Head of HSE

Michael Page; Johor Bahru; On-site; MYR 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A major manufacturing organisation is seeking a Head of HSE based in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, to provide strategic leadership in health, safety, and environmental practices. This role emphasizes the development of a strong safety culture and compliance with local and international HSE standards. The ideal candidate will have 15-20 years of significant HSE experience in high-risk industries and proven leadership capabilities. The position offers competitive executive-level remuneration in a complex and impactful operating environment.

Benefits

Competitive executive-level remuneration package

Long-term career opportunity within a large industrial organisation

Strong visibility with top management

Qualifications

• Minimum 15-20 years of HSE experience, including senior leadership roles.
• Proven ability to influence at senior leadership and board level.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory frameworks and HSE standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct HSE strategies across high-risk manufacturing operations.
• Drive a strong safety culture and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Own the Process Safety Management framework and lead risk management activities.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic direction

Process Safety Management

Crisis management

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

Degree in Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Safety, Environmental Science, or a related technical discipline

Job description

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for HSE across complex, high‑risk manufacturing operations
• Own and strengthen the Process Safety Management (PSM) framework, including governance, standards, and assurance
• Lead major hazard risk management activities, including HAZOP, LOPA, MOC, incident investigation, and learning deployment
• Drive a strong safety culture across the organisation, influencing senior leaders, line management, and the wider workforce
• Ensure full compliance with local regulatory requirements and international HSE standards
• Oversee environmental management systems, emissions control, waste management, and sustainability initiatives
• Lead emergency response preparedness, crisis management planning, and drills
• Act as the primary interface with regulators, authorities, and external stakeholders on HSE matters
• Lead, develop, and mentor a multi‑disciplinary HSE team, building capability and succession
• Provide regular reporting and insight to senior leadership on HSE performance, risks, and improvement priorities

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Safety, Environmental Science, or a related technical discipline
• Minimum 15‑20 years of HSE experience, including senior leadership roles in major hazard or high‑risk industries
• Strong background in process safety management within complex manufacturing or asset‑intensive environments
• Proven ability to influence at senior leadership and board level
• Strong knowledge of regulatory frameworks, international HSE standards, and industry best practices
• Track record of leading safety culture transformation and continuous improvement
• Calm, resilient leader with strong judgement and crisis management capability
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

About the client

Our client is a large, asset‑intensive manufacturing organisation operating complex, high‑risk facilities within a regulated industrial environment. The business supports critical industrial value chains and places strong emphasis on safe, reliable, and compliant operations.

Safety, environmental stewardship, and risk management are embedded into the organisation's operating model, with leadership committed to continuous improvement and adherence to recognised international standards. The organisation is well‑capitalised, technically sophisticated, and operates with long‑term stability.

Benefits

• Senior leadership mandate in a complex, high‑impact operating environment
• Opportunity to shape and strengthen safety culture and governance at scale
• Strong visibility with top management and key external stakeholders
• Competitive executive‑level remuneration package
• Long‑term career opportunity within a large industrial organisation

Next steps

If you are ready to make a significant impact as a Head of HSE, we encourage you to apply today!