Head EHS: Mining
Job Description
We are seeking an experienced and strategically minded Head of EHS (Mining) to lead Environmental, Health and Safety across our mining operations. This senior leadership role is responsible for shaping, implementing, and governing EHS strategies, ensuring compliance, and driving a culture of safety and sustainability that aligns with global best practices. The successful candidate will oversee a multidisciplinary team and play a critical role in strengthening our operational excellence, risk management, and environmental stewardship.
Roles and Responsibilities Strategic Management- Participate in the continuous review of AECI Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) policies, procedures, and standards where applicable.
- Implement and continuously monitor relevant AECI EHS policies, procedures, and standards to ensure full compliance.
- Develop effective strategies to support and drive the efficient adoption of AECI EHS policies, procedures, and standards across all employee groups.
- Engage and consult with plant managers, superintendents, and other plant leaders to support the continuous improvement of EHS processes and procedures.
- Develop a strategy for the creation of learning resources and the implementation of training initiatives to strengthen EHS adoption within the division.
- Provide oversight for Process Safety Management (PSM) and ensure operational implementation is aligned with Group PSM standards.
- Contribute to Group Sustainability and ESG initiatives through active participation and subject matter expertise.
- Participate in relevant Group strategic governance structures related to EHS and Sustainability.
- Assist Managers during emergency situations through direct coordination and communication with management, functional staff, and their representatives.
- Oversee internal inspections and audits, and support the coordination and facilitation of external inspections and audits.
- Lead, guide, and provide support on incident investigations to identify root causes and ensure the implementation of corrective and preventive actions. Monitor, audit, and report on the progress and closure of investigation actions.
- Manage safety, health, and environmental activities across the location, including training, inspections, audits, and both internal and external reporting requirements.
- Oversee the design, development, and implementation of EHS training programmes to enhance employee awareness, competence, and adherence to safety and environmental protocols.
- Conduct risk assessments to identify potential hazards and facilitate the development and implementation of preventive measures to mitigate identified risks.
- Develop, maintain, and continuously improve emergency response plans-including evacuation procedures and first aid measures-for the AECI Chemicals division. Ensure scenario planning and site level emergency drills are conducted and documented.
- Oversee sustainability initiatives aimed at minimising environmental impact and promoting responsible resource conservation across AECI.
- Support leadership in preventing work related injuries, occupational illnesses, and environmental harm through proactive guidance and interventions.
- Assist leadership in establishing and maintaining a safe, healthy, and environmentally responsible work environment.
- Advise management on safety, health, and environmental matters, providing location managers with expert guidance and practical support.
- Participate in and contribute to relevant safety and health committees (where applicable) in an advisory capacity.
- Support the implementation of environmental, health, and safety programmes and training to ensure safe operations, regulatory compliance, and the maintenance of healthy working conditions.
- Provide practical solutions and support the implementation of corrective and preventive actions to improve the work environment.
- Facilitate and/or lead hazard identification and risk assessment team meetings to ensure thorough evaluation and control of workplace risks.
- Analyse, review, and report on safety and environmental performance trends- including audits, injuries, incidents, and near misses-while monitoring overall safety performance indicators.
- Offer guidance and technical expertise to management teams on Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) matters to support compliance and operational excellence.
- Proactively assist line management in identifying, recognising, and mitigating workplace hazards and risks.
- Support, promote, and review the completion and accuracy of EHS information entered into the company's EHS database, including incident and near miss investigations, audits, inspections, and corrective action tracking.
- Regularly assess regulatory compliance requirements and updates, ensuring that all necessary licences, permits, and approvals are obtained and maintained.
- Monitor compliance across sites and address any non compliance issues promptly and effectively.
- Review, refine, and update site regulations, ensuring clear communication to all site personnel.
- Ensure adherence to site level auditing requirements, as well as all relevant AECI standards and applicable local regulations.
- Coordinate with external EHS consultants and regulatory authorities during audits and inspections to ensure full compliance with EHS standards.
- Stay current with national and international EHS regulatory developments, industry standards, and best practices.
- Develop and implement policies and procedures, including identifying risks and providing training to employees on the safe handling of hazardous materials and potentially hazardous situations.
- Ensure regular inspections are conducted to identify potential hazards and coordinate the development and implementation of action plans to eliminate or mitigate them.
- Lead the recruitment, induction, and development of team members to ensure effective alignment with the EHS team structure and capability requirements.
- Develop performance contracts for direct reports and conduct performance reviews to assess achievement of agreed objectives, identify development gaps, and support continuous growth.
- Build a strong, cohesive, and high performing team by attracting top talent and fostering an inclusive, collaborative work environment.
- Promote a culture of high performance through consistent performance management practices, clear expectations, and meaningful employee engagement initiatives.
- Provide ongoing guidance, coaching, mentoring, and professional advice to subordinates to strengthen capability and enhance overall team performance.
- Manage administrative responsibilities for direct reports, including approval of leave, travel expenses, and other people management processes.
- Develop and implement targeted training initiatives to build technical and behavioural skills within the team and support long term talent development.
- Degree in Health & Safety, Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field.
- Recognised qualification in Occupational Health & Safety.
- 8-10+ years' experience in a senior EHS leadership role within mining, chemicals, or heavy industry.
- Strong knowledge of EHS regulatory frameworks, systems, and compliance processes.
- Proven expertise in incident investigation, auditing, risk assessment, and safety management systems.
- Experience in the Chemical Industry.
- Advanced capability in MS Office and EHS data systems.
- Hazard analysis & risk management
- Regulatory compliance
- Process safety & chemical plant processes
- Data analytics and reporting
- Expert level analytical, problem solving, and decision making skills.
- Strong strategic planning and organisational skills.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement capability.
- High ethical standards, integrity, and professionalism.
- Change leadership and ability to drive transformation.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary EHS leader to influence safety culture and ESG excellence across a major industrial mining portfolio. You will collaborate with senior executives, contribute to group wide sustainability priorities, and lead an experienced team in a dynamic, purpose driven environment.