Head of Safety, Security & Environmental | Port Ops

The Head of Health, Safety, Security & Environmental Operations provides strategic and operational leadership for all HSSE programs at a high-risk marine container terminal. The role is responsible for ensuring compliance with U.S. federal, state, and local regulations while protecting employees, contractors, cargo, infrastructure, and the surrounding environment in a continuous 24/7 port operations environment. This position serves as the senior subject matter authority on occupational safety, maritime security, environmental compliance, and emergency preparedness and is a key member of the terminal leadership team responsible for driving a strong safety culture across all operational areas.

NOTE: This position is ONSITE in Elizabeth, NJ (full relocation package available if not already local).

Key Responsibilities

HSSE Strategy & Governance

• Develop and implement a comprehensive HSSE strategy aligned with global standards, regulatory requirements, and port authority obligations.
• Translate HSSE priorities into actionable programs, operational plans, and measurable KPIs supporting safe terminal operations.
• Provide strategic HSSE guidance to terminal leadership and operational teams.
• Integrate HSSE risk management into engineering projects, operational improvements, and infrastructure investments.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Assurance

• Ensure full compliance with applicable U.S. federal, New Jersey state, and local regulations, including OSHA, EPA, US Coast Guard, DHS/CBP, and port authority requirements.
• Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies during inspections, audits, investigations, and compliance reviews.
• Maintain and enhance HSSE management systems aligned with ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 standards.
• Oversee regulatory reporting requirements including OSHA reporting, environmental permits, spill reporting, and maritime security documentation.

Operational Risk & Incident Management

• Lead the management of critical risks associated with marine terminal operations, including vessel interface activities, crane and lifting operations, powered industrial equipment, hazardous materials, and contractor work.
• Ensure timely response, investigation, and root cause analysis of incidents, near-misses, and high-potential safety events.
• Serve as senior HSSE advisor during major incidents, emergencies, and crisis situations.
• Drive continuous improvement by analyzing safety trends and implementing preventative measures.

Security & Emergency Preparedness

• Oversee terminal security programs in compliance with the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) and US Coast Guard requirements.
• Support or serve as Facility Security Officer (FSO) where applicable.
• Maintain and regularly test emergency response and security plans, including:
• Emergency Response Plans (ERP)
• Facility Security Plans (FSP)
• Business Continuity Plans
• Lead emergency drills and preparedness exercises covering fire, hazardous materials, environmental spills, severe weather, and security threats.

Environmental Compliance & Sustainability

• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations related to air emissions, stormwater management, wastewater discharge, hazardous waste handling, and spill prevention.
• Oversee programs such as SPCC and SWPPP required for terminal operations.
• Promote sustainability initiatives and pollution prevention practices across operations.

Leadership & Safety Culture

• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary HSSE team while strengthening technical expertise and leadership capability.
• Establish performance expectations and support professional development and succession planning.
• Serve as a visible safety leader engaging employees, contractors, and operational leadership across all shifts.
• Foster a strong safety culture and accountability across terminal operations.

Contractor & Stakeholder Management

• Ensure contractors and service providers adhere to HSSE standards and regulatory requirements.
• Integrate safety expectations into contractor onboarding, qualification, and performance monitoring.
• Partner with labor representatives to address safety concerns and investigations when required.
• Represent terminal operations in port safety committees, regulatory discussions, and industry forums.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related discipline (advanced degree preferred).
• Minimum 10 years of progressive HSSE leadership experience in marine terminals, ports, logistics hubs, heavy industry, or other high-risk operational environments.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. OSHA regulations, maritime safety requirements, environmental permitting, and port security standards.
• Demonstrated experience managing regulatory inspections, audits, and compliance programs.
• Proven capability in incident investigation, critical risk management, and emergency response leadership.

Professional Certifications

• NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent professional safety certification required.
• Additional OSHA, environmental, or maritime safety certifications preferred.
• US Coast Guard Facility Security Officer (FSO) certification preferred.

Working Environment

• Combination of office-based responsibilities and frequent presence within active terminal operations.
• Availability to respond to incidents, emergencies, and regulatory matters outside standard working hours.
• Occasional domestic or international travel may be required.