network as required.

Who We Are Looking For:

We are seeking an experienced and influential health and safety leader with a recognised degree or equivalent professional experience, a NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent qualification) and membership of a recognised Health and Safety body. You will bring substantial senior-level experience gained within a large, multi-site international organisation, with a proven track record of developing and embedding health and safety strategies, governance frameworks and positive safety cultures across diverse regions. An inspiring people leader, you will have experience managing and developing health and safety professionals, alongside excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the confidence to engage and present at Executive and Board level. You will combine strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with expertise in risk management, incident investigation and organisational resilience, balancing global consistency with local ownership to drive continuous improvement across the organisation.

To view the role profile, click here

Benefits at Cognita:

As this role can be based either in the UK or in the Middle East, the benefits will be aligned to that country.

How to Apply: Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is: Wednesday 7th October 2026

Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is included within the Application Guidance.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background