Group HSSE Manager

Assala Energy is a dynamic Oil and Gas Exploration and Production company committed to the sustainable development of its assets in Gabon. We value a collaborative approach, promote diversity, and prioritize safety and integrity in all our operations.

We are seeking a strategic and dedicated Group HSSE Manager to lead and elevate our Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental (HSSE) practices across the organisation. Based in London, this pivotal role will drive risk management, regulatory compliance, and a robust safety culture; working closely with our affiliate in Gabon to ensure alignment and excellence across all operations.

The Group HSSE Manager will:

• Drive delivery of HSSE objectives and manage associated risks
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, contracts, and voluntary commitments
• Modernise and embed fit-for-purpose HSSE practices aligned with Assala Values
• Provide direct support to the Gabon operations to enhance capabilities, promote values, and improve safety performance and culture
  

This role requires strong collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders and the ability to lead through influence at all levels of the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations
• Deploy and assure consistent HSSE standards and best practices across the Group
• Manage HSSE matters for the corporate headquarters in London
• Report accurately and on time to senior management and external stakeholders as agreed
• Monitor and act on HSSE key performance indicators
• Own and maintain the corporate risk register
• Lead initiatives to build a strong compliance culture across employees and contractors
• Organise corporate training, including Emergency Response preparation
• Manage HSSE audits, benchmarking exercises and ratings
• Identify and deliver continuous improvement opportunities
• Participate in incident investigations and support quality reviews
• Directly support high-risk activities and specific HSSE projects
• Work closely with the Gabon HSSE teams to align objectives and share best practices
• Support team development and foster collaboration across the HSSE function
• Apply appropriate risk management and assurance processes with a pragmatic, value-focused mindset
  

Our Values in Action

At Assala, we operate under a clear set of operational values:

• Operate responsibly and safely by following all HSE rules and our Code of Conduct
• Empower employees to grow by giving them meaningful challenges
• Extend asset life and increase production through safety, integrity and performance
• Stay adaptable and creative in the face of change
• Lead with accountability and ownership
• Keep our model lean, practical and focused on what truly matters

If you are an experienced HSSE professional ready to take on a high-impact leadership role, we would love to hear from you.

• Qualifications and Experience MSc or Engineering degree in HSE or related field
• Significant HSSE leadership experience in oil and gas industry or the extractives
• Experience in Emergency Response, asset rejuvenation, and operational upgrades
• Proficiency in risk frameworks, safe systems of work, and HSE case management
• Deep understanding of business management practices, incident investigation, root cause analysis, and assurance
• Familiarity with environmental laws and international standards such as ISO and IFC
• Skilled in stakeholder reporting and engagement at senior levels
• Trained in risk management techniques and business evaluation
• Project management knowledge is an advantage

Competencies and Attributes

• Fluent in English
• Fluency in French is an advantage
• Strong communication, coaching and influencing skills
• Proactive, solution-oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels.
• High ethical standards and professionalism
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage across all levels.
• Committed to promoting Assala’s values and leadership behaviours
• Able to prioritise effectively and adopt fit-for-purpose solutions
• Effective prioritisation and adoption of fit-for-purpose solutions