JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm specializing in connecting top-tier talent with industry-leading organizations, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic HSE Director (Industrial). This pivotal role offers an exceptional opportunity to lead and shape the health, safety, and environmental strategy for a dynamic industrial enterprise with a national footprint. If you are a visionary leader with a proven track record in developing robust HSE programs, fostering a strong safety culture, and ensuring regulatory compliance within complex industrial environments, we invite you to explore this impactful career opportunity.
Role Overview for HSE Director (Industrial)
As the HSE Director (Industrial), you will be the principal architect of our client’s health, safety, and environmental strategy across multiple industrial sites. This is a critical leadership position responsible for establishing, implementing, and overseeing all HSE policies, procedures, and programs to safeguard employees, protect the environment, and ensure full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. You will report directly to senior leadership, acting as a strategic partner in mitigating risks, driving continuous improvement, and cultivating a proactive safety culture that permeates every level of the organization.
This role demands a leader who can not only set the vision but also inspire and empower teams to achieve excellence in HSE performance. You will be instrumental in fostering a culture where safety is an inherent value, not just a priority, and environmental stewardship is integrated into all operational aspects. The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of industrial processes, a comprehensive knowledge of regulatory frameworks, and exceptional leadership skills to drive transformative change and maintain the highest standards of operational integrity.
This role encompasses a broad scope, including but not limited to, heavy manufacturing, chemical processing, energy production, or other large-scale industrial operations. The challenges are significant, requiring an individual who can navigate complex regulatory landscapes, manage diverse stakeholder expectations, and implement scalable solutions across geographically dispersed facilities.
You will be responsible for setting performance metrics, conducting regular audits, and utilizing data-driven insights to identify areas for improvement and demonstrate tangible results. Your leadership will directly impact employee well-being, operational efficiency, and the company’s reputation as a responsible corporate citizen. This is more than a compliance role; it’s an opportunity to champion a world-class HSE program that sets industry benchmarks.
Key Responsibilities of HSE Director (Industrial)
Strategic Leadership & Program Development
Develop, implement, and continuously refine comprehensive HSE management systems, policies, and procedures aligned with organizational goals and industry best practices. Lead the strategic planning, execution, and evaluation of all HSE initiatives across multi-site industrial operations.
Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management
Ensure strict adherence to all federal, state, and local HSE regulations, including OSHA, EPA, DOT, and other relevant bodies. Conduct regular risk assessments, hazard analyses, and compliance audits to identify potential risks and implement effective control measures. Stay abreast of emerging regulations and industry trends to proactively adapt programs.
Incident Management & Investigation
Oversee and lead the investigation of all HSE incidents, near misses, and accidents. Implement robust root cause analysis processes and ensure timely implementation of corrective and preventative actions to prevent recurrence. Develop and manage incident reporting systems and key performance indicators (KPIs).
Safety Culture & Training
Champion a proactive and engaged safety culture throughout the organization. Develop and deliver impactful HSE training programs for all levels of employees, from new hires to senior management, ensuring awareness and competency in safety practices and environmental stewardship. Mentor and develop site-level HSE professionals.
Environmental Stewardship
Develop and manage environmental programs, including waste management, air emissions, water quality, spill prevention, and sustainability initiatives. Ensure compliance with environmental permits and regulations. Drive efforts towards reducing environmental footprint and promoting sustainable practices.
Emergency Preparedness & Response
Establish and maintain comprehensive emergency response plans for various scenarios, including natural disasters, chemical spills, fires, and medical emergencies. Conduct drills and training to ensure preparedness and effective response capabilities across all facilities.
Auditing & Performance Measurement
Design and implement internal and external audit programs to assess HSE performance and compliance. Establish clear HSE objectives, targets, and metrics, regularly monitoring and reporting on performance to senior leadership. Utilize data analytics to drive continuous improvement.
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies during inspections and inquiries. Foster strong relationships with internal stakeholders (operations, engineering, HR) and external partners (contractors, community groups). Communicate HSE performance, initiatives, and challenges effectively across all levels.
Budget Management
Develop and manage the annual HSE budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources for programs, training, equipment, and personnel to achieve departmental objectives.
Continuous Improvement
Drive a culture of continuous improvement in HSE performance through the application of lean principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and other operational excellence tools. Benchmark against industry leaders to identify and implement best practices.
Requirements for the HSE Director (Industrial)
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, Industrial Hygiene, or a related technical field is required. A Master’s degree is highly preferred.
Certifications
Certified Safety Professional (CSP) is required. Additional certifications such as Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM), or Professional Engineer (PE) are highly advantageous.
Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in Health, Safety, and Environmental roles within complex industrial environments (e.g., heavy manufacturing, chemicals, oil & gas, energy, pulp & paper, mining). At least 7-10 years of experience in a leadership or management capacity, overseeing multi-site HSE operations.
Industry Knowledge
Demonstrated expertise in industrial safety hazards, process safety management (PSM), machine guarding, confined space entry, lockout/tagout (LOTO), fall protection, electrical safety, and other critical industrial safety protocols.
Regulatory Expertise
In-depth knowledge of U.S. federal (OSHA, EPA, DOT) and state-specific HSE regulations. Experience interacting with regulatory bodies and managing inspections. Understanding of international standards (e.g., ISO 14001, ISO 45001) is a plus.
Leadership Skills
Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing HSE teams. Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels. Experience in change management and driving cultural transformation.
Analytical & Problem-Solving
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data, identify trends, and develop data-driven solutions. Excellent problem-solving abilities and decision-making under pressure.
Technical Proficiency
Proficient in HSE management software, incident reporting systems, and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Travel
Ability to travel up to 40-50% to various industrial sites as required.
Values
A strong personal commitment to safety, environmental protection, and ethical conduct.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a comprehensive and highly competitive compensation package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
Competitive Base Salary
Commensurate with experience and industry standards.
Performance-Based Bonus
Annual bonus potential tied to company and individual performance.
Robust Health & Wellness
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for employees and their families, often including wellness programs and flexible spending accounts.
Retirement Savings
Generous 401(k) plan with company matching contributions, designed to help you secure your financial future.
Paid Time Off
Ample vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays to support work-life balance.
Professional Development
Opportunities for continuous learning, professional certifications, conferences, and career advancement within the organization.
Life & Disability Insurance
Company-paid life insurance and short-term/long-term disability coverage.
Relocation Assistance
For qualified candidates, relocation support may be provided.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Confidential resources for personal and work-related challenges.
Dynamic Work Environment
Join a forward-thinking company committed to innovation, sustainability, and employee well-being.
Our client believes in investing in its people and fostering an environment where every employee can thrive, contribute meaningfully, and grow professionally. They are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued and celebrated.
How to Apply
Are you ready to lead the charge in industrial HSE excellence? JRG Partners is actively seeking exceptional candidates for this critical leadership role. If you possess the qualifications and passion to drive significant impact in health, safety, and environmental stewardship, we encourage you to apply.
To express your interest, please submit your detailed resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this position. Applications will be reviewed promptly, and qualified candidates will be contacted for an initial confidential discussion.
Learn more about how JRG Partners excels in connecting top talent with leading companies in the manufacturing and industrial sector by visiting our Manufacturing & Industrial Practice Area page. We look forward to partnering with you on this exciting career journey.
For additional insights into ensuring a safe workplace, particularly concerning compliance with federal standards, we recommend exploring resources provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Understanding OSHA regulations is paramount for any HSE leader in an industrial setting.
