Sr. Manager, Project HSSE

NextDecade•Brownsville, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sr. Manager, Project HSSE ensures the RGLNG project executes all work with necessary HSSE processes to achieve project goals related to safety, environmental, regulatory permitting, health, security and emergency response. This position manages efforts in HSSE execution-related contractual expectations of the EPC Contractor, as well as leading the HSSE function for the Owners E&C Site Team. This role requires a close working relationship with the EPC Contractor and will act as a focal point for Project HSSE compliance. The Sr. Manager, Project HSSE will play a critical leadership role in the transition from construction through commissioning, startup, and into early operations (CSU). This includes ensuring that HSSE processes evolve appropriately from construction safety to encompass commissioning and process safety risks, with a clear focus on managing high-consequence hazards during system energization, introduction of hydrocarbons, and SIMOPS activities. The role requires a strong understanding of Energy Based Safety (EBS) principles and their application to both construction and commissioning environments, ensuring that controls are in place to manage hazardous energy sources and prevent serious injury and fatality (SIF) events. The Sr Manager, Project HSSE will support the Corporate HSSE discipline within the company to ensure necessary processes are developed and implemented to support the Project construction phase, through commissioning and startup into operations. This position is based in Brownsville, TX.

Requirements

Recognized degree in Occupational Safety, Engineering, CSP or equivalent work experience.
15+ years of leadership experience, of which 10 years must be in an HSSE leadership role on projects >$1B in value.
Demonstrated experience leading and managing HSSE personnel within complex, multicultural and/or international project environments.
Demonstrated experience supporting or leading HSSE activities during commissioning, startup, or transition to operations phases on major capital projects.
Practical experience managing HSSE risks associated with system energization, live systems, SIMOPS, and introduction of hydrocarbons or other hazardous substances. Strong understanding and practical application of Energy Based Safety (EBS), Serious Injury and Fatality (SIF) prevention, or equivalent high-consequence risk management frameworks.
Experience implementing programs focused on identification and control of hazardous energy and critical risk controls in complex project environments.
Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate teams, collaborate effectively, and communicate clearly across all organizational levels.
Demonstrated analytical and problemâsolving skills, proficiency with standard business software, and a practical, handsâon approach to project execution.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience as an Ownerâs HSSE representative on a LNG Liquefaction project is highly preferred.
Strong background in emergency response is highly preferred.
Experienced with USCG / FERC / PHMSA regulated facilities highly preferred.
Bilingual (English / Spanish) preferred.

Responsibilities

Work closely with the EPC Contractorâs site HSSE Manager to ensure compliance with Project policies and procedures.
Provide support and guidance to the PMT on HSSE investigations and the resolution of the corrective actions identified.
Interface with the NextDecade Regulatory/Permitting team and provide guidance/support to the site environmental team.
Interface with NextDecade Operations HSSE team to support Emergency Response / RFSU / SIMOPS activities and process development.
Implement the NextDecade HSSE vision and company values and ensure the project site is aligned with the strategy.
Lead the development and continuous improvement of Health, Safety, and Security standards by identifying and adopting best practices and implementing lessons learned.
Provide HSSE coaching and advice through the implementation of specific policies and processes.
Act as the process advisor on site ensuring specialized processes are executed with proficiency, i.e. SIMOPS, PTW, RCA, Critical Lift, etc.
Participate in Safety Committees and other Project HSSE engagements as required.
Lead HSSE field engagements with EPC personnel and participate in all EPC HSSE initiatives.
Facilitate the RGLNG HSSE auditing program.
Aid the EPC Contractor in the execution of the Emergency Response Plan elements and act as the lead Emergency Response representative for the Owners E&C Team.
Provide information and input for periodic HSSE performance reports as required by the project and project agreements.
Assist in the development of elements of the HSSE Management System in preparation of transition to Operations at the facility.
Facilitate HSSE messaging campaigns to ensure new / highlighted topics are communicated adequately throughout the workforce.
Work with external local, state, and federal agencies as required.
Lead and provide HSSE oversight for the transition from construction into commissioning and startup (CSU), with particular emphasis on SIMOPS, system energization, and introduction of hazardous materials and hydrocarbons.
Ensure that HSSE controls are adapted to address temporary, transitional, and degraded states typical of commissioning activities.
Work closely with Operations, Commissioning, and EPC teams to ensure alignment on risk management expectations during CSU phases, including Permit to Work, isolation management, and control of hazardous energy.
Embed Energy Based Safety (EBS) principles across site activities, ensuring a systematic approach to identifying, assessing, and controlling hazardous energy sources (e.g., mechanical, electrical, pressure, thermal, chemical).
Drive a focus on âhigh-consequenceâ or âstuff that kills youâ (STKY) risks, ensuring that critical controls are clearly defined, communicated, and consistently applied across both construction and commissioning activities.
Support the development and implementation of leading indicators and field verification activities focused on energy control effectiveness rather than solely traditional lagging metrics.
Provide HSSE leadership for SIMOPS planning and execution, ensuring clear delineation of responsibilities and risk controls between construction, commissioning, and operations teams.
Act as a key interface between EPC, Commissioning, and Operations to ensure that risk ownership and control measures are clearly understood and maintained during overlapping activities.