Safety, Health & Environment; SHE Manager

Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) Manager | HSE Manager | COMAH | Major Hazard Industry

Swansea | Permanent | Senior Leadership Opportunity

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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.