HSSE Director

Penta Search Group; Calgary; On-site; CAD 230,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

Penta Search Group is seeking an accomplished HSSE Director to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental functions on a large-scale energy project in Alberta.

You will develop and implement comprehensive HSSE strategies, manage a multidisciplinary team, drive regulatory compliance, audits, and risk mitigation while partnering with clients, contractors, and regulators to deliver outstanding HSSE performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 20 years of directly relevant professional experience (or 24 with education).
• Extensive experience leading HSSE functions in complex industrial, construction, energy, or major capital projects.
• Proven ability to lead large teams and multiple management levels.
• Strong knowledge of HSSE management systems, compliance, auditing, incident investigation, and risk management.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure and manage competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership for HSSE strategies and performance objectives.
• Provide executive-level leadership to a large multidisciplinary HSSE organization.
• Oversee HSSE programs, audits, investigations, and corrective actions.
• Identify and mitigate operational, environmental, and security risks.
• Coordinate with clients, contractors, and regulators to ensure compliance.

Skills

Leadership

HSSE management

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder engagement

Auditing

Education

Bachelor's degree in OH&S / Environmental / Engineering

Tools

HSSE software

MS Office

Job description

We are seeking an accomplished HSSE Director to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental (HSSE) functions on a large-scale, technically complex energy project.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining comprehensive HSSE strategies, management systems, and operational standards that protect personnel, safeguard the environment, minimize operational risks, and promote a proactive safety culture.

Working collaboratively with executive leadership, project management teams, clients, contractors, and regulatory authorities, the HSSE Director will ensure that all project activities align with corporate objectives, contractual requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.

This position requires an experienced leader with a demonstrated ability to manage multidisciplinary HSSE teams, oversee complex project environments, and deliver exceptional HSSE performance on major capital projects.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic HSSE Leadership

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of project-wide HSSE strategies, policies, procedures, and performance objectives.
• Provide executive-level leadership to a large, multidisciplinary HSSE organization, including managers, supervisors, and site personnel.
• Establish and promote a strong HSSE culture built on accountability, proactive risk management, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with project leadership and contractors to integrate HSSE requirements into project planning and execution.

HSSE Operations & Risk Management

• Direct the implementation and administration of HSSE management systems, site safety programs, security protocols, and environmental protection initiatives.
• Oversee HSSE audits, inspections, incident investigations, corrective actions, and compliance activities.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate operational, occupational, environmental, and security risks.
• Provide strategic guidance on complex HSSE challenges, evaluating potential impacts and implementing effective solutions.
• Ensure the appropriate application of corporate and client HSSE standards across all project activities.

Project & Contractor Management

• Oversee HSSE planning, coordination, and execution across major construction and project operations.
• Review and approve HSSE project plans, schedules, milestones, and applicable contractual requirements.
• Work closely with project management teams and contractors to ensure consistent implementation of HSSE expectations.
• Provide HSSE leadership across multiple organizational levels and contractor interfaces.

Regulatory Compliance & Stakeholder Engagement

• Maintain compliance with applicable municipal, provincial/state, and federal/national HSSE legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Serve as a key liaison with clients, regulatory agencies, insurance representatives, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate responses to regulatory audits, compliance findings, remedial actions, and significant HSSE matters.
• Represent the organization in relevant external HSSE forums and industry associations.
• Oversee the development and implementation of HSSE training programs, awareness initiatives, and competency development.
• Monitor emerging industry practices, regulatory developments, and HSSE technologies.
• Promote ongoing professional development and technical excellence across the HSSE organization.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (four-year accredited program) in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related discipline, or a recognized international equivalent.
• Minimum 20 years of directly relevant professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience totaling 24 years, consistent with the original position requirements.
• Extensive experience leading HSSE functions within complex industrial, construction, energy, or major capital project environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large teams, including multiple levels of management and supervision.
• Strong knowledge of HSSE management systems, regulatory compliance, auditing, incident investigation, and risk management.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure and manage competing project priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven HSSE leadership experience on mega-projects within the oil and gas industry.
• Successful involvement in the execution and completion of large-scale oil and gas projects.
• Experience managing HSSE requirements on environmentally sensitive projects.
• Demonstrated expertise in security risk oversight and cross-functional vulnerability mitigation.
• Advanced analytical, critical-thinking, and decision-making capabilities.
• Strong executive presentation and public-speaking skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, reporting systems, and relevant HSSE software.