Head Health and Safety

Job Description : Head Health and Safety NIGERIA to lead and drive the Groups health and safety strategy across mining and industrial operations. The incumbent will be responsible for establishing a world-class safety culture, ensuring regulatory compliance, managing operational risks, and implementing international HSE standards across all sites with a strong focus on Zero Harm and operational excellence. Candidates with prior Africa work experience will be preferred for this role. Strategic Leadership: · Lead the development and execution of the companys HSE strategy aligned with operational objectives, mining best practices, and international safety standards. · Drive a strong Zero Harm” culture by embedding safety leadership, accountability, and operational discipline across all functions. · Establish robust HSE performance metrics, risk management frameworks, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational safety and compliance. · Provide strategic guidance to senior management on HSE risks, compliance obligations, and overall safety performance. Operational HSE Management: · Oversee HS operations at mining site, plants, workshops, logistics, and contractor activities to ensure safe and compliant operations. · Ensure effective implementation of HS management systems, policies, SOPs, permit-to-work systems, and critical safety controls. · Lead site audits, inspections, compliance reviews, and corrective action programs to maintain operational integrity and minimize risk exposure. · Drive hazard identification, HIRA/JSA processes, and mitigation strategies for high-risk mining and industrial operations. Regulatory & Compliance · Ensure full compliance with mining regulations, labor laws, environmental standards, and international HSE best practices. · Maintain and strengthen compliance and recognized mining safety standards. · Liaise effectively with regulatory authorities, auditors, and external stakeholders on all HSE-related matters. · Lead internal and external HSE audits and ensure timely closure of audit findings and compliance gaps. Incident Prevention & Investigation · Lead investigations into incidents, near misses, fatalities, and high-potential events using structured root cause analysis methodologies. · Drive corrective and preventive action programs to eliminate recurring risks and strengthen operational controls. · Promote a proactive reporting culture through behavioural safety programs and workforce engagement initiatives. Occupational Health & Emergency Preparedness: · Lead occupational health, industrial hygiene, and employee wellness initiatives to maintain a safe and healthy workplace. · Ensure emergency response systems, mine rescue preparedness, crisis management procedures, and business continuity plans are fully operational and regularly tested. · Coordinate emergency drills and crisis simulations to strengthen preparedness and response capabilities. Training & Culture Development: · Develop and implement HSE training and competency development programs for employees, contractors, and leadership teams. · Promote safety ownership and workforce engagement through continuous awareness, coaching, and behaviour-based safety initiatives. · Mentor and develop HSE personnel to build a high-performing safety culture across operations. Environmental & Sustainability Management: · Ensure environmental compliance related to waste management, emissions control, water usage, rehabilitation, and environmental protection standards. · Drive sustainability and ESG initiatives aligned with operational goals and responsible mining practices. Qualifications, Certifications & Experience: · Bachelor’s degree in occupational health & safety, Mining Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Industrial Safety, Environmental Science, or a related discipline; Master’s Degree / MBA will be an added advantage. · Preferred professional certifications include NEBOSH International Diploma / IGC, IOSH / CMIOSH, ISO 45001 Lead Auditor, ISO 14001 Lead Auditor, CSP, OSHA, or equivalent internationally recognized HSE certifications. · 20–25 years of progressive HSE experience within mining, metals, steel, cement, or other heavy industrial operations, including a minimum of 8 years in senior HSE leadership roles managing large-scale or multi-site operations. · Proven expertise in mining safety management, contractor safety, high-risk operations, incident investigation, risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and implementation of international HSE standards within African industrial environments. Key Competencies: · Strategic leadership and strong decision-making ability · Excellent knowledge of mining HSE standards and compliance frameworks · Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills · Ability to lead large multicultural teams in challenging operational environments

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