HSE Manager

KBR Careers; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions is seeking a seasoned HSE Manager to lead the Health, Safety, and Environmental strategy for a multi-billion-dollar industrial construction project. You will serve as the owner's senior HSE representative, guiding governance, audits, and assurance across engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and startup.

You will oversee contractor safety programs, drive zero-incident culture, develop HSE dashboards, manage life-saving rules, risk

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, Industrial Hygiene, Construction Management, or related discipline.
• Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead project-wide HSE strategy, governance, and assurance.
• Oversee EPC/EPCM/construction contractor HSE performance and compliance.
• Manage incident investigations and root-cause analyses with corrective actions.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with OSHA, EPA, and local requirements.
• Develop HSE dashboards and reports for project leadership and stakeholders.

Skills

Executive presence

Safety leadership

Strategic thinking

Risk management

Contractor management

Incident investigation

Regulatory compliance

Strong communication

Influencing & coaching

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Safety/Engineering/Industrial Hygiene

Master's Degree preferred

Job description

HSE Manager

KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions (STS) provides holistic and value-added solutions across the entire asset life cycle. These include world-class licensed process technologies, differentiated advisory services, deep technical domain expertise, energy transition solutions, high-end design capabilities, and smart solutions to optimize planned and operating assets.

KBR is seeking a HSE Manager to lead Health Safety and Environment initiatives. The HSE Manager is responsible for leading the Health, Safety, and Environmental strategy, governance, and assurance program for a multi-billion-dollar industrial construction project. The role serves as the owner's senior HSE representative and provides independent oversight of EPC, EPCM, construction management, and contractor HSE performance throughout engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and startup phases.

The HSE Manager is responsible for overseeing project health, safety, and environmental performance. This role monitors contractor safety programs, conducts performance assessments, facilitates safety leadership initiatives, and promotes a culture of zero incidents across the project. The HSE Lead ensures construction activities are executed in accordance with the client and KBR's safety expectations and applicable regulatory requirements. The HSE Manager ensures all project activities are executed in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements, corporate standards, industry best practices, and project safety objectives. The position provides leadership to achieve world-class HSE performance and a culture of Zero Incidents while protecting personnel, communities, assets, and the environment.

Functional job responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

Strategic Leadership - HSE Leadership & Governance

• Develop and implement the Project HSE Execution Strategy and Assurance Program.
• Establish project-wide HSE goals, objectives, key performance indicators (KPIs), and leading metrics.
• Serve as the owner's primary authority on all HSE matters.
• Provide visible safety leadership across all project activities.
• Lead the development of a strong safety culture emphasizing personal accountability and intervention.
• Ensure alignment between owner requirements and contractor HSE programs.

Contractor HSE Oversight

• Oversee HSE performance of EPC, EPCM, construction contractors, subcontractors, and service providers.
• Review and approve contractor HSE plans, procedures, risk assessments, and site-specific safety programs.
• Conduct formal audits, field assessments, and management reviews.
• Verify contractors maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and project standards.
• Recommend corrective actions and recovery plans when deficiencies are identified.

Risk Management

• Lead project-wide hazard identification and risk management programs.
• Review high-risk work activities including:
• Critical lifts
• Work at height
• Confined space entry
• Electrical safety
• Excavation and trenching
• Heavy transportation operations
• Hot work
• Simultaneous operations (SIMOPS)
• Ensure effective implementation of Life-Saving Rules and Critical Risk Controls.

Incident Prevention & Investigation

• Lead the owner's participation in incident investigations.
• Ensure root cause analyses are conducted for incidents, near misses, and high-potential events.
• Track corrective actions through closure.
• Communicate lessons learned across the project organization and contractor teams.
• Develop proactive initiatives to eliminate recurring events.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, local jurisdictional requirements, environmental permits, and corporate standards.
• Maintain interface with regulatory agencies and external stakeholders.
• Monitor upcoming regulatory changes that may impact project execution.
• Support compliance audits and inspections.

Environmental Stewardship

• Oversee environmental compliance and sustainability initiatives.
• Ensure proper management of:
• Waste management
• Water protection
• Hazardous materials
• Spill prevention and response
• Monitor environmental performance and reporting requirements.

Field Assurance & Engagement

• Conduct routine field safety engagements and site walks.
• Participate in toolbox talks, contractor meetings, and safety leadership reviews.
• Verify effective implementation of permit-to-work systems.
• Monitor quality of Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) and Task Risk Assessments (TRAs).
• Promote workforce involvement through observation and reporting programs.

Emergency Preparedness

• Develop and maintain project emergency response plans.
• Coordinate emergency drills and exercises.
• Ensure readiness of medical, rescue, and crisis management resources.
• Support business continuity and resilience planning.

HSE Reporting & Analytics

• Develop executive-level HSE dashboards.
• Analyze leading and lagging indicators.
• Present performance reports to project leadership, corporate executives, and stakeholders.
• Identify performance trends and implement improvement initiatives.

Commissioning & Startup Support

• Support construction completion, turnover, commissioning, and startup activities.
• Participate in PSSR (Pre-Startup Safety Reviews).
• Ensure operational readiness requirements are satisfied before startup.
• Coordinate HSE integration between construction and operations organizations.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, Industrial Hygiene, Construction Management, or related discipline.
• Master's Degree preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 15 years of progressive HSE experience.
• Minimum 10 years supporting large industrial capital projects.
• Demonstrated experience on projects exceeding $500 million in TIC.
• Experience with EPC, EPCM, and Construction Management delivery models.
• Experience supporting commissioning and startup activities.

Certifications (Preferred)

• CSP (Certified Safety Professional)
• CHST (Construction Health & Safety Technician)
• CIH (Certified Industrial Hygienist)
• NEBOSH Diploma
• OSHA 30/500
• ISO 45001 Lead Auditor

Leadership Competencies

• Executive presence
• Safety leadership
• Strategic thinking
• Risk management
• Contractor management
• Conflict resolution
• Incident investigation
• Regulatory compliance expertise
• Strong communication skills
• Influencing and coaching capabilities

Success Measures

• Zero fatalities and life-altering injuries.
• Leading indicator targets achieved.
• Regulatory compliance maintained.
• Contractor HSE performance improvement.
• Successful completion of commissioning and startup without major HSE incidents.
• Positive safety culture survey results.
• On-time closure of corrective actions and audit findings.

KBR Benefits

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

We Deliver - Together.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR

At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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