At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safety and environmental strategies in a major hazard industrial environment.
- Company: Join Vale Europe, a global leader in nickel refining with 120 years of excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Be part of a high-performing team and engage with top industry professionals.
- Why this job: Shape safety culture and drive operational excellence in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in SHE management, degree in relevant field, NEBOSH Diploma required.
Acorn by Synergie is currently recruiting for an experienced Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) Manager for an exciting permanent opportunity on behalf of their client in Swansea. The role is based at the Mond Nickel Refinery, owned and operated by Vale Europe. Having recently celebrated 120 years of production, the refinery is one of the world's leading nickel refining facilities and forms part of Vale, one of the world's largest mining companies with operations across the UK, Europe, Asia and the USA.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced SHE Manager, HSE Manager or Health & Safety Leader to join a globally recognised organisation and play a key role in safety, environmental performance and operational excellence.
As SHE Manager, you will join the Clydach Refinery Leadership Team, reporting directly to the UK Head of Operations. Working within a major hazard industrial environment, you will provide strategic leadership across Safety, Health, Environment, Process Safety and Security, ensuring full regulatory compliance, effective risk management and continuous improvement. You will play a critical role in shaping the site's SHE strategy, supporting operational teams and maintaining the highest standards of safety and environmental performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the refinery's Safety, Health, Environment and Security function.
- Own and maintain the SHE Management System, ensuring alignment with ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 standards.
- Develop and implement the site's SHE strategy in line with business objectives and corporate requirements.
- Lead compliance with COMAH regulations, including management systems and Safety Report requirements.
- Provide expert SHE guidance and support to senior leaders and operational teams.
- Drive continuous improvement across safety culture, environmental performance, governance and compliance.
- Lead emergency preparedness, resilience planning and crisis management activities.
- Support operational improvements, organisational change and capital projects through effective risk management.
- Build strong relationships with regulators, emergency services and external stakeholders.
- Lead, coach and develop a high-performing SHE and Security team.
About You
We are looking for an experienced SHE Manager, HSE Manager or Health, Safety & Environment professional with a background in a major hazard industry, such as:
- Chemicals.
- Metals and mining.
- Oil & gas.
- Energy.
- Manufacturing.
- Other COMAH-regulated environments.
You will have the confidence to operate at a strategic level while remaining visible and engaged with operational teams.
Requirements
- Minimum of five years' experience managing teams and delivering performance through coaching, mentoring and development.
- Experience operating at a strategic level, ideally as part of a senior leadership team.
- Degree qualified in science, engineering, environmental or a related discipline.
- NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent higher-level SHE qualification.
- Relevant environmental qualification, such as ISEP membership or equivalent.
- Demonstrable experience working within a COMAH-regulated or major hazard environment.
- Strong understanding of process safety management and major hazard risk principles.
- Experience engaging with regulators, emergency services and external stakeholders.
- Experience leading change and supporting operational transformation.
The Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will:
- Lead by example and engage confidently with employees at all levels.
- Build credibility through strong relationships, sound judgement and consistent decision-making.
- Influence and challenge constructively to ensure SHE remains central to business decisions.
- Demonstrate resilience when managing complex operational and regulatory challenges.
- Promote collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Develop teams and create an environment where people can perform at their best.
- Apply a practical and balanced approach to risk management while supporting operational excellence.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a globally recognised leader in nickel refining as a SHE Manager / HSE Manager within a major hazard industrial environment. If you have the required qualifications, experience and skills, please apply with your up-to-date CV and a covering letter explaining why you are suitable for this position.
Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) Manager employer: Acorn by Synergie
Acorn by Synergie is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values safety and professionalism on construction sites. With opportunities for growth and development, employees can enhance their skills while enjoying a competitive hourly rate and a consistent Monday to Friday schedule in the vibrant community of Caerphilly.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) Manager
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like Acorn by Synergie.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like Acorn by Synergie and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at Acorn by Synergie.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. Acorn by Synergie will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) Manager at Acorn by Synergie. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Acorn by Synergie
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at Acorn by Synergie, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show Acorn by Synergie that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
