Director Quality/HSSE

Society of Exploration Geophysicists; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in the oil & gas, aerospace, and scientific instrumentation sectors is seeking a QHSE Director to drive quality and safety initiatives. This executive-level role will be critical in aligning QHSE practices with industry standards, ensuring safety and compliance, while providing a pathway to becoming the Operations Director. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in manufacturing environments and demonstrate a commitment to excellence and team leadership.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Performance-based bonus

Benefits package

Defined path to broader operational leadership

Innovative culture

Qualifications

• 10–15 years of leadership experience in QHSE roles.
• Deep knowledge of international standards like AS9100 and ISO 9001.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute QHSE strategy aligned with business goals.
• Oversee implementation of quality management systems.
• Manage site audits and incident investigations.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Communication

Lean Six Sigma

Change Management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Environmental Sciences

Master’s or MBA preferred

Job description

Job Title: Quality, Health, Safety & Environment (QHSE) Director

Department: Operations

Reports To: President

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Position Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced QHSE Director to lead our global quality, health, safety, and environmental programs across high-precision manufacturing environments in the oil & gas, aerospace, and scientific instrumentation sectors. This executive-level position plays a critical role in aligning our QHSE practices with stringent industry standards, customer expectations, and corporate strategy.

As part of our long-term talent strategy, this role is positioned as a succession opportunity for the Operations Director role. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader who can drive excellence today while preparing to take on broader operational responsibilities tomorrow.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a forward-looking QHSE strategy aligned with business goals and evolving industry standards.
• Lead cross-site QHSE governance for facilities engaged in complex precision manufacturing and assembly.
• Serve as a senior advisor to the executive team on QHSE risk, regulatory changes, and business impact.

Quality Management

• Oversee implementation and continuous improvement of quality management systems (QMS), including AS9100, ISO 9001, and customer-specific requirements.
• Ensure robust quality control and assurance processes throughout the product lifecycle — from raw material inspection to final product release.
• Lead root cause analyses (RCA), failure investigations, and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).

Health, Safety & Environment

• Champion a proactive safety culture across all levels of the organization.
• Ensure compliance with occupational safety regulations (OSHA, HSE, etc.) and environmental regulations relevant to advanced manufacturing processes.
• Manage site audits, EHS risk assessments, incident investigations, and emergency preparedness plans.

Operational Integration

• Partner closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Supply Chain to embed QHSE into operational KPIs and daily practices.
• Identify process inefficiencies and lead cross-functional projects to improve productivity, product conformity, and cost control.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) processes with a strong focus on design-for-quality and safety compliance.

Path to Operations Director

This position is strategically structured for the opportunity to develop into an Operations Director role, contingent on performance and business needs. As part of this development plan, the QHSE Director will:

• Lead strategic operational projects with cross-functional impact.
• Gain progressive oversight of production, planning, procurement, and logistics functions.
• Work directly with the President and leadership team to align operational performance with long-term growth.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quality, Environmental Sciences, or related technical field (Master’s or MBA preferred).
• Minimum 10–15 years of leadership experience in QHSE roles within manufacturing environments serving aerospace, oil & gas, or scientific markets.
• Deep knowledge of international standards and regulatory frameworks: AS9100, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and sector-specific requirements.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, precision machining, and high-spec component production.
• Proven success leading change, building high-performing teams, and improving QHSE outcomes across multiple facilities or regions.

Core Competencies

• Executive presence with a hands-on leadership style.
• Strategic thinker with strong operational acumen.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Skilled in Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Adaptability and resilience in complex, high-stakes environments.

What We Offer

• Executive-level role with high visibility and impact.
• Defined path to a broader operational leadership position.
• Collaborative, innovation-driven culture in critical technology sectors.
• Competitive compensation, performance-based bonus, and benefits package.