Director of Operations

Job Description

About Us

Becoming part of the SSAB family means joining a journey. A journey that we believe is essential for the sustainability of this planet. Steel has been one of the most important materials for developing our society and it will continue to be so. At SSAB, we are proud of our history and leadership in high-strength steel. We are also aware that steel production is one of the largest sources of greenhouse-gas emissions worldwide. That has to change. This is why SSAB has developed the world’s first fossil-free steel production and has committed to becoming largely fossil-free. As part of SSAB, you will be instrumental in realizing this goal and advancing the green transformation of the steel industry.

About The Job

Transformation Office, is looking for a Director of Health, Safety & Security to lead the Health and Safety, Occupational Health, and Security functions across the Luleå Mini Mill project. As a member of the Luleå Mini Mill project leadership team, this position reports to the EVP, Head of Technology & Transformation Office.

This is one of the few opportunities in Europe to build and lead a complete Health, Safety & Security function from the ground up within a major industrial transformation project.

Rather than inheriting an established function, you will define the HSS strategy, operating model, governance and culture, and influence how health, safety, occupational health and security are embedded into project leadership decisions from the outset.

As SSAB transforms its Luleå site, you will have the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on one of the most significant industrial investments in the Nordic region and on how HSS supports the future of the project.

This position is based in Luleå, Sweden.

Responsibilities And Essential Functions

• Lead the Health & Safety, Occupational Health, and Security teams, setting priorities and performance expectations across the project.
• Build and develop a high-performing HSS function, including team capability, resourcing, and organizational growth.
• Drive a proactive HSS culture through visible leadership, workforce engagement, and effective risk management.
• Ensure compliance with legal, project, and contractor requirements, and maintain relationships with relevant authorities.
• Establish and oversee HSS standards, contractor assurance processes, onboarding, and performance monitoring.
• Lead incident investigations, corrective actions, crisis management, and emergency response activities.
• Own HSS reporting, performance metrics, and project communications to leadership, lenders, and external stakeholders.
• Represent the project in discussions with contractors, authorities, and other key stakeholders on HSS matters.

Required qualifications

• Proven ability to lead leaders and specialist teams, build capability, and drive accountability.
• Strong expertise in health, safety, occupational health, and security within industrial or construction environments.
• Strong risk management, incident investigation, crisis management, and decision-making capabilities.
• Ability to influence and engage senior leaders, contractors, and frontline teams in complex project environments.
• Excellent communication, reporting, and stakeholder management skills.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Engineering, Security Management, Environmental Sciences, or a related field.
• Significant HSS leadership experience on large industrial, infrastructure, energy, or construction projects.
• Experience working on major industrial projects, ideally in sectors such as steel, mining, energy, petrochemicals, or infrastructure.
• Strong understanding of contractor management, governance, assurance, and compliance in multi-contractor environments.
• Experience with EPC, EPCM, PMC, or similar project delivery models.
• Proven track record in HSS reporting, assurance reviews, incident management, and emergency response governance.
• Knowledge of Swedish health and safety regulations is highly desirable.
• Fluent in English; Swedish or another Nordic language is an advantage.

Word from your Future Manager

“SSAB has taken the lead in transforming the steel industry towards a fossil-free value chain. As we transform our Luleå production site, health, safety, occupational health, and security must be fully integrated into every stage of the project. We are looking for an experienced Director of Health, Safety and Secrity and leader who can build a strong function, engage contractors and authorities, and create a consistent assurance framework across all construction areas. You will join a dedicated, experienced, and multicultural project team working on one of SSAB’s most meaningful transformations.”

Carl Orrling, Ph.D.

EVP, Head of Technology & Transformation Office

Our Offer

At SSAB, we strive for a diverse and inclusive environment. We use our values, driven, true and ahead, in making everyday decisions while keeping the customer at the heart of what we do. This makes us all team players, each with the drive to improve. When joining SSAB, you will become part of an organization of passionate problem solvers working together on important challenges. We will support your growth by providing a safe and friendly workplace that contributes to work-life balance. If you set out to achieve it, you will have the opportunity to broaden your skills and grow within your field or beyond.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our employees, including:

• Profit sharing
• Reduced working hours to support work-life balance
• Wellness allowance
• Relocation and immigration support for the successful candidate, where required

Recruitment process

Selected Candidates Will Progress Through The Following Recruitment Stages

• Interview(s) with relevant stakeholders at SSAB
• Site visit and meeting with the team
• Pre-employment health examination
• Reference checks
• Offer and contract signing
• Background check