International Safety Specialist Manager

Role Purpose & Context

Role Summary

The International Safety Specialist Manager is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing our company's global safety programmes. This means you'll be setting the standards, building the frameworks, and making sure they actually work in practice across different countries and cultures. You'll sit right at the intersection of operational reality and strategic compliance, taking complex regulatory requirements and turning them into practical, actionable plans for our teams worldwide. When you do this well, we see a tangible drop in incidents, fewer lost workdays, and a genuinely safer workplace, which frankly, is priceless. If you don't, we're looking at increased risks, potential fines, and, worst of all, preventable injuries. The tricky part is getting everyone on board globally, especially when local practices clash with global intent. The reward, though? Knowing you've built something that truly protects people and makes a real difference to their lives.

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Director, Global EHS
• Direct reports: Typically 3-8 direct reports (Senior Specialists, Regional Leads)
• Matrix relationships: Global Safety Programme Manager, Principal Safety Specialist, International, Head of Global Safety Programmes, Senior Manager, EHS International,

Key Stakeholders

Internal:

• Regional Operations Directors
• Plant Managers / Site Leaders
• HR Business Partners (especially international)
• Legal Counsel (International)
• Procurement (for contractor safety)
• Engineering & Facilities Teams

External:

• External EHS auditors and certification bodies (e.g., ISO 45001)
• Regulatory authorities (e.g., HSE, OSHA, local labour ministries)
• Industry associations and peer groups
• EHS software vendors
• Insurance providers and brokers

Organisational Impact

Scope: This role directly shapes our global safety culture and risk profile. Your work impacts everything from our operational efficiency and legal standing to our insurance premiums and, most importantly, the well-being of our entire workforce. A well-managed global safety programme means we avoid costly incidents, maintain our licence to operate, and protect our reputation as a responsible employer. Get it wrong, and the costs – both human and financial – can be enormous.

Performance Metrics

Quantitative Metrics

1. Metric: Global Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR)
2. Desc: The number of work-related injuries or illnesses per 100 full-time workers that require medical treatment beyond first aid, result in lost workdays, restricted work, or transfer to another job.
3. Target: Reduce TRIR by 10-15% year-over-year globally for programmes under your remit.
4. Freq: Monthly and Quarterly reporting, annual target.
5. Example: If the TRIR for your managed programmes was 1.5 last year, you're aiming for 1.35 or lower this year. This means fewer people getting hurt, which is the whole point.
6. Metric: ISO 45001 Certification Coverage
7. Desc: The percentage of relevant global sites (e.g., manufacturing, large distribution centres) that achieve and maintain ISO 45001 certification.
8. Target: Achieve/maintain 100% ISO 45001 certification across all designated global sites.
9. Freq: Annual audit cycle, ongoing monitoring.
10. Example: Ensuring all 15 of our global manufacturing plants successfully pass their annual ISO 45001 surveillance audits and any new sites achieve certification within 18 months of operation.
11. Metric: Proactive Safety Observation Rate & Quality
12. Desc: The number of positive and at-risk safety observations reported per employee, coupled with the quality of the feedback and corrective actions generated.
13. Target: Increase global observation submissions by 25% year-over-year, with 80%+ observations leading to a meaningful discussion or corrective action.
14. Freq: Monthly review of EHS software data.
15. Example: If we had 1,000 observations last year, you'd be pushing for 1,250 this year, and crucially, making sure those observations aren't just tick-boxes but lead to real improvements, like a machine guard being fixed or a new training module developed.
16. Metric: Global CAPA Closure Rate
17. Desc: The percentage of Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPAs) arising from incidents, audits, or inspections that are closed on time.
18. Target: Maintain a 90%+ on-time closure rate for all global CAPAs under your programme's oversight.
19. Freq: Weekly and monthly tracking via EHS software.
20. Example: If 100 CAPAs were raised last quarter, you'd expect at least 90 of them to be completed by their due date. This shows we're actually fixing things, not just documenting problems.

Qualitative Metrics

1. Metric: Programme Effectiveness & Adoption
2. Desc: The degree to which global safety programmes are understood, adopted, and seen as valuable by local operational teams, leading to genuine behavioural change.
3. Evidence: Feedback from regional leadership in monthly reviews, anecdotal evidence from site visits, participation rates in voluntary safety initiatives, and the quality of local programme implementation reviews. Are people actually using the tools you've built, or are they just going through the motions?
4. Metric: Influence & Cross-Functional Partnership
5. Desc: Your ability to build strong working relationships and influence decision-making with senior leaders across different functions and geographies, without relying solely on formal authority.
6. Evidence: Being proactively consulted on new projects or operational changes, positive feedback from key stakeholders (e.g., Regional Directors, HR VPs), successful resolution of cross-functional safety challenges, and your ability to secure resources for safety initiatives. Are people coming to you for advice, or are you always chasing them?
7. Metric: Team Development & Mentorship
8. Desc: The growth and development of your direct reports and the broader safety team, fostering a culture of continuous learning and high performance.
9. Evidence: Successful career progression of your team members (e.g., specialists moving to senior roles), positive feedback in 360-degree reviews about your leadership and coaching, and the team's ability to independently manage complex projects. Are your people getting better and taking on more?

Primary Traits

• Trait: Meticulous Investigator
• Manifestation: You're the person who cross-references witness statements with equipment logs, maintenance records, and CCTV footage—you're basically a safety detective. You don't just accept the first explanation; you dig deeper, asking 'what else could be true?' until you've found the real root cause. You document everything with forensic precision, knowing that these findings might be scrutinised in a courtroom or by a regulator.
• Benefit: A superficial investigation that simply blames 'human error' is a waste of time. It allows the underlying system failure to persist, guaranteeing the incident will happen again. This trait is absolutely critical for finding the *true* root cause, which is the only way we can prevent recurrence and genuinely improve our safety systems globally. At this level, you're setting the standard for how investigations are run across the company.
• Trait: Pragmatic Influencer
• Manifestation: You can frame a £50K guarding upgrade not as a 'safety cost' but as 'an investment to prevent a £500K production shutdown.' You're brilliant at building rapport with a sceptical plant manager in another country by first listening to their operational challenges, not just dictating regulations. You use data, business cases, and compelling storytelling, not just the rulebook, to persuade senior leaders to adopt new safety programmes. You know that simply quoting a regulation won't get you anywhere; you need to show the value.
• Benefit: Frankly, this role has no direct operational authority. Your success hinges entirely on getting buy-in from local and regional leadership who have their own targets and pressures. Safety programmes are dead on arrival without that buy-in. Influence, not authority, is your primary tool for driving significant, sustainable change globally. You're selling safety as a business enabler, not a burden.
• Trait: Unflappable Under Pressure
• Manifestation: During a serious incident, you're the calm voice on the phone, methodically gathering facts while others might be panicking. You deliver concise, factual updates to executives, without speculation or emotional language, even when they're demanding immediate answers. You'll defend the integrity of a complex investigation against pressure to find a quick, simple answer, knowing that a rushed conclusion can be more damaging than the incident itself. You keep a clear head when things go sideways.
• Benefit: Crisis situations demand clarity, process, and a steady hand. Panic leads to poor decisions, compromised evidence, and a loss of credibility with regulators, employees, and the board. This trait ensures that our response to any major incident is managed effectively, not just reacted to. At this level, you're often the one advising the most senior leaders during these critical times, so your composure is paramount.

Supporting Traits

• Trait: Culturally Astute
• Desc: You understand that a 'Stop Work Authority' programme that works brilliantly in Texas might need a completely different communication strategy to be effective in Tokyo or Dubai. You're sensitive to local customs and ways of working, adapting your approach without compromising core safety principles.
• Trait: System-Thinker
• Desc: You see the bigger picture—how a training failure, a maintenance shortcut, and a purchasing decision for cheaper equipment can all connect and lead to a serious incident. You're able to connect seemingly disparate events into a coherent causal chain.
• Trait: Resilient
• Desc: You don't get discouraged when a safety proposal is initially rejected or when you face resistance to change from a tough site manager. Instead, you bounce back, re-evaluate your approach, and find a new way to get the message across, rather than giving up.
• Trait: Proactive
• Desc: You spend more time thinking about and preventing the *next* incident than you do documenting the last one. You're always looking ahead, identifying potential risks, and putting controls in place before anything goes wrong. You're not just reactive; you're a step ahead.

Primary Motivators

1. Motivator: Making a Tangible Difference to People's Lives
2. Daily: You'll feel a deep satisfaction when you see incident rates drop, or when an employee tells you how a new safety procedure you implemented saved them from injury. Knowing your work directly contributes to people going home safe and sound is your biggest drive.
3. Motivator: Solving Complex Global Puzzles
4. Daily: You thrive on the challenge of taking a complex regulatory requirement from one country, synthesising it with another, and then building a global programme that works everywhere. It's like a giant, high-stakes jigsaw puzzle where the pieces are regulations, cultures, and operational realities.
5. Motivator: Building and Leading High-Performing Teams
6. Daily: You enjoy coaching and developing your direct reports, seeing them grow into more capable safety professionals. You get a real buzz from fostering a collaborative team environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute to our global safety mission.

Potential Demotivators

Honestly, this role isn't for everyone. You'll spend a significant portion of your week chasing overdue Corrective and Preventive Actions from busy operational managers who, frankly, often see them as bureaucratic distractions. You'll constantly be fighting the image of being a cost-generating 'safety cop' rather than a value-adding business partner. The reality is, you'll sometimes face subtle (or not-so-subtle) pressure from site leadership to reclassify an injury to keep their metrics looking good, and you'll have to stand your ground. You'll also likely build a fantastic global programme only to find some sites are 'pencil-whipping' their checklists, which is incredibly frustrating. If you need every piece of your work to be immediately and perfectly adopted without resistance, you'll probably struggle here.

Common Frustrations

1. The endless 'CAPA Chase': Constantly following up on overdue actions from people who have other priorities.
2. Data Integrity Nightmares: Realising the global TRIR you just presented is based on dodgy data from a few sites that classify incidents differently.
3. Global vs. Local Tug-of-War: The constant struggle to get a local site manager to adopt a global standard when they insist 'that's not how we do things here.'
4. Budget Justification Loop: Having to rigorously justify every pound for proactive safety improvements, while millions are spent without question on the reactive costs of failures.
5. The 'Common Sense' Argument: Hearing 'we don't need a procedure for that, it's just common sense' right before investigating a serious injury caused by a lack of a clear procedure.

What Role Doesn't Offer

1. A purely reactive, incident-response-only role; we're looking for proactive programme leadership.
2. A quiet, desk-bound job; you'll be travelling, engaging with people, and dealing with real-world operational challenges.
3. A role with direct hierarchical authority over operational teams; you'll need to influence, not command.
4. A role where every decision is straightforward and black-and-white; you'll navigate complex grey areas.

ADHD Positives

1. The fast-paced, varied nature of global incident response and programme implementation can be highly engaging, offering constant novelty and problem-solving opportunities.
2. The need to quickly pivot between strategic planning and urgent operational issues can suit individuals who thrive on dynamic environments.
3. The focus on systematic root cause analysis and programme design offers structured problem-solving, which can be very satisfying.

ADHD Challenges and Accommodations

1. Managing multiple ongoing global programmes and chasing CAPAs can require significant organisational skills; we can offer project management tools and executive assistant support for administrative tasks.
2. The need for meticulous documentation and reporting might be challenging; we use templates and EHS software to streamline this, and can provide tools for dictation or voice-to-text.
3. Long, detailed regulatory documents can be tough to focus on; we encourage the use of AI summaries and provide access to regulatory intelligence platforms that distil information.

Dyslexia Positives

1. Strong spatial reasoning and 'big picture' thinking can be a huge asset in designing global safety systems and visualising complex processes.
2. Often excellent at verbal communication and explaining complex concepts in simple terms, which is crucial for influencing diverse global teams.
3. The ability to identify patterns and connections that others miss can be invaluable in incident investigation and risk assessment.

Dyslexia Challenges and Accommodations

1. Extensive written reporting and documentation are a core part of the role; we provide access to advanced grammar and spell-checking software, dictation tools, and offer proofreading support.
2. Reading lengthy regulatory texts can be time-consuming; we encourage audio versions, text-to-speech software, and AI summarisation tools.
3. Complex forms and checklists might be challenging; we aim for clear, concise forms and provide digital tools with auto-fill capabilities.

Autism Positives

1. A deep commitment to rules, standards, and logical consistency is a massive advantage in compliance and safety management.
2. Exceptional attention to detail and pattern recognition can make you a brilliant incident investigator, spotting anomalies others miss.
3. The ability to focus intensely on specific technical problems or regulatory details can lead to highly effective programme design.

Autism Challenges and Accommodations

1. The role involves extensive international travel and interaction with diverse cultures; we can provide detailed itineraries, pre-briefings on cultural norms, and support for managing travel logistics.
2. Navigating complex social dynamics and 'reading between the lines' in global stakeholder interactions can be tricky; we offer coaching on communication styles and provide clear meeting agendas.
3. Unexpected changes or urgent incidents can be disruptive; we aim for clear communication channels for urgent requests and provide structured incident response protocols.

Key Responsibilities

Experience Levels Responsibilities

1. Level: International Safety Specialist Manager (Level 005)
2. Responsibilities: Define and build global safety programmes. This means you'll be the architect for things like our global Permit-to-Work system, our behaviour-based safety initiatives, or our contractor safety management framework. You're not just tweaking; you're creating from scratch or significantly overhauling existing systems.
3. Lead complex, multi-site incident investigations. When something serious happens anywhere in the world, you'll often be the one leading the investigation team, applying advanced root cause analysis techniques (like TapRooT®) to figure out what really went wrong and, crucially, how to stop it happening again.
4. Manage and develop your team of International Safety Specialists and Regional Leads. This involves setting clear objectives, providing regular coaching and feedback, conducting performance reviews, and helping them grow their careers. You're responsible for their success and development.
5. Influence senior leadership (VPs, Directors) across functions and regions to adopt and champion your global safety programmes. This isn't about telling them what to do; it's about building compelling business cases, demonstrating the value, and getting their genuine buy-in. It's often a delicate balancing act.
6. Oversee global regulatory intelligence and ensure our programmes are compliant with diverse international laws. You'll work with platforms like Enhesa to monitor changes, then translate complex legal jargon into practical operational requirements for our sites worldwide. It's like being a global legal translator, but for safety.
7. Manage the budget for your specific global safety programmes, typically ranging from £500K to £2M. This includes forecasting, tracking expenditure, and making sure we're getting the best value for our safety investments.
8. Represent the organisation externally on global safety matters. You might be presenting at industry conferences, engaging with regulatory bodies, or participating in peer groups to share best practices and learn from others. You're a face of our company's commitment to safety.
9. Supervision: You'll operate with significant autonomy, reporting to the Director, Global EHS with quarterly objectives and strategic alignment discussions. Day-to-day, you're self-directed, expected to define your own priorities within the agreed strategic framework. You'll be supervising 3-8 direct reports, providing them with guidance and support.
10. Decision: You have full authority to define and implement global safety programmes within your remit, including methodology, resource allocation (within budget), and programme design. You'll have P&L accountability for programmes up to £2M. Hiring decisions for your direct reports are yours, as is vendor selection for programme-specific tools up to £100K. Strategic shifts or major new investments above £2M will require alignment with the Director, Global EHS and potentially the VP, Global EHS.
11. Success: Success looks like a demonstrable reduction in incident rates across your managed programmes, high adoption rates of your global standards, positive feedback from regional operations leaders, and a strong, developing team under your leadership. You'll know you're succeeding when your programmes are seen as an enabler for the business, not a blocker.

Decision-Making Authority

• Type: Global Programme Design & Implementation
• Entry: Executes specific tasks within a programme, following detailed instructions.
• Mid: Contributes to programme design, implements specific components independently.
• Senior: Leads the design and implementation of a workstream within a global programme, making technical decisions.
• Type: Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis
• Entry: Gathers data, assists with interviews, documents findings under supervision.
• Mid: Leads investigations for routine incidents, proposes initial corrective actions.
• Senior: Leads complex incident investigations, applies advanced RCA techniques, recommends systemic corrective actions.
• Type: Budget Management
• Entry: Tracks expenses against a small project budget.
• Mid: Manages a small project budget (up to £10K), tracks spending.
• Senior: Manages a workstream budget (up to £50K), identifies cost-saving opportunities.
• Type: Team Leadership & Development
• Entry: No direct reports, focuses on personal learning.
• Mid: Informally mentors new joiners, shares knowledge.
• Senior: Formally mentors 1-2 junior specialists, provides technical guidance.

Competency Requirements

Foundation Skills (Transferable)

Beyond the technical know-how, a lot of your success here will come down to how you interact with people, solve problems, and adapt to constant change. These are the bedrock skills that let you actually get things done in a complex, global organisation.

• Category: Communication & Influence
• Skills: Executive Presentation Skills: Presenting complex safety data and strategic recommendations clearly and concisely to senior leadership and the board, handling tough questions with confidence.
• Cross-Cultural Communication: Adapting your communication style and approach to effectively engage with diverse teams and leaders across different countries and cultural norms.
• Negotiation & Persuasion: Convincing sceptical operational leaders to adopt new safety programmes or invest in improvements, often without direct authority.
• Active Listening: Genuinely understanding the concerns and priorities of local teams and leaders before proposing solutions.
• Category: Problem-Solving & Strategic Thinking
• Skills: Systematic Root Cause Analysis: Leading complex investigations to identify true systemic failures, not just symptoms, using advanced methodologies.
• Strategic Programme Design: Developing comprehensive, multi-year global safety programmes that address identified risks and align with business objectives.
• Risk Prioritisation: Evaluating and prioritising global safety risks based on likelihood, severity, and business impact to focus resources effectively.
• Complex Decision Making: Making sound judgments in ambiguous or high-pressure situations, often with incomplete information and significant stakes.
• Category: Leadership & Team Development
• Skills: Team Leadership & Mentorship: Guiding, coaching, and developing a team of safety professionals, fostering their growth and ensuring high performance.
• Change Management: Leading the adoption of new safety programmes and cultural shifts across diverse global sites, managing resistance and driving engagement.
• Stakeholder Management (Senior Level): Building and maintaining strong, credible relationships with VPs, Directors, and other senior leaders across the organisation.
• Delegation & Empowerment: Effectively assigning tasks and empowering your team to take ownership, providing support without micromanaging.
• Category: Adaptability & Resilience
• Skills: Navigating Ambiguity: Thriving in situations where there isn't a clear roadmap, defining the path forward for global safety initiatives.
• Pressure Handling: Maintaining composure and effectiveness during high-stress situations, such as major incident responses or regulatory audits.
• Cultural Agility: Adjusting strategies and communication to be effective in different international contexts, respecting local customs while upholding global standards.
• Continuous Learning: Staying abreast of evolving global regulations, best practices, and new technologies in EHS.

Functional Skills (Role-Specific Technical)

These are the specific methodologies, tools, and technical knowledge you'll need to actually build and run our global safety programmes. This isn't just theory; it's about practical application across our international footprint.

Technical Competencies

• Skill: ISO 45001 Implementation & Auditing
• Desc: You'll need deep, practical knowledge of the Occupational Health & Safety Management standard. This isn't just knowing the clauses; it's about understanding how to conduct gap analyses, develop policies that actually work, lead internal and external audits, and manage the entire certification process across multiple global sites.
• Level: Expert
• Skill: Systematic Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
• Desc: Proficiency in advanced, structured problem-solving methodologies beyond simple '5 Whys.' We're talking about leading investigations using techniques like Fishbone (Ishikawa) diagrams, Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), and formal systems like TapRooT® or SCAT for significant incidents. You'll be teaching others how to do this properly.
• Level: Expert
• Skill: Proactive Risk Assessment Methodologies
• Desc: Expertise in designing, conducting, and facilitating Job Hazard Analyses (JHA), Process Hazard Analyses (PHA), and Failure Mode and Effects Analyses (FMEA) to identify and mitigate risks *before* they turn into incidents. You'll be setting the global standard for how we assess risk.
• Level: Expert
• Skill: Behavior-Based Safety (BBS) Programme Design
• Desc: You'll need a deep understanding of BBS principles to design, implement, and lead global observation programmes. This means knowing how to provide constructive feedback, use data to positively influence safety culture, and move beyond mere compliance to genuine engagement.
• Level: Advanced
• Skill: Management of Change (MOC) Process Leadership
• Desc: Ability to lead and embed a formal MOC process across global operations. This involves evaluating the safety implications of any change to equipment, procedures, materials, or personnel, ensuring risks are properly controlled before changes are made. You'll be the global owner of this process.
• Level: Advanced
• Skill: Cross-Jurisdictional Regulatory Interpretation
• Desc: The critical skill of navigating, synthesising, and interpreting complex, often conflicting, safety regulations from multiple authorities (e.g., OSHA, HSE, EU-OSHA, local country laws) into a single, coherent, and practical global standard. This is a core part of the 'International' in your title.
• Level: Expert

Digital Tools

• Tool: EHS Management Software (e.g., Enablon, Intelex, Cority, VelocityEHS)
• Level: Strategic/Architect
• Usage: Leading platform selection and RFP processes, designing enterprise-wide data architecture for incident management and CAPA tracking, overseeing integration with other systems (e.g., HRIS, ERP). You're not just using it; you're shaping how we use it globally.
• Tool: Regulatory Intelligence Platforms (e.g., Enhesa, RegScan, Sphera)
• Level: Strategic
• Usage: Setting the strategy for global regulatory monitoring, managing vendor relationships for these platforms, and briefing executive leadership on significant legislative risks and their impact on our operations. You're the one deciding which platforms we use and how.
• Tool: Chemical/SDS Management (e.g., Chemwatch, 3E Protect, SiteHawk)
• Level: Architect
• Usage: Developing the global chemical management programme, ensuring GHS compliance across all jurisdictions, and negotiating enterprise platform contracts. You'll be defining the global approach to chemical safety.
• Tool: Data Analytics & Visualization (e.g., Advanced Excel, Power BI, Tableau)
• Level: Strategic
• Usage: Defining the key EHS metrics for executive dashboards, directing analysts on data visualisation strategy, and presenting trend analysis, programme performance, and risk profiles to the board and C-suite. You're telling the story with data.
• Tool: Learning Management Systems (LMS) (e.g., Cornerstone OnDemand, SAP SuccessFactors)
• Level: Strategic
• Usage: Developing the global safety training strategy, selecting LMS platforms for EHS content, and linking training effectiveness to incident reduction metrics. You'll ensure our global workforce gets the right training, at the right time.
• Tool: Collaboration & Project Management (e.g., SharePoint, MS Teams, Asana)
• Level: Strategic
• Usage: Establishing the governance for all EHS-related collaboration tools and project management methodologies company-wide. You'll ensure our global safety teams work efficiently and effectively together.

Industry Knowledge

• Area: Global EHS Best Practices
• Desc: A deep understanding of leading safety indicators, proactive risk management, and cultural excellence in EHS from various industries and geographies. You'll be bringing the 'best of the best' to our organisation.
• Area: Occupational Health & Hygiene Principles
• Desc: Understanding of industrial hygiene principles (e.g., noise, chemical exposure, ergonomics) and how to manage these risks globally, working with specialists where needed.
• Area: Emergency Preparedness & Response
• Desc: Expertise in designing and testing global emergency response plans, including crisis communication protocols for major incidents.

Regulatory Compliance Regulations

• Reg: ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems)
• Usage: Leading global certification efforts, designing and auditing management systems, and ensuring continuous improvement against the standard.
• Reg: OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) Standards (US)
• Usage: Ensuring compliance for US operations, understanding specific programme requirements (e.g., Lockout/Tagout, Confined Space), and integrating best practices into global standards.
• Reg: HSE (Health and Safety Executive) Regulations (UK)
• Usage: Ensuring compliance for UK operations, particularly understanding the 'As Low As Reasonably Practicable' (ALARP) principle and its application in risk assessments.
• Reg: EU-OSHA Directives & Member State Transpositions
• Usage: Interpreting and applying EU directives and how they're transposed into national laws across various European countries where we operate, ensuring harmonised (where possible) compliance.
• Reg: GHS (Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals)
• Usage: Overseeing global chemical management programmes, ensuring consistent classification, labelling, and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) management across all jurisdictions.
• Reg: Local Country-Specific EHS Legislation (e.g., Brazil, India, China)
• Usage: Understanding the core requirements of key local EHS laws in our major operating countries, knowing when to engage local experts, and ensuring global programmes can be adapted to meet these specific requirements.

Essential Prerequisites

• Proven track record of designing and implementing complex safety programmes across multiple international sites, not just one country.
• Extensive experience (12+ years) in a dedicated EHS role, with a significant portion in a leadership or senior specialist capacity.
• Demonstrable experience leading and coaching a team of safety professionals.
• Expertise in at least two advanced Root Cause Analysis methodologies (e.g., TapRooT®, SCAT, FTA).
• Strong understanding of ISO 45001, including experience with certification processes.
• Ability to travel internationally (roughly 25-35% of the time) to support global sites.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with a proven ability to engage senior leadership and diverse cultural groups.

Career Pathway Context

We're looking for someone who has already 'done the doing' at a senior level and is now ready to step up and lead the strategic direction of global programmes. You've likely managed significant projects, led complex investigations, and mentored junior staff. Now, you're ready to build the frameworks that others will follow.

Qualifications & Credentials

Emerging Foundation Skills

• Skill: Ethical AI & Data Governance for EHS
• Why: As we use more AI for predictive risk and incident triage, understanding the ethical implications of data use, bias in algorithms, and data privacy (especially with global regulations like GDPR) becomes critical. You'll be making decisions that affect people's jobs and safety, so responsible AI use is paramount.
• Concepts: [{'concept_name': 'Algorithmic bias detection and mitigation in safet', 'description': 'Algorithmic bias detection and mitigation in safety predictions'}, {'concept_name': 'Data privacy considerations for incident and healt', 'description': 'Data privacy considerations for incident and health data (GDPR, CCPA)'}, {'concept_name': 'Explainable AI (XAI) for safety recommendations', 'description': 'Explainable AI (XAI) for safety recommendations'}, {'concept_name': 'Ethical guidelines for AI deployment in high-stake', 'description': 'Ethical guidelines for AI deployment in high-stakes environments'}, {'concept_name': 'Data anonymisation and pseudonymisation techniques', 'description': 'Data anonymisation and pseudonymisation techniques'}]
• Prepare: This quarter: Read up on GDPR and other key global data privacy laws. Understand their implications for EHS data.
• Next quarter: Take an online course on AI ethics or responsible AI development.
• Month 3-6: Work with our Legal and IT teams to develop internal guidelines for ethical AI use in EHS.
• Month 6-9: Lead a 'red team' exercise to identify potential biases or ethical pitfalls in our current AI tools.
• QuickWin: Start asking critical questions about the data sources and assumptions behind any AI-driven insights you receive. Is the data representative? Could there be bias? Challenge the output, don't just accept it.
• Skill: Digital Storytelling & Visual Communication
• Why: Getting buy-in for global safety programmes isn't just about presenting data; it's about telling a compelling story that resonates across cultures and seniority levels. Traditional PowerPoint decks are often too dry. We need to move towards more engaging, visual ways to communicate risk, programme impact, and lessons learned, especially with remote teams.
• Concepts: [{'concept_name': 'Visualisation of complex safety data (infographics', 'description': 'Visualisation of complex safety data (infographics, interactive dashboards)'}, {'concept_name': 'Video production and editing for safety training a', 'description': 'Video production and editing for safety training and alerts'}, {'concept_name': 'Narrative structure for incident investigation sum', 'description': 'Narrative structure for incident investigation summaries'}, {'concept_name': 'Use of animation and motion graphics to explain pr', 'description': 'Use of animation and motion graphics to explain procedures'}, {'concept_name': 'Designing engaging digital learning modules', 'description': 'Designing engaging digital learning modules'}]
• Prepare: This month: Experiment with tools like Canva or Piktochart to create more visual safety alerts or programme summaries.
• Next quarter: Take a short online course on 'Data Storytelling' or 'Visual Communication for Business.'
• Month 3-6: Work with our Marketing team to learn best practices for video production for internal communications.
• Month 6-9: Design and launch one key safety programme communication using a new, highly visual format (e.g., an animated explainer video).
• QuickWin: For your next team meeting, ditch the bullet points and try to explain a complex safety concept using only images and a short narrative. See how it lands.

Advancing Technical Skills

• Skill: Advanced EHS System Architecture & Integration
• Why: As our EHS software becomes more sophisticated, you'll need to understand not just how to use it, but how to design its architecture, integrate it with other enterprise systems (HRIS, ERP, IoT sensors), and ensure data flows seamlessly and securely across our global operations. This is about building the backbone of our digital safety strategy.
• Concepts: [{'concept_name': 'API integration for EHS platforms', 'description': 'API integration for EHS platforms'}, {'concept_name': 'Data warehousing and lake strategies for EHS data', 'description': 'Data warehousing and lake strategies for EHS data'}, {'concept_name': 'IoT sensor integration for real-time risk monitori', 'description': 'IoT sensor integration for real-time risk monitoring (e.g., air quality, machine status)'}, {'concept_name': 'Cybersecurity best practices for EHS data systems', 'description': 'Cybersecurity best practices for EHS data systems'}, {'concept_name': 'Cloud architecture for global EHS software deploym', 'description': 'Cloud architecture for global EHS software deployment'}]
• Prepare: This quarter: Schedule deep-dive sessions with our EHS software vendors to understand their API capabilities and integration options.
• Next quarter: Work closely with our IT department on a current or upcoming system integration project, focusing on the data architecture.
• Month 3-6: Take an introductory course on cloud computing (e.g., AWS or Azure fundamentals) to understand infrastructure concepts.
• Month 6-9: Lead a project to define the requirements for integrating EHS data with another key business system (e.g., HR for training records).
• QuickWin: Map out the current data flow for a key EHS process (e.g., incident reporting to CAPA closure) and identify all manual touchpoints and potential integration points.
• Skill: Predictive Analytics & Machine Learning for EHS
• Why: Moving beyond lagging indicators means using data to predict where and when incidents are most likely to occur. You'll need to understand the principles behind predictive models, how to interpret their outputs, and how to translate those insights into proactive safety interventions. This is about using data to get ahead of the curve.
• Concepts: [{'concept_name': 'Regression analysis for incident rate prediction', 'description': 'Regression analysis for incident rate prediction'}, {'concept_name': 'Classification models for risk categorisation', 'description': 'Classification models for risk categorisation'}, {'concept_name': 'Time series forecasting for safety trends', 'description': 'Time series forecasting for safety trends'}, {'concept_name': 'Feature engineering for EHS datasets (e.g., weathe', 'description': 'Feature engineering for EHS datasets (e.g., weather, shift patterns)'}, {'concept_name': 'Model validation and performance evaluation', 'description': 'Model validation and performance evaluation'}]
• Prepare: This quarter: Take an online introductory course on machine learning or predictive analytics (e.g., Coursera, edX).
• Next quarter: Work with our Data Science team to understand how they build and validate predictive models, specifically for EHS data.
• Month 3-6: Lead a pilot project to apply a simple predictive model to a specific safety challenge (e.g., predicting slips, trips, and falls in a warehouse).
• Month 6-9: Develop a framework for how predictive insights will be communicated and acted upon by operational teams globally.
• QuickWin: Identify one specific type of incident that occurs frequently and start collecting all possible contributing factors. This is the first step towards building a predictive model.

Education Requirements

• Level: Minimum
• Req: A Bachelor's degree (or equivalent OFQUAL Level 6 qualification) in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Alts: Significant (15+ years) direct experience in international EHS leadership roles, coupled with relevant professional certifications, may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Level: Preferred
• Req: A Master's degree (or equivalent OFQUAL Level 7 qualification) in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Management, or Business Administration.
• Alts: N/A

Experience Requirements

You'll need at least 12-16 years of progressive experience in Compliance, Quality, Health & Safety roles, with a substantial portion (at least 5-7 years) focused on international operations and programme management. This isn't your first rodeo; you've already led significant safety initiatives across different countries and managed teams. We expect you to have a proven track record of reducing incident rates, implementing robust safety management systems, and influencing senior stakeholders in a global context. Experience in a manufacturing, logistics, or similar operational environment is pretty crucial here.

Preferred Certifications

• Cert: Lead Auditor Certification (ISO 45001)
• Prod: IRCA-accredited body (e.g., BSI, SGS)
• Usage: Shows you can not only implement but also rigorously audit our safety management systems, which is key for global certification and continuous improvement.
• Cert: Formal Root Cause Analysis Certification (e.g., TapRooT®, SCAT)
• Prod: Accredited RCA training providers
• Usage: Demonstrates expertise in leading complex incident investigations, ensuring we get to the true systemic causes, not just the easy answers.
• Cert: Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Prod: Project Management Institute (PMI)
• Usage: Helps you manage complex global safety programme rollouts efficiently, keeping them on track and on budget across multiple sites and teams.

Recommended Activities

• Regularly attend international EHS conferences and industry forums to stay abreast of global trends and network with peers.
• Participate in EHS industry working groups or committees to influence best practices and regulatory developments.
• Undertake continuous professional development in areas like advanced data analytics, AI applications in EHS, or cross-cultural leadership.
• Engage in peer coaching or mentoring programmes to further develop your leadership and influencing skills.

Career Progression Pathways

Entry Paths to This Role

• Path: Senior International Safety Specialist (L3) to International Safety Specialist Manager (L5)
• Time: 3-5 years as a Senior Specialist.
• Path: Regional Safety Manager (L4) from another large organisation to International Safety Specialist Manager (L5)
• Time: 5-8 years as a Regional Safety Manager.
• Path: Principal Safety Specialist (L5 equivalent) from another large organisation to International Safety Specialist Manager (L5)
• Time: Direct entry, assuming a strong fit.

Career Progression From This Role

• Pathway: Director, Global EHS (L6)
• Time: 3-5 years in the International Safety Specialist Manager role.
• Pathway: Principal Safety Specialist (Individual Contributor Track) (L5-L6 equivalent)
• Time: Continuous growth within the IC track, potentially moving into a Principal role after 3-5 years.

Long Term Vision Potential Roles

• Title: VP, Global EHS & Sustainability (L7)
• Time: 5-10 years from current role.
• Title: Chief Operating Officer (COO) or Chief Risk Officer (CRO)
• Time: 10-15+ years from current role.
• Title: External EHS Consultant / Industry Thought Leader
• Time: 10-15+ years from current role.

How Zavmo Delivers This Role's Development

DISCOVER Phase: Skills Gap Analysis

Zavmo maps your current competencies against all requirements in this job description through conversational assessment. We evaluate your foundation skills (communication, strategic thinking), functional skills (CRM expertise, negotiation), and readiness for career progression.

Output: Personalised skills gap heat map showing strengths and priorities, estimated time to competency, neurodiversity accommodations.

DISCUSS Phase: Personalised Learning Pathway

Based on your DISCOVER results, Zavmo creates a personalised learning plan prioritised by impact: foundation skills first, then functional skills. We adapt to your learning style, pace, and neurodiversity needs (ADHD, dyslexia, autism).

Output: Week-by-week schedule, each module linked to specific job responsibilities, checkpoints and milestones.

DELIVER Phase: Conversational Learning

Learn through conversation, not boring modules. Zavmo uses 10 conversation types (Socratic dialogue, role-play, coaching, case studies) to build competence. Practice difficult QBR presentations, negotiate tough renewals, and handle churn conversations in a safe AI environment before facing real clients.

Example: "For 'Stakeholder Mapping', Zavmo will guide you through analysing a complex enterprise account, identifying key decision-makers, and building an engagement strategy."

DEMONSTRATE Phase: Competency Assessment

Zavmo automatically builds your evidence portfolio as you learn. Every conversation, practice scenario, and application example is captured and mapped to NOS performance criteria. When ready, your portfolio supports OFQUAL qualification claims and demonstrates competence to employers.

Output: Competency matrix, evidence portfolio (downloadable), qualification readiness, career progression score.