Executive Search by Right Talent Sri Lanka

Right Talent Sri Lanka, a premier executive search and recruitment consultancy, has been exclusively retained by a highly prestigious, market-leading organization to identify a visionary and high-caliber leader for the role of Head of Health and Safety.

Job Title: Head of Health and Safety

Role Overview

The Head of Health and Safety will provide strategic direction, executive leadership, and governance for health, safety, and environmental compliance across the organization's entire value chain—from heavy industrial operations and logistics to corporate offices. The successful candidate will be responsible for spearheading a world-class safety culture, driving digital transformation in risk monitoring, and shifting the organizational paradigm from standard compliance to outcome-driven behavioral accountability.

Key Responsibilities & Job Functions

Strategic Leadership & Governance: Partner directly with the Chief Executive Officer and the Executive Committee to design, cultivate, and sustain a mature corporate safety culture.
- Serve on regional health and safety councils to develop, review, and benchmark global policies and corporate safety frameworks.
- Integrate Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) metrics directly into the corporate performance management framework, establishing active KPIs to drive leadership accountability.
Cultural & Behavioral Transformation:
- Design, launch, and champion high-impact behavioral safety models and zero-harm operational campaigns.
- Transition the organization's mindset from task-based responsibility to outcome-driven accountability across all operational tiers.
- Direct safety culture surveys and site-specific analyses to diagnose organizational gaps and implement tailored cultural models.
Risk Management & Compliance Systems:
- Oversee comprehensive risk management frameworks, modernizing risk registers, incident investigation protocols, and continuous improvement standards.
- Utilize advanced failure analysis methods to analyze long-term critical incident data and identify recurring root causes.
- Spearhead and localize international standards across multi-site operations
Digitalization & Technical Innovation:
- Drive the digital transformation of health and safety through live central data monitoring and information dashboards.
- Pilot and deploy advanced technology solutions, including live fleet vehicle monitoring, QR tracking for training/assets, Virtual Reality (VR) simulations, drone inspections, and proximity barriers.
Talent Development & Capability Building:
- Revolutionize competency-building strategies by establishing physical, practical H&S training facilities to replace traditional presentation-based learning.
- Standardize Individual Development Plans (IDPs) and capability-building matrices for safety professionals to secure long-term talent retention and workforce sustainability.
Crisis Management & Business Continuity:
- Define and continuously update Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) frameworks to safeguard business continuity against national disruptions, pandemics, or operational crises.
- Establish joint emergency preparedness protocols and strategic alliances with national security forces and essential public services.

Candidate Profile & Qualifications

Experience: A proven track record of 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in managing health, safety, and environmental functions across multi-industry environments (e.g., FMCG, manufacturing, heavy engineering, civil construction, mining, or logistics).
Education & Certifications: * Master of Business Administration (MBA) or equivalent postgraduate leadership qualification.
- NEBOSH International Diploma (IDip) or equivalent advanced professional technical credential.
- Graduate Membership in a globally recognized safety institution
Key Competencies: * Demonstrated ability to drastically lower incident frequency rates and maintain zero lost-time injuries in heavy industrial setups.
- Strong executive presence with the ability to coach, influence, and align senior stakeholders, plant management, and shop-floor operations.
- Experience as a regional lead trainer or auditor handling cross-border compliance standards is highly advantageous.