Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Section Head

Job Purpose:

Lead and execute Health, Safety, and Environment policies, procedures, and programs to protect employees, facilities, and the environment. Ensure compliance with applicable requirements, coordinate HSE activities across departments, and drive continuous improvement to prevent workplace injuries, occupational illnesses, and environmental incidents. This is a hands-on, standalone role responsible for establishing and managing the HSE function, with no direct reports at this stage.

Key Responsibilities:

Set up, implement, and update HSE policies, procedures, and operational plans in line with applicable regulations, company requirements, and recognized standards.

Manage day-to-day HSE activities, providing technical guidance and coordinating with department heads and supervisors to ensure safe working practices.

Conduct hazard identification, risk assessments, and environmental impact assessments, ensuring appropriate controls are implemented and regularly reviewed.

Carry out regular workplace inspections and HSE audits, identify unsafe conditions and practices, and follow up with relevant departments to close corrective actions.

Develop and maintain fire prevention and emergency response plans, organize evacuation drills, and coordinate the inspection and maintenance of firefighting and emergency equipment.

Investigate accidents, near misses, and environmental incidents, identify root causes, and follow up on corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Monitor workplace housekeeping and the safe segregation, handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste.

Maintain accurate and updated HSE records, including inspection reports, risk assessments, incident investigations, training records, and compliance documentation.

Coordinate with regulatory authorities and external auditors, ensuring required documentation and submissions are accurate, timely, and approved in accordance with company procedures.

Identify HSE training needs and organize and deliver induction sessions, awareness programs, toolbox talks, and practical training for employees, supervisors, and contractors.

Coordinate with Procurement and relevant departments to define technical specifications and evaluate suppliers of personal protective equipment, firefighting equipment, and environmental protection supplies.

Implement, maintain, and continually improve HSE management systems aligned with applicable ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 requirements.

Establish and monitor HSE KPIs, analyze performance trends, and submit regular reports to management with recommendations, action plans, and resource requirements.

Collaborate with department heads to integrate HSE requirements into daily operations and promote employee awareness, participation, and accountability.

Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering.

7-10 years of relevant HSE experience.

Proven experience as an HSE Section Head or in a comparable role with independent responsibility for HSE activities.

Experience in manufacturing, industrial, or automotive environments is highly preferred.

NEBOSH certification is an asset.

Practical knowledge of ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 requirements, implementation, and auditing.

Strong knowledge of occupational health and safety, fire prevention, emergency preparedness, environmental management, waste management, and applicable regulatory requirements.

Demonstrated experience in risk assessment, incident investigation, root cause analysis, and corrective action management.

Proven experience independently managing HSE activities, with demonstrated capability to establish and implement HSE policies, procedures, and management systems.

Ability to independently manage HSE priorities and carry out both planning and on-site implementation.

Strong organizational, problem-solving, communication, and influencing skills.

Ability to coordinate across departments, deliver HSE training, and drive compliance without direct reporting authority.