HSE manager– Spain (Health, Safety, Environment & Security)
Location:
Navalmoral de la Mata, Cáceres (Extremadura), Spain
Company Overview
AESC is a global leader in lithium‑ion and LFP battery technology, with a fast-growing footprint across Japan, the UK, France, China, and the USA—soon expanding in Spain with a €1‑billion gigafactory in Extremadura to open by 2026 and create up to 900 direct jobs in phase one. The Spanish facility is designed as the first net‑zero industrial park gigafactory in the country, aligning with AESC’s mission to pioneer sustainable battery manufacturing.
Role Purpose
The HSE manager – Spain will establish and lead a world‑class HSE function to support both existing operations and the new battery gigafactory in Navalmoral de la Mata. You will ensure legal compliance, promote a zero‑incident safety culture, anticipate and mitigate risks, and advance environmental stewardship across all Spanish operations. This is a hands‑on country lead role embedded in a high‑growth, high‑risk environment.
Key Responsibilities
HSE Strategy & Compliance
- Design, implement, and maintain an EHSS programme tailored to Spanish/EU legislation, ISO 45001 (OH&S), ISO 14001 (environment), and local NEC safety codes- Monitor national health, safety, environmental, and security laws 、update internal policies accordingly and lead the EHS relevant permits application process ，to make sure all activities related to company can fully meet local and EU regulation.- Cooperate with HSE global team ，implementing all AESC internal policy in Spain project.
Risk Management & Incident Response
- Support in design stage，help to design in environmental、health and safety perspective.- Lead regular safety risk assessments, environmental audits, safety tours, and supplier/service evaluation.- Head incident investigations (accidents, spills, near misses), root‑cause analysis, corrective actions, and regulatory reporting- Maintain robust emergency preparedness plans (chemical spills, fire, HAZMAT, extreme weather, etc.) and conduct regular drills with local authorities.
Training & Cultural Development
- Develop and deliver multilingual (ES/EN) HSE training programmes covering forklift safety, LFP fire hazards, ladder/platform rules, electrical arc flash, PPE, etc.- Champion a proactive safety culture across operations through toolbox talks, safety committees, and engagement metrics.
Environmental & Sustainability Leadership
- Establish programs for waste management (Spills, WEEE, battery recycling), energy efficiency, water usage, and GHG tracking aligned with AESC’s net-zero objectives- Ensure adherence to EU REACH, CLP, Spanish IPPC/Industrial Emissions permitting, and site environmental authorization (autorización ambiental integrada).
Security & Regulatory Interface
- Coordinate with local fire departments, transport authorities, and Ministry eco‑inspectors for safety licensing and periodic inspections.- Oversee physical security aspects relevant to battery tech:
flammable storage, electrical substation isolation, and visitor access.
Team Leadership & Reporting
- Report KPIs (TRIFR, LTIFR, near‑miss rate, environmental spills, audit scores) monthly to the Global Head of EHSS- Ensure HSE data systems are integrated with AESC’s EHS software and KPI dashboards.
Required Experience & Expertise
1. 10+ years of HSE experience in industrial or manufacturing environments, including at least 5 years in leadership or country‑level roles across complex, matrixed organisations—consistent with European HSE leadership profiles2. Proven implementation and management of ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 systems, with successful external certification cycles and audits3. Solid track record in risk assessment, incident investigation, and emergency preparedness, including root‑cause analysis and crisis response planning for operational and contractor risks .4. Deep knowledge of Spanish and EU regulations—such as Seveso III, REACH/CLP, Waste Battery & WEEE, and the newly adopted EU Battery Regulation—and practical experience with permitting and regulatory interface5. Hands‑on HSE leadership during capital projects and gigafactory launches, particularly in battery manufacturing or clean‑tech operations;
familiarity with process safety, ATEX, machine safety, and contractor compliance is essential6. Strong training and behavioural safety experience, with evidence of developing and delivering multilingual ES/EN safety programmes, toolbox talks, and campaigns tailored to manufacturing audiences7. Proficiency in building and monitoring HSE KPIs (e.G., TRIFR, LTIFR, near‑miss/leading indicators), along with regular reporting to senior executives with insight and action plans8. Cross-functional stakeholder engagement skills, with a solid record of collaborating with Production, Engineering, Quality, Finance, and external auditors/regulatory bodies to harmonise safety compliance9. Background in sustainability and waste compliance for battery materials, demonstrating understanding of circular economy challenges in the battery industry—from recycling logistics to decarbonisation and solvent/pollution control would be an advantage