Global Head of Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) & Operational Risk

Alcott Global is retained to search for a Global Head of Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) & Operational Risk for a Global Manufacturing Company. The role will be based in Germany.

 

About the Company

Our client is a leading global manufacturing company with a diverse international footprint across production sites, commercial operations, and regional offices. Operating across multiple markets, the organization is recognized for its commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and developing high-performing teams while maintaining the highest standards of safety and business performance.

 

As part of its ongoing commitment to creating a safe and resilient working environment, the company is seeking an experienced Global Head of Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)  & Operational Risk to lead the continued evolution of its worldwide HSE function.

 

Role Overview

The Global Head of HSE  & Operational Risk will be responsible for providing strategic direction and governance for Health, Safety & Environment across the organisation's international operations.

 

Working closely with regional leadership teams, the successful candidate will strengthen enterprise-wide HSE performance, drive consistency across global operations, and ensure safety remains fully integrated into business planning, operational execution and long-term organisational growth.

 

The role requires a collaborative leader capable of influencing across a global matrix organisation while fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and operational discipline.

 

Responsibilities

• Define and implement a forward-looking global HSE roadmap that supports business priorities while strengthening organisational resilience.
• Drive the harmonisation of HSE policies, governance processes and operational standards across multiple regions.
• Ensure effective oversight of compliance with applicable international, regional and local regulatory requirements.
• Promote proactive risk management through the identification, assessment and mitigation of operational hazards across manufacturing, engineering and service environments.
• Lead enterprise-wide initiatives that improve workplace safety performance and reinforce a positive reporting and learning culture.
• Establish robust governance for incident management, corrective actions and organisational learning to prevent recurrence.
• Partner with business leaders to integrate HSE considerations into operational planning, capital investment projects and business transformation initiatives.
• Develop meaningful performance metrics that enable leadership teams to monitor trends, evaluate effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.
• Provide strategic guidance to senior leadership on emerging HSE risks, regulatory developments and industry best practices.
• Build and develop a high-performing global HSE organisation through leadership development, succession planning and capability building.
• Foster collaboration across Manufacturing, Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Human Resources and Quality functions to embed HSE into everyday decision-making.

• Represent the organisation with external stakeholders including regulatory bodies, customers, certification organisations and industry forums where appropriate.

 

 Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science or another relevant technical discipline.
• Significant experience leading Health, Safety & Environment within a multinational manufacturing, engineering or industrial organisation.
• Demonstrated success overseeing HSE across multiple countries and manufacturing locations within a complex global business.
• Strong understanding of internationally recognised HSE management systems and regulatory frameworks, including ISO 45001 and ISO 14001.
• Experience leading organisational change initiatives that improve HSE culture and operational performance.
• Proven ability to influence executive stakeholders and build strong partnerships across regional and functional leadership teams.
• Sound knowledge of enterprise risk management, contractor safety, emergency preparedness and incident investigation methodologies.
• Experience supporting manufacturing operations, engineering projects and operational transformation programmes.
• Willingness to travel internationally as required.

 

Leadership Style

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A collaborative leadership style that builds trust, credibility and strong cross-functional relationships.
• The ability to simplify complex challenges and translate strategy into practical execution.
• Strong judgment and confidence when making decisions in dynamic operational environments.
• A visible commitment to fostering an inclusive, accountable and safety-focused organisational culture.
• A pragmatic, solutions-oriented mindset with a passion for continuous improvement.
• The ability to inspire, develop and empower high-performing teams across different cultures and regions.
• Resilience, adaptability and the capability to lead effectively through organisational change.