Global HSSE and Continuous Improvement Manager

Pearl Polyurethane Systems; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A global manufacturing company located in Dubai is seeking a Global HSSE and Continuous Improvement Manager. This role involves developing strategies for health, safety, and environmental compliance, alongside driving initiatives for operational excellence. The ideal candidate will possess a degree in engineering or a related field, with 5–8 years of experience in industrial process improvement. Knowledge of EHS standards and experience in the polyurethane industry is highly preferred, alongside strong leadership and communication skills. The position requires international travel up to 30%.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of experience in manufacturing or industrial process improvement.
• Proven experience in leading cross-functional improvement projects.
• Strong understanding of international EHS standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement global HSSE and continuous improvement strategies.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across operations and production.
• Ensure legal and regulatory compliance across all jurisdictions.

Skills

Lean manufacturing principles

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Tools

ISO 14001

ERP systems

Job description

Business Contribution:

The Global HSSE and Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for developing and implementing a global strategy to ensure compliance with health, safety, security, environmental, and ESG standards while driving continuous improvement and operational excellence across all production sites. This role ensures that all system house operations follow best practices in operational safety, sustainability, quality, and lean manufacturing, with a strong focus on auditing, risk mitigation, and measurable impact. This role ensures that business processes are efficient, effective, and aligned with the company’s strategic objectives, with a focus on KPIs, data analytics, and cross‑functional collaboration.

Global HSSE Leadership:

• Develop and oversee the global HSSE strategy for all production, storage and administration facilities
• Ensure legal and regulatory compliance across all jurisdictions (e.g., REACH, OSHA, local EH&S).
• Define and implement safety programs, hazard identification, incident investigation, and root cause analysis procedures globally.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve the company’s HSSE management systems, policies, and procedures (e.g. ISO 9001)
• Ensuring policies, manuals, procedures, and records are controlled and updated.
• Establish minimum global HSSE standards and procedures and support site-level implementation and training.
• Drive the implementation and maintenance of the HSSE, Quality and Compliance software/tool
• Developing, implementing, and maintaining HSEQ policies, procedures, and the Integrated Management System (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001).
• Coordinating certification, surveillance, and recertification audits.
• Work closely with the Supply Chain team to establish and/or improve the Supplier Development Process
• Coordinate internal and third‑party HSSE audits, track non‑conformities, and ensure timely closure.
• Lead incident investigations and root cause analysis; ensure reporting, documentation, and implementation of corrective actions.
• Champion a culture of safety through visible leadership, awareness campaigns, and behavior‑based safety programs.
• Lead emergency response preparedness, crisis management planning, and employee health programs.
• Conduct regular risk assessments, HAZOPs, and audits; identify hazards and recommend corrective/preventive measures.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across operations, production, logistics, and support functions to improve efficiency, quality, and cost performance.
• Facilitate cross‑functional improvement projects using Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and other CI tools and techniques.
• Conduct value stream mapping, root cause analysis, and process optimization workshops.
• Develop and monitor KPIs to measure the success and sustainability of CI initiatives.
• Coach and train employees at all levels on CI tools, methods, and mindset.
• Identify opportunities for automation, digitalization, and operational simplification.
• Partner with department heads to embed continuous improvement into daily operations.
• Standardize best practices across departments and support rollout of new processes.
• Report regularly to senior management on continuous improvement, progress, savings, and impact.
• Support capital investment or plant expansion projects from a process efficiency angle.
• Analyze current operational processes and performance, identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Design, implement, and monitor optimized workflows and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Ensure consistency and compliance with internal standards and external regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with production, supply chain, quality, and maintenance teams to streamline workflows and reduce waste (lean manufacturing).

ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance), Audit, Reporting and Governance

• Lead the company’s ESG strategy implementation at the operational level and align with global reporting frameworks (e.g., GRI, SASB).
• Monitor environmental KPIs (energy use, VOC emissions, waste, water, etc.), and drive sustainability initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint.
• Coordinate ESG data collection, analysis, and reporting for corporate disclosures and audits.
• Collaborate with procurement and R&D to promote green chemistry and sustainable raw material sourcing.
• Develop a global audit calendar and lead internal HSSE and ESG audits across all sites.
• Maintain documentation and ensure readiness for external audits and customer site visits.
• Report monthly and quarterly HSSE/ESG performance to executive management and the board.
• Define and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across departments (e.g., OEE, yield, downtime, inventory turns, customer OTIF).
• Report performance metrics regularly to senior leadership, providing actionable insights.
• Support the integration of HSSE and ESG objectives into overall business strategy.
• Establish/implement a Pearl Group customer complaint process

Skills

Required Capabilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Environmental Science, Occupational Health and Safety, or a related field.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt a plus, Black Belt preferred.
• Minimum 5–8 years of experience in manufacturing or industrial process improvement roles.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles, waste reduction, and productivity enhancement techniques.
• Strong knowledge of international EHS standards (ISO 14001, ISO 45001), ESG frameworks, and audit procedures.
• Proven experience in leading cross‑functional improvement projects.
• Excellent facilitation, communication, and influencing skills.
• Strong business acumen and ability to quantify benefits of initiatives.
• Experience in the chemical or polyurethane industry.
• Track record of delivering measurable operational savings or cycle time reductions.
• Knowledge of ERP systems and digital manufacturing.
• Willingness to travel internationally up to 30%.