Manager, HSE

Manager - Health, Safety & Environment

Location: Horana, Sri Lanka.

Coats is a world leader in thread manufacturing and structural components for apparel and footwear, as well as an innovative pioneer in performance materials. These critical solutions are used to create a wide range of products, including ones that provide safety and protection for people, data and the environment.

Trusted by the world's leading companies to deliver crucial, innovative, and sustainable solutions, we provide value-adding products including apparel, footwear and specialty threads.

With a proud heritage dating back more than 250 years and a spirit of evolution to constantly stay ahead of changing market needs, we have operations across 50 countries with a workforce of over 17,000, serving our customers worldwide.

Role Purpose:

The HSE Manager is responsible for leading and implementing all aspects of Health, Safety, and Environmental strategy, policies, systems, and procedures across the country. The role ensures the integration of safety, environmental compliance, and sustainability into daily operations while aligning with corporate standards and regulatory requirements.

As a member of the country leadership team, the HSE Manager drives a strong safety culture and environmental accountability throughout the organization. Acting as a strategic business partner, the HSE Manager collaborates closely with manufacturing and operational leadership to embed HSE excellence into operational processes and decision-making.

What you will do:

Health & Safety (HS)

Strategic Responsibilities

• Review and continuously update Safety Standards for all processes to align with best practice and Coats H&S (Health & Safety) policies.
• Develop, review, and audit the H&S Management System, compliance frameworks, and SOPs to ensure consistent and sustainable safety performance.
• Ensure full compliance with all legal, regulatory, and Coats H&S requirements, including timely follow up on updates.
• Strengthen the key risk controls by conducting periodic risk assessments, Permit to Work (PTW) systems, and SOPs amongst other controls.
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying systemic gaps through audits, incident analysis etc.
• Evaluate current and future H&S capability requirements and develop programs to build long-term organizational safety maturity.
• Budget and allocate the necessary resources- such as safe equipment, PPE, engineering controls, adequate staffing etc. to continuously strengthen safety practices.

Operational Responsibilities

• Conduct regular shop floor safety audits and identify improvement opportunities.
• Oversee periodic inspections of fire protection and fire prevention systems, ensuring full functionality.
• Ensure hazards, near misses, serious incidents and injuries are reported, thoroughly investigated, systemic causes are identified with appropriate and effective corrective actions.
• Implement and maintain fire safety and protection monitoring systems.
• Ensure emergency preparedness and drive improvements.
• Lead incident investigations, analyse root causes, and suggest/implement action plans.
• Ensure implementation of safety systems and develop action plans to address gaps and enhance conditions.
• Conduct regular H&S requirement reviews with Manufacturing and department managers.
• Act as a focal point of H&S related audits conducted by the Regulatory offices, GIA and Brands/Buyers.

People & Culture Responsibilities

• Provide H&S training, coaching, and on the ground support to employees, supervisors, and leaders.
• Promote Psychological Safety so that people speak up about H&S.
• Build a strong, generative safety culture across all employee groups.
• Recognize and reinforce positive behaviours and build awareness and engagement.

Environmental Compliance (E)

Strategic Responsibilities

• Stay updated on local regulatory requirements, develop necessary compliance plans and support internal stakeholders on compliance.
• Develop, maintain, and audit the Environmental Management System (EMS) in line with the framework of ISO 14001 and regulatory standards.
• Build strategic partnership with Manufacturing Director/Head(s) and champion to implement Company’s ESG agenda and goals in the business unit/site(s).
• Identify and prioritize environmental risks; support Manufacturing Leadership in developing improvement plans for respective site(s).
• Lead the development of environmental emergency procedures and ensure readiness for business continuity.
• Provide strategic leadership on ETP, resource efficiency, and footprint reduction initiatives.

Operational Responsibilities

• Conduct site audits for environmental compliance; issue findings and ensure closure of actions.
• Lead and support incident investigations, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Provide technical guidance on air emissions, wastewater, waste management, soil/groundwater protection, and chemical handling.
• Support daily operations of ETP systems and troubleshoot compliance issues.
• Maintain liaison with relevant environment and other government offices to ensure timely renewal of all types of environmental permits.
• Define, track, and report environmental KPIs and compliance metrics to corporate teams, Regulatory agencies, and for ESG disclosures.
• Work closely with the Manufacturing Head(s) and cross-functional teams to embed environmental requirements into daily operations.
• Ensure proper handling/storage/transport and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste, supported by required documentation through licensed, compliant waste vendors.
• Work closely with Supply Chain and Procurement team to ensure chemicals and materials meet required environmental composition standards.
• Act as a focal point for all environmental related audits conducted by the Regulatory offices, GIA and Brands/Buyers.
• Ensure full adherence to laws and regulations highlighted in ENHESA.

People & Culture Responsibilities

• Train and mentor manufacturing managers and leaders on environment and compliance responsibilities.
• Coach teams in environmental risk assessments and critical controls.
• Promote a speak up culture for reporting environmental concerns.
• Communicate clearly with stakeholders on compliance expectations and regulatory changes.

Who you are:

• Minimum Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in environmental compliance within manufacturing/multi‑site operations.
• Certification in Health, Safety and Environmental management.
• Demonstrated experience with ETP/wastewater treatment operations, permit management, and regulator engagement.
• Ability to promote integrity, transparency, and accountability in HSE.

What will set you apart:

• Results oriented.
• Expertise in change management and ability to influence stakeholders.
• Work experience in a culturally diverse, international setting.
• A high level of personal credibility, with the authority to build respect and trust at all levels of a company.

At Coats Group, we are committed to innovation, excellence, and fostering a diverse and collaborative environment where every team member can thrive. If you are passionate about making an impact in the textile industry and eager to join a global leader with a rich heritage and a forward-thinking approach, we invite you to take the next step in your career with us.

Apply now to be part of our dynamic team and help shape the future of textiles.