Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) Manager

Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) Manager

• Markham, ON

About the Role

The HSSE Manager owns and leads the Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental (HSSE) function across all facilities. Operating in a demanding space-systems R&D and manufacturing environment—with energetics, cryogenics, high-pressure systems, reactive metal powders, and controlled goods—this role sets HSSE strategy, builds and matures the management system, and holds accountability for regulatory compliance, workplace risk reduction, and the protection of people, physical assets, and intellectual property. This is a program-owner role, not an execution only role. The HSSE Manager advises executive leadership, drives a proactive safety culture from the top down, and is expected to build out HSSE staffing, systems, and processes as the company scales.

HSSE Management

• Own the enterprise HSSE management system and set the multi-year HSSE strategy, objectives, and roadmap in alignment with company growth.
• Develop, maintain, and mature formal management systems, establish and report on HSSE KPIs (leading and lagging indicators) to senior leadership and the board; drive continuous improvement against targets.
• Build, lead, and mentor staff on HSSE culture as the organization grows; coach and hold accountable managers and supervisors across the internal responsibility system.
• Serve as the primary HSSE point of contact for regulators, insurers, auditors, and law enforcement bodies.
• Health & Safety Program Management
• Direct the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Health & Safety policies and programs in accordance with the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its regulations (e.g., O. Reg. 851 – Industrial Establishments, O. Reg. 297/13 – Joint Health and Safety Committees, WHMIS 2015).
• Establish the framework for workplace inspections, job hazard analyses (JHAs), and risk assessments, and oversee their execution.
• Own the incident management process, leading serious and complex investigations and ensuring OHSA reporting requirements are met, including critical injury reporting to the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD).
• Oversee injury and illness recordkeeping and WSIB claims management (Form 7 submissions, return-to-work planning), and manage the relationship with WSIB.
• Chair and support the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC), ensuring certified member requirements are met.
• Own emergency preparedness, including response planning, fire drills, evacuation procedures, and spill response for scenarios involving energetics, cryogenics, and high-pressure systems.
• Environmental Compliance & Sustainability
• Hold accountability for Environmental Compliance Approvals and reporting under federal and provincial regulations.
• Direct the handling, storage, labeling, and disposal of hazardous materials and waste in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Manage waste diversion and reporting obligations while shaping the organization's broader environmental and sustainability strategy.

Security & Controlled Goods

Support the physical security program end-to-end, including access control, visitor management, surveillance, alarm systems, badge management, and after-hours protocols. Lead security risk assessments and implement countermeasures protecting flight hardware, controlled goods, intellectual property, and sensitive technical data. Support the Designated Official for the Controlled Goods Program (CGP) on personnel assessments, recordkeeping, and compliance reporting.

Support personnel security screening (background checks and clearances) for employees, contractors, and visitors accessing controlled or sensitive areas, partnering with Operations and People teams on onboarding and offboarding.

Training, Culture & Regulatory Audit

Own the HSSE training program aligned with Ontario requirements, including WHMIS, Lockout/Tagout, Confined Space, Forklift, Health & Safety Awareness training, and other required programs.

Drive a proactive, accountable safety culture through leadership engagement, toolbox talks, JHSC involvement, and visible executive sponsorship.

Stay ahead of changes to OHSA, MLITSD, MECP, WSIB, and CGP/PSPC regulations and ensure organizational readiness.

Lead internal audits and manage external MLITSD/MECP inspections through to resolution of any findings.

Maintain the integrity of SDS libraries, permits, and compliance documentation.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Five or more years of progressive HSSE experience in a heavy industry environment—such as oil and gas, aerospace, defence, energetics, chemicals, or advanced manufacturing—including experience at a lead, supervisory, or managerial level with accountability for a full program or site.
• Deep working knowledge of Ontario OHSA, WHMIS 2015, WSIB processes, and environmental legislation (EPA, O. Reg. 347, CEPA). Proven track record leading incident investigations, risk assessments, and audits.
• Experience building or maturing formal HSSE management systems is strongly preferred.
• Experience with physical security, access control, and personnel screening; prior Controlled Goods Program administration or Designated Official experience is considered a strong asset.
• Demonstrated leadership with the ability to influence at all levels, coach supervisors and executives alike, and manage multiple compliance and security programs concurrently. Comfortable engaging with regulatory and law enforcement bodies.
• Ability to split time between the office and the manufacturing floor. Occasional travel between sites may be required.
• Legally authorized to work in Canada and eligible for registration under the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP).

This posting is for an existing vacancy. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted by email.

Salary Range: $80,000 - $95,000 CAD per year

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