Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for HSE Manager
💰 $90,000 - $150,000
Health and SafetyEnvironmental ManagementComplianceRisk Management
🎯 Role Definition
The Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving workplace health, safety, and environmental management systems. This role ensures compliance with local, national, and international regulations while promoting a strong safety culture, minimizing operational risks, and driving sustainable practices across the organization.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- HSE Officer or Safety Officer
- Environmental Health & Safety Specialist
- Quality, Safety, or Compliance Coordinator
Advancement To:
- Senior HSE Manager
- HSE Director or Head of EHS
- Vice President of Health, Safety & Environment
Lateral Moves:
- Risk Management Manager
- Quality Assurance or Compliance Manager
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive HSE policies, procedures, and management systems aligned with ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 standards.
- Ensure full compliance with occupational health, safety, and environmental regulations at local, national, and international levels.
- Lead hazard identification, risk assessments, and job safety analyses across all operational areas.
- Establish and monitor safety performance indicators, dashboards, and reporting mechanisms to drive continuous improvement.
- Conduct regular site inspections, audits, and compliance reviews to identify gaps and implement corrective actions.
- Lead incident investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective/preventive action plans for accidents, near misses, and environmental incidents.
- Develop and execute emergency response plans, drills, and crisis management protocols.
- Manage environmental programs related to waste management, emissions control, spill prevention, and sustainability initiatives.
- Design and deliver HSE training programs, inductions, toolbox talks, and leadership safety workshops.
- Promote a proactive safety culture by engaging employees, contractors, and leadership in HSE initiatives.
- Oversee contractor and supplier HSE compliance, including pre-qualification, audits, and performance evaluations.
- Collaborate with operations, engineering, HR, and project teams to integrate HSE requirements into daily activities and project planning.
- Prepare and submit regulatory reports, permits, and documentation to authorities and stakeholders.
- Lead internal and external HSE audits and serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory inspections.
- Manage HSE budgets, resources, and improvement projects to ensure cost-effective risk mitigation.
- Analyze safety and environmental data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
- Ensure proper management of hazardous materials, chemical safety programs, and occupational health monitoring.
- Support business continuity by minimizing downtime related to safety or environmental incidents.
- Stay current with changes in legislation, industry best practices, and emerging HSE risks.
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior management on HSE strategy, compliance risks, and organizational performance.
Secondary Functions
- Support continuous improvement initiatives and operational excellence programs.
- Participate in cross-functional committees and safety leadership teams.
- Contribute to corporate sustainability, ESG, and social responsibility reporting.
- Mentor and develop junior HSE professionals and site safety representatives.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- In-depth knowledge of occupational health and safety regulations (OSHA, HSE, EU Directives, or equivalent).
- Strong understanding of environmental management systems and sustainability practices.
- Expertise in risk assessment methodologies, incident investigation, and root cause analysis.
- Experience with ISO 45001, ISO 14001, and integrated management systems.
- Proficiency in safety audits, inspections, and compliance reporting.
- Ability to analyze HSE data, KPIs, and trends using reporting tools and spreadsheets.
- Knowledge of emergency response planning and crisis management.
- Familiarity with hazardous materials management and chemical safety standards.
- Strong documentation, policy writing, and regulatory reporting skills.
- Experience managing contractors and third-party HSE compliance.
Soft Skills
- Strong leadership and influencing skills across all organizational levels.
- Excellent communication and training delivery abilities.
- High attention to detail and a proactive risk management mindset.
- Problem-solving and decision-making under pressure.
- Ability to build a positive safety culture and drive behavioral change.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related discipline.
Preferred Education:
- Master’s degree in HSE, Environmental Management, or Risk Management.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Environmental Science or Engineering
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range:
- 5–10 years of progressive experience in health, safety, and environmental management.
Preferred:
- Prior experience in manufacturing, construction, energy, oil & gas, pharmaceuticals, or heavy industry environments.