Head - Health and Safety (Nigeria)

About the Role:

African Industries Group is seeking a dynamic and experienced Head Health and Safety to lead and drive the Groups health and safety strategy across mining and industrial operations. The incumbent will be responsible for establishing a world-class safety culture, ensuring regulatory compliance, managing operational risks, and implementing international HSE standards across all sites with a strong focus on Zero Harm and operational excellence.

Candidates with prior Africa work experience will be preferred for this role.

Strategic Leadership:

• Lead the development and execution of the companys HSE strategy aligned with operational objectives, mining best practices, and international safety standards.
• Drive a strong Zero Harm” culture by embedding safety leadership, accountability, and operational discipline across all functions.
• Establish robust HSE performance metrics, risk management frameworks, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational safety and compliance.
• Provide strategic guidance to senior management on HSE risks, compliance obligations, and overall safety performance.

Operational HSE Management:

• Oversee HS operations at mining site, plants, workshops, logistics, and contractor activities to ensure safe and compliant operations.
• Ensure effective implementation of HS management systems, policies, SOPs, permit-to-work systems, and critical safety controls.
• Lead site audits, inspections, compliance reviews, and corrective action programs to maintain operational integrity and minimize risk exposure.
• Drive hazard identification, HIRA/JSA processes, and mitigation strategies for high-risk mining and industrial operations.

Regulatory & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with mining regulations, labor laws, environmental standards, and international HSE best practices.
• Maintain and strengthen compliance and recognized mining safety standards.
• Liaise effectively with regulatory authorities, auditors, and external stakeholders on all HSE-related matters.
• Lead internal and external HSE audits and ensure timely closure of audit findings and compliance gaps.

Incident Prevention & Investigation

• Lead investigations into incidents, near misses, fatalities, and high-potential events using structured root cause analysis methodologies.
• Drive corrective and preventive action programs to eliminate recurring risks and strengthen operational controls.
• Promote a proactive reporting culture through behavioural safety programs and workforce engagement initiatives.

Occupational Health & Emergency Preparedness:

• Lead occupational health, industrial hygiene, and employee wellness initiatives to maintain a safe and healthy workplace.
• Ensure emergency response systems, mine rescue preparedness, crisis management procedures, and business continuity plans are fully operational and regularly tested.
• Coordinate emergency drills and crisis simulations to strengthen preparedness and response capabilities.

Training & Culture Development:

• Develop and implement HSE training and competency development programs for employees, contractors, and leadership teams.
• Promote safety ownership and workforce engagement through continuous awareness, coaching, and behaviour-based safety initiatives.
• Mentor and develop HSE personnel to build a high-performing safety culture across operations.

Environmental & Sustainability Management:

• Ensure environmental compliance related to waste management, emissions control, water usage, rehabilitation, and environmental protection standards.
• Drive sustainability and ESG initiatives aligned with operational goals and responsible mining practices.

Qualifications, Certifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in occupational health & safety, Mining Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Industrial Safety, Environmental Science, or a related discipline; Master’s Degree / MBA will be an added advantage.
• Preferred professional certifications include NEBOSH International Diploma / IGC, IOSH / CMIOSH, ISO 45001 Lead Auditor, ISO 14001 Lead Auditor, CSP, OSHA, or equivalent internationally recognized HSE certifications.
• 20–25 years of progressive HSE experience within mining, metals, steel, cement, or other heavy industrial operations, including a minimum of 8 years in senior HSE leadership roles managing large-scale or multi-site operations.
• Proven expertise in mining safety management, contractor safety, high-risk operations, incident investigation, risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and implementation of international HSE standards within African industrial environments.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic leadership and strong decision-making ability
• Excellent knowledge of mining HSE standards and compliance frameworks
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to lead large multicultural teams in challenging operational environments