Health, Safety & Environment Manager

Job Description

For this position, Mars is hiring a Health, Safety & Environment Manager for the Mars Snacking site in Veghel, The Netherlands.

At our Mars Snacking site in Veghel, The Netherlands, more than 750 dedicated Associates work every day to produce chocolate bars like Mars, Snickers, Bounty and Twix for countries around the globe.

Make safety meaningful. Lead with purpose. Create sustainable impact.

At Mars, people, safety and sustainability come first. As our Health, Safety & Environment Manager, you will play a pivotal leadership role in shaping a safe, healthy, and sustainable manufacturing environment. You will be a trusted advisor and active member of the Plant Leadership Team, taking responsibility for the site’s Health, Safety, Environment, and Security performance. This role is more than compliance - it’s about influencing behavior, leading change, and protecting what matters most: our people.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a visible, inspiring leader who can combine technical HSE expertise with the ability to transform culture and empower teams:

• Proven experience in Health, Safety, Environment, or Security leadership in manufacturing or supply environments
• Knowledge of ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and relevant legislation combined with good understanding of the Safety Pillar Management within a Manufacturing Excellence system
• Fluent Dutch and English language skills (spoken and written) are essential to effectively engage with local teams and international stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to drive cultural change, continuous improvement, and behavioral safety initiatives
• Excellent communication, coaching, and stakeholder management skills
• Leadership qualities including setting vision & purpose; building trust and integrity; driving results and taking action; resolving conflicts effectively; prioritizing and aligning key objectives and conducting qualitative root cause analysis and corrective plans where required

What will be your key responsibilities?

Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute site strategies for Health, Safety, Environment, Security, setting ambitious targets and inspiring others to achieve them
• Lead, coach, and empower the HSE team consisting out of 5 direct reports, while influencing all site associates to embrace a strong safety and environmental mindset
• Drive cultural transformation by integrating HSE priorities into operational and strategic decisions across the Site Leadership Team
• Chair the site MSE Safety Pillar, demonstrating visible, impactful leadership

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with corporate safety standards, and legal requirements, including local environmental regulations and progressing actions following the Risk Inventory and Elimination program
• Oversee emergency response and response teams, Mars business continuity program, and asset conservation policies, fostering accountability across the site
• Serve as the main contact for regulatory bodies, ensuring environmental and safety compliance

Incident Management & Continuous Improvement

• Lead investigations of incidents, near misses, and security events, driving learning, accountability, and corrective action
• Champion behavioral safety programs, risk assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Lead the Plant Emergency Team, Security Team, and operational fire brigade, inspiring readiness and excellence

Reporting & Stakeholder Engagement

• Monitor, analyze, and communicate HSE metrics, trends, and insights to influence behavior and support decision-making
• Advise site leadership and associates on environmental, energy, safety, and security matters, fostering ownership and competence
• Represent the site in European forums, sharing best practices and promoting a culture of continuous improvement

What can you expect from Mars?

• Be part of a purpose-driven company that’s building a better world for people and pets
• A purpose-driven role where your work protects people, assets, and the environment
• Visibility and influence as a member of the Plant Leadership Team
• A culture of support and flexibility – where your voice matters
• Fuel your day with healthy, freshly cooked meals at our onsite restaurant
• A benefits package including a company pension plan
• Take advantage of global career opportunities within Mars
• Enjoy an Associate Assistance Program for mental health & coaching