New

Sr. Manager, Project HSSE

NextDecade
United States, Texas, Brownsville
Apr 07, 2026
ABOUT NEXTDECADE CORPORATION NextDecade is committed to providing the world access to reliable, lower-carbon energy. We are focused on delivering secure and cost-effective energy through the safe and efficient development and operation of natural gas liquefaction capacity at Rio Grande LNG. Through our subsidiaries, we are developing and constructing the Rio Grande LNG natural gas liquefaction and export facility near Brownsville, Texas, with approximately 48 MTPA of potential liquefaction capacity currently under construction or in development, sufficient space at the site for up to 10 liquefaction trains, and a potential carbon capture and storage project. NextDecade's common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol "NEXT." NextDecade is headquartered in Houston, Texas. For more information, please visit www.next-decade.com . SUMMARY OF THE ROLE The Sr. Manager, Project HSSE ensures the RGLNG project executes all work with necessary HSSE processes to achieve project goals related to safety, environmental, regulatory permitting, health, security and emergency response. This position manages efforts in HSSE execution-related contractual expectations of the EPC Contractor, as well as leading the HSSE function for the Owners E&C Site Team. This role requires a close working relationship with the EPC Contractor and will act as a focal point for Project HSSE compliance. The Sr. Manager, Project HSSE will play a critical leadership role in the transition from construction through commissioning, startup, and into early operations (CSU). This includes ensuring that HSSE processes evolve appropriately from construction safety to encompass commissioning and process safety risks, with a clear focus on managing high-consequence hazards during system energization, introduction of hydrocarbons, and SIMOPS activities. The role requires a strong understanding of Energy Based Safety (EBS) principles and their application to both construction and commissioning environments, ensuring that controls are in place to manage hazardous energy sources and prevent serious injury and fatality (SIF) events. The Sr Manager, Project HSSE will support the Corporate HSSE discipline within the company to ensure necessary processes are developed and implemented to support the Project construction phase, through commissioning and startup into operations. This position is based in Brownsville, TX. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Work closely with the EPC Contractor's site HSSE Manager to ensure compliance with Project policies and procedures. Provide support and guidance to the PMT on HSSE investigations and the resolution of the corrective actions identified. Interface with the NextDecade Regulatory/Permitting team and provide guidance/support to the site environmental team. Interface with NextDecade Operations HSSE team to support Emergency Response / RFSU / SIMOPS activities and process development. Implement the NextDecade HSSE vision and company values and ensure the project site is aligned with the strategy. Lead the development and continuous improvement of Health, Safety, and Security standards by identifying and adopting best practices and implementing lessons learned. Provide HSSE coaching and advice through the implementation of specific policies and processes. Act as the process advisor on site ensuring specialized processes are executed with proficiency, i.e. SIMOPS, PTW, RCA, Critical Lift, etc. Participate in Safety Committees and other Project HSSE engagements as required. Lead HSSE field engagements with EPC personnel and participate in all EPC HSSE initiatives. Facilitate the RGLNG HSSE auditing program. Aid the EPC Contractor in the execution of the Emergency Response Plan elements and act as the lead Emergency Response representative for the Owners E&C Team. Provide information and input for periodic HSSE performance reports as required by the project and project agreements. Assist in the development of elements of the HSSE Management System in preparation of transition to Operations at the facility. Facilitate HSSE messaging campaigns to ensure new / highlighted topics are communicated adequately throughout the workforce. Work with external local, state, and federal agencies as required. Lead and provide HSSE oversight for the transition from construction into commissioning and startup (CSU), with particular emphasis on SIMOPS, system energization, and introduction of hazardous materials and hydrocarbons. Ensure that HSSE controls are adapted to address temporary, transitional, and degraded states typical of commissioning activities. Work closely with Operations, Commissioning, and EPC teams to ensure alignment on risk management expectations during CSU phases, including Permit to Work, isolation management, and control of hazardous energy. Embed Energy Based Safety (EBS) principles across site activities, ensuring a systematic approach to identifying, assessing, and controlling hazardous energy sources (e.g., mechanical, electrical, pressure, thermal, chemical). Drive a focus on "high-consequence" or "stuff that kills you" (STKY) risks, ensuring that critical controls are clearly defined, communicated, and consistently applied across both construction and commissioning activities. Support the development and implementation of leading indicators and field verification activities focused on energy control effectiveness rather than solely traditional lagging metrics. Provide HSSE leadership for SIMOPS planning and execution, ensuring clear delineation of responsibilities and risk controls between construction, commissioning, and operations teams. Act as a key interface between EPC, Commissioning, and Operations to ensure that risk ownership and control measures are clearly understood and maintained during overlapping activities. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Recognized degree in Occupational Safety, Engineering, CSP or equivalent work experience. 15+ years of leadership experience, of which 10 years must be in an HSSE leadership role on projects >$1B in value. Demonstrated experience leading and managing HSSE personnel within complex, multicultural and/or international project environments. Demonstrated experience supporting or leading HSSE activities during commissioning, startup, or transition to operations phases on major capital projects. Practical experience managing HSSE risks associated with system energization, live systems, SIMOPS, and introduction of hydrocarbons or other hazardous substances. Strong understanding and practical application of Energy Based Safety (EBS), Serious Injury and Fatality (SIF) prevention, or equivalent high-consequence risk management frameworks. Experience implementing programs focused on identification and control of hazardous energy and critical risk controls in complex project environments. Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate teams, collaborate effectively, and communicate clearly across all organizational levels. Demonstrated analytical and problemsolving skills, proficiency with standard business software, and a practical, handson approach to project execution. Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Previous experience as an Owner's HSSE representative on a LNG Liquefaction project is highly preferred. Strong background in emergency response is highly preferred. Experienced with USCG / FERC / PHMSA regulated facilities highly preferred. Bilingual (English / Spanish) preferred. Job Site Work Environment * Must be able to wear all necessary PPE equipment to perform job functions. * Operates in a complex construction environment. * Exposure to indoor and outdoor weather conditions. * Not necessarily protected from weather and temperature changes. Possible exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy weather conditions. * Exposure to moving mechanical parts and electrical circuits. * Exposure to constant or intermittent sounds of a pitch level sufficient to cause marked distraction. * Routinely uses standard office and field communications equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers w/scanner and fax, and radios. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to support individuals with ADA-recognized disabilities to perform the essential functions for the job. * Ability to drive to other Company work locations as required. * Ability to move throughout all areas of the facility, including being physically capable of traveling to a designed muster point during emergency situations. * Stand and/or sit continuously and perform job functions for a full shift. * The incumbent is required to have fully mechanical motion and usage of all extremities. * Physically able to walk, stand, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, twist, lift, push, pull, climb, balance, crouch, handle, and lift items weighing up to 20 lbs. without assistance. * Visual acuity corrected to perform job functions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. * Must be able to clearly communicate with others via radio, phone, and verbal methods. * May be required to enter confined spaces. * May be required to work at elevated heights and access elevated structures without assistance. If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at recruiting@next-decade.com. Other Duties Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. NEXTDECADE VALUES* * Safety - We make safety a priority. Everything we do relies on the safety of our people and the communities around us. * Integrity - We do the right thing, and are open, ethical, and fair. We hold ourselves to the highest standards in all that we do. * Honesty - We value truth and honesty in ourselves and others. We honor our commitments and take responsibility for our actions. * Respect - We listen, and respect people, the environment, and the communities in which we live and work. * Transparency - Transparency builds trust. We promote open communication with our people, our customers, and all our stakeholders. * Diversity - We value diversity of experiences and thoughts. It takes people with different strengths and backgrounds to make our company succeed. NextDecade provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NextDecade complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.