DRA Projects is seeking an experienced and suitably qualified Ghanaian HSE Manager to lead and manage Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) performance on a mining project in Ghana.

Reporting directly to the Project Manager and working closely with the Construction Manager, contractors, and project teams, the successful candidate will be responsible for implementing and sustaining effective HSE management systems. This role ensures compliance with Ghanaian legislation, client requirements, and DRA standards, while driving proactive risk management and enhancing contractor HSE performance.

We require a hands-on HSE leader with extensive experience in mining construction projects, underground mining operations, and EPCM/EPC environments. The ideal candidate will provide practical guidance, influence frontline behaviours, and ensure the effective management of material risks.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all project HSE activities, providing clear direction and support to construction management, supervisors, contractors, and project personnel.
• Ensure compliance with Ghanaian HSE legislation, mining regulations, statutory requirements, client specifications, and DRA standards.
• Implement and maintain project-specific HSE management systems, risk management processes, and operational controls aligned with project scope and activities.
• Manage contractor HSE performance through mobilisation, onboarding, competency verification, inspections, audits, performance monitoring, and corrective action closure.
• Coordinate HSE inspections, compliance assessments, and audits; identify recurring issues and ensure timely implementation of corrective and preventive measures.
• Lead and coordinate thorough incident investigations, identifying root causes, communicating lessons learned, and ensuring sustainable corrective actions.
• Oversee the management of high-risk construction and underground mining activities, emphasising critical controls and material risk management.
• Supervise occupational health, industrial hygiene, and environmental management activities in line with project and statutory requirements.
• Drive behavioural safety initiatives, leadership engagements, planned task observations, and frontline risk awareness programmes.
• Develop and manage project HSE personnel to ensure adequate coverage, competency, accountability, and consistent delivery of HSE responsibilities.
• Monitor HSE objectives, targets, leading and lagging indicators, and ensure accurate, timely reporting of project HSE performance.
• Engage actively with project leadership and frontline employees to promote visible HSE leadership, effective communication, and a positive safety culture.
• Exercise the authority to stop or suspend unsafe activities where controls are inadequate or unacceptable risks are present.

Qualifications

• National Diploma or Degree in Occupational Health and Safety, or a related discipline.
• Recognised professional HSE qualification such as NEBOSH International General Certificate, NEBOSH International Diploma, IOSH, or an equivalent qualification.
• Formal training in incident investigation, risk assessment, and HSE auditing.
• Relevant underground mining safety, supervisory, or statutory competency certification aligned with project scope and Ghanaian regulatory requirements.
• Professional membership or registration with a recognised HSE body is advantageous.
• ISO 45001 Lead Auditor or Internal Auditor certification is desirable.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years’ relevant HSE experience within mining, construction, or major industrial projects.
• At least 5 years’ experience in an HSE management or senior leadership role.
• Minimum 5 years’ practical HSE experience in underground mining environments, including management of operational and construction risks.
• At least 3 years’ experience managing contractor HSE performance within EPCM/EPC project environments.
• Proven experience working with multidisciplinary and multicultural construction teams, including multiple contractors.
• Demonstrated success in implementing HSE management systems, managing major construction risks, conducting incident investigations, and driving measurable improvements in HSE outcomes.

Essential Knowledge and Competencies

• Comprehensive understanding of Ghanaian occupational health and safety, mining, and environmental legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Strong knowledge of mining and construction HSE risks, including underground operations, mobile equipment, lifting operations, energy isolation, working at heights, and simultaneous operations.
• Proficiency in applying risk management principles, verifying material risk controls, and managing contractor HSE compliance.
• Competence in incident investigation, root cause analysis, HSE auditing, and corrective action management.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively with management, supervisors, and frontline personnel.
• Confidence to challenge unsafe practises, exercise sound judgement, and provide practical, risk-based solutions.
• Strong analytical, report-writing, and HSE performance management skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, with experience in digital HSE management and reporting systems.
• Working knowledge of ISO 45001, ISO 14001, and ISO 9001 management systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Proficiency in relevant Ghanaian local languages is advantageous.

Eligibility

This position is open exclusively to suitably qualified Ghanaian nationals with relevant mining project experience and the ability to work on site in Ghana.

Equal Opportunity Employer

DRA Global is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful working environment. We value diversity and encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Contact information

Chantel Levey