Job Description: HSE Manager - Renewable Energy (IPP, Japan)

Position Title: HSE Manager - Renewable Energy
Location: Japan (Tokyo or project site-based with travel)
Industry: Independent Power Producer (IPP) / Renewable Energy
Languages: Fluent Japanese & Business-level English
Function: Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Management, Construction & Operations Support

Role Summary

The HSE Manager will lead all Health, Safety, and Environmental activities for renewable energy projects across Japan-covering utility-scale BESS assets. This role ensures compliance with Japanese regulations, company standards, and global best practices while fostering a strong safety culture across construction and operational sites.

The ideal candidate is bilingual, experienced in energy or infrastructure construction, and able to collaborate closely with EPC contractors, regulators, utilities, and internal teams.

Key Responsibilities

1. HSE Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and implement the company's HSE strategy for Japan projects, aligned with corporate ESG and global standards.
• Establish project-specific HSE plans, policies, and procedures for construction and operations.
• Promote a proactive safety culture across all project phases.

2. Regulatory Compliance & Permitting

• Ensure full compliance with Japanese HSE legislation, industry standards, and local authority requirements (e.g., 労基署, 消防署, 環境省).
• Support HSE-related permitting, reporting, and regulatory submissions.
• Act as the main HSE liaison with government agencies, inspectors, and permitting bodies.

3. Site Safety Management

• Oversee HSE performance for utility‑scale construction sites
• Conduct regular site inspections, audits, and risk assessments.
• Lead incident investigations, root-cause analysis, and corrective action plans.
• Monitor contractor HSE compliance, site method statements, and work permits.

4. Contractor & EPC Management

• Review and approve EPC contractors' HSE plans, RAMS documentation, and safety protocols.
• Conduct contractor onboarding, HSE training, and performance evaluations.
• Ensure alignment with both Japanese laws and IPP corporate HSE frameworks.

5. Emergency Preparedness & Risk Management

• Prepare and maintain emergency response plans, drills, and crisis management frameworks.
• Lead hazard identification (HAZID), job safety analysis (JSA), and risk mitigation plans.
• Track and manage HSE KPIs, safety metrics, and risk registers.

6. Training, Awareness & Continuous Improvement

• Deliver HSE training to employees, contractors, and site personnel.
• Implement safety campaigns and continuous improvement programs.
• Maintain HSE reporting and drive transparency across teams and senior management.

7. Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with engineering, construction, operations, legal, and asset management teams.
• Provide HSE inputs during project design, procurement, and contractor selection.
• Support ESG, sustainability reporting, and corporate compliance initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

Required

• 7-12 years of HSE experience in renewable energy, power generation, utilities, heavy industry, or construction.
• Strong knowledge of Japanese HSE regulations, labor safety requirements, and environmental standards.
• Experience managing HSE for large infrastructure or energy construction projects.
• Fluency in Japanese (native or business-level) and English (business-level).
• Strong communication, leadership, and incident management skills.