HSSE Manager

Openwork, formerly Meador Staffing Services; La Porte (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Openwork is seeking an experienced HSSE leader to direct environmental, health, safety, security, and PSM programs in a complex chemical manufacturing environment. The role is field-facing, partnering with Operations and Maintenance to promote a world-class safety culture and regulatory compliance.

The ideal candidate will mentor HSSE professionals, lead MOC and PHA initiatives, and drive continuous improvement across safety and environmental programs while supporting capital projects.

Qualifications

• Extensive HSSE leadership experience in chemical manufacturing, refining, or high-hazard industries.
• Expert knowledge of OSHA Process Safety Management (29 CFR 1910.119).
• Experience leading Process Hazard Analyses (PHA) and RCA investigations.
• Strong background building safety culture and regulator relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead all HSSE programs (Health, Safety, Security, Environmental, PSM).
• Own MOC process, hazard analyses, training, and approvals.
• Oversee OSHA/EPA/regulatory compliance and environmental permits.
• Conduct field audits, safety observations, and coaching for safe practices.
• Lead incident investigations and ensure timely corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement to reduce risk and improve reliability.
• Support capital projects by embedding safety and environmental requirements.
• Develop HSSE objectives, budgets, and performance metrics for leadership.

Skills

PSM leadership

OSHA knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Field leadership

Incident investigations

MOC management

Root Cause Analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Environmental Safety

Job description

Senior Manager – Health, Safety, Security & Environmental (HSSE)

Open due to growth!

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on HSSE leader to provide strategic direction and day-to-day leadership for environmental, health, safety, security, and Process Safety Management (PSM) programs within a complex chemical manufacturing or refining environment.

This is not a corporate office position. The successful candidate will be highly visible in the field, partnering closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Leadership to drive a world-class safety culture, ensure regulatory compliance, improve operational reliability, and support capital projects. This individual must be equally comfortable leading executive-level initiatives and spending significant time in the plant mentoring employees, conducting field audits, and solving operational challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for all Health, Safety, Security, Environmental, and Process Safety Management (PSM) programs.
• Serve as the organization's subject matter expert on Process Safety Management and Management of Change (MOC).
• Ensure full compliance with OSHA, EPA, state environmental agencies, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Lead and continuously improve all 14 elements of OSHA Process Safety Management.
• Own and administer the site's Management of Change (MOC) process, ensuring technical reviews, hazard analyses, approvals, documentation, training, and implementation are completed effectively.
• Lead Process Hazard Analyses (PHA), Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA), risk assessments, and other process safety initiatives.
• Conduct field safety observations, audits, inspections, and coaching to reinforce safe work practices and regulatory compliance.
• Lead incident investigations utilizing Root Cause Analysis methodologies and ensure corrective actions are effectively implemented.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing risk and strengthening operational performance.
• Develop and maintain environmental compliance programs including permitting, emissions reporting, spill prevention, groundwater monitoring, waste management, and environmental reporting.
• Lead emergency response planning, crisis management, spill response preparedness, and emergency drills.
• Oversee contractor safety programs, contractor qualification processes, and contractor performance during maintenance and capital projects.
• Support engineering and operations throughout capital projects by integrating safety and environmental requirements into project execution.
• Develop annual HSSE objectives, budgets, and performance metrics while presenting results and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Build productive relationships with regulatory agencies, consultants, emergency responders, and industry organizations.
• Mentor, coach, and develop HSSE professionals while promoting accountability and continuous improvement throughout the organization.

Required Experience

Candidates must possess significant hands-on HSSE leadership experience within a chemical manufacturing plant, refinery, petrochemical facility, or similarly regulated continuous process manufacturing environment.

The successful candidate must demonstrate:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive HSSE leadership experience in chemical manufacturing, refining, petrochemical processing, or comparable high-hazard process industries.
• Extensive plant-floor leadership experience working directly with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Reliability teams.
• Expert-level knowledge of OSHA Process Safety Management (29 CFR 1910.119).
• Thorough understanding and practical application of all 14 OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) elements.
• Demonstrated expertise leading and administering Management of Change (MOC) programs within a PSM-regulated facility.
• Extensive experience leading Process Hazard Analyses (PHA), Root Cause Analysis (RCA), incident investigations, and corrective action programs.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations, EPA requirements, environmental permitting, air compliance, waste management, and industrial safety programs.
• Experience leading regulatory inspections and successfully interacting with OSHA, EPA, and state environmental agencies.
• Proven success building a proactive, behavior-based safety culture across manufacturing operations.
• Experience supporting turnaround activities, maintenance projects, and capital construction within an operating plant.
• Strong contractor safety management experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Occupational Safety, Industrial Hygiene, or a related technical discipline.
• Professional certifications such as CSP, CIH, ASP, CHMM, or equivalent are highly desirable.
• Experience with PSM-covered processes involving flammable or hazardous chemicals.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies including Root Cause Analysis, Human Performance, and Behavior-Based Safety.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a respected HSSE leader who has built their career inside a chemical plant or refinery, understands the realities of daily operations, and has earned credibility by being visible, engaged, and technically strong. This individual is recognized as an expert in Process Safety Management, Management of Change, and regulatory compliance, while also possessing the leadership skills to influence culture, mentor employees, and partner effectively with operations to improve both safety and business performance.