Job Summary
The HSE Executive is responsible for leading, managing, and continuously improving the Health, Safety, and Environmental management systems across all transport, haulage, and shipping operations of the organization. This role ensures full compliance with national and international HSE regulations (including IMO, ILO, OSHA, FMCSA, and local transport authorities), drives a proactive safety culture, and oversees the implementation of robust risk controls across fleet operations, depots, terminals, ports, and onboard vessels (if applicable). The position provides strategic direction to the HSE function and acts as the key advisor to senior management on all safety and environmental matters.
Job Details
HSE Leadership & Strategic Management
Develop, implement, and review the company's HSE policy, objectives, and performance targets in line with business goals.
Lead the HSE department and provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior HSE staff.
Coordinate HSE activities across land transport (trucking/hauling), marine operations (shipping), logistics hubs, and maintenance facilities.
Represent the company in regulatory engagements, audits, and stakeholder meetings related to safety and environment.
Regulatory Compliance & Audit Management
Ensure compliance with local and international HSE laws, including road transport safety standards, maritime regulations (e.g., ISM Code, MARPOL), and environmental protection laws.
Conduct internal audits and manage external audits (e.g., ISO 45001, ISO 14001, TAPA, AEO).
Maintain liaison with regulatory bodies (e.g., NIMASA, FRSC, VIO, EPA, Port Authorities) and ensure timely submission of statutory reports.
Risk Assessment & Hazard Control
Oversee enterprise-wide risk assessments for high-risk activities such as cargo handling, vehicle maintenance, driver fatigue, night driving, vessel operations, and hazardous material transport.
Implement engineering, administrative, and PPE-based controls to mitigate operational risks.
Monitor key risk indicators (KRIs) and ensure risk registers are updated and action-tracked.
Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis
Lead investigations into serious incidents, accidents, spills, or near-misses across haulage and shipping operations.
Apply formal methodologies (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone, TapRooT) to determine root causes and recommend systemic improvements.
Track corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) to closure and report trends to executive leadership.
Safety Training & Culture Development
Design and deliver targeted HSE training programs for drivers, ship crews, dispatchers, warehouse staff, and mechanics.
Promote behavioral safety programs and lead safety campaigns (e.g., Defensive Driving, Fatigue Management, Safe Mooring Practices).
Monitor safety culture through surveys, observations, and reporting metrics; drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Emergency Preparedness & Crisis Response
Develop and maintain emergency response plans for transport and maritime scenarios (e.g., road accidents, oil spills, fire at terminal, vessel grounding).
Organize and lead emergency drills (fire, evacuation, spill response, man-overboard) quarterly and ensure lessons are documented.
Serve as a core member of the company's crisis management team during major incidents.
Fleet & Vessel Safety Oversight
Work closely with fleet managers and marine superintendents to ensure vehicles and vessels meet safety and environmental standards.
Review maintenance schedules, defect reporting systems, and pre-trip inspection compliance.
Monitor telematics data (e.g., speeding, harsh braking) and collaborate with operations to improve driver behavior.
Environmental Management
Implement environmental protection measures related to fuel consumption, emissions, waste oil disposal, ballast water management, and noise pollution.
Ensure proper handling, labeling, and transportation of dangerous goods (ADR/IMDG compliance).
Support sustainability initiatives, including carbon footprint tracking and green logistics practices.
Documentation & Reporting
Maintain comprehensive HSE records: incident reports, training logs, inspection checklists, audit findings, and permit-to-work systems.
Prepare monthly and quarterly HSE performance dashboards for senior management and board reporting.
Professional Requirements
Preferably hold one or more of the following: NEBOSH IGC/IDip, IOSH, OSHA 30, ISO 45001/14001 Lead Auditor, IEMA, or equivalent.
Additional maritime certifications (e.g., ISM, STCW) are highly desirable.
Experience Requirements
Minimum of 3 years of progressive HSE experience, with at least 1 years in transport, logistics, haulage, or shipping/maritime industry
Proven experience managing HSE teams and multi-site operations.