VP, HSSE

NextDecade • Houston, TX

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The VP, HSSE serves as the company’s senior leader responsible for defining and executing the enterprise-wide strategy across health, safety, security, environment, and sustainability. Reporting into the COO, this role is accountable for embedding HSSE principles into all phases of the business—from project development and construction through commissioning and operations. The VP, HSSE will shape and lead a high-performing organization, establish consistent management systems, and provide executive-level guidance on risk, compliance, and performance, while serving as a key external representative on HSSE and sustainability matters.

Requirements

• Minimum of 15 years of progressive HSSE leadership experience within the oil and gas, energy, or related industrial sector, including leadership across major capital projects, construction, and operating environments
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, HSSE, or related discipline required
• Proven experience developing and implementing enterprise-wide HSSE policies, standards, and management systems
• Deep expertise across HSSE disciplines, including process safety, environmental management, and risk management, with strong working knowledge of Safety Case frameworks and major accident hazard management
• Demonstrated ability to lead high-performing teams and influence across matrixed organizations, including operations, projects, and contractor environments
• Strong analytical, risk management, and decision-making capabilities, with the ability to advise executive leadership on enterprise risk and regulatory matters
• Working knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, codes, and industry standards related to occupational health, safety, and environmental compliance
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to operate effectively in a multicultural, global, and project-driven environment

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree or relevant professional certifications (e.g., CSP or equivalent)
• Experience in LNG and/or other high-hazard industries, including Safety Case development and implementation
• Experience leading sustainability and/or ESG strategy, including emissions management and environmental performance
• Familiarity with sustainability reporting frameworks (e.g., SASB, TCFD)
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently to project sites, offices, and external stakeholder locations, including South Texas and other operational locations
• Formal training in HSSE disciplines such as planning, management, and HSSE performance evaluation.
• Membership in a professional safety organization and/or National Construction Safety Officer (NCSO) certification
• Occupational Health and Safety Degree, Diploma or CSP would be a plus.
• National Construction Safety Officer Certificate would be a plus.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute an integrated HSSE strategy aligned with NextDecade’s business objectives, regulatory requirements
• Serve as the company’s senior subject matter expert, advising executive leadership on risk, compliance, and performance across all HSSE disciplines.
• Shape, develop and lead a high-performing HSSE organization, fostering strong followership, accountability, and visible leadership.
• Champion a culture of safety, environmental stewardship, and sustainability through consistent leadership behaviors and enterprise-wide engagement.
• Establish and maintain consistent HSSE policies, standards, and management systems across the company, ensuring appropriate flexibility for local regulatory requirements.
• Embed HSSE principles into core business processes, including project development, construction, and operations.
• Integrate HSSE requirements into critical business processes, including asset integrity, Management of Change (MOC), Safety Case frameworks, and operational readiness.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate HSSE risks, ensuring proactive management of high-consequence hazards across projects and operations.
• Provide executive oversight of incident response and investigation for high-potential events, ensuring root cause analysis and sustainable corrective actions.
• Ensure full compliance with all regulatory, contractual, and company HSSE requirements across all operations.
• Partner with internal functions (Operations, Projects, Supply Chain, Regulatory, and Commercial) to embed HSSE priorities into business decision-making.
• Lead engagement industry bodies and external stakeholders on HSSE and sustainability matters, including oversight of ESG-related disclosures and reporting.
• Lead the development and integration of sustainability and environmental strategies, including emissions reduction, carbon management, and environmental impact mitigation.
• Ensure alignment of HSSE programs with company-wide sustainability commitments.
• Establish and oversee HSSE performance metrics, driving continuous improvement through data-driven insights, benchmarking, and best practice adoption.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and ensure timely implementation of corrective actions.

Benefits

• Equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive