Safety Manager (Ukraine only)

Our client is a Ukrainian miltech startup developing advanced technological devices for Ukraine's defense sector, and is now looking for a Safety Manager to join the team.

Location: Ukraine (only)
Type: Office|Hybrid, full-time
Start date: ASAP
About Company and Role:

This is an emerging UAV startup rapidly expanding to support Ukrainian national needs with advanced drone technology.
They believe there is a strong need for new technological solutions in the defense of free people in conflicts around the world. Their team includes experienced leaders from non-defense Silicon Valley startups who have seen this need first-hand and are committed to delivering.

As the Safety Manager, you will lead safety across our operations in Ukraine, ensuring compliance with Ukrainian legislation while implementing the company's global safety standards. You will partner closely with manufacturing, engineering, facilities, HR and leadership teams to build a strong safety culture and maintain safe working environments across all company locations.

Responsibilities:

Safety and Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Ukrainian safety legislation and other applicable regulatory requirements
• Act as the primary point of contact with Ukrainian regulatory authorities (State Labour Service, SES and other relevant authorities) during inspections and audits
• Maintain all mandatory occupational health and safety documentation required by Ukrainian legislation
• Monitor legislative changes and ensure company policies and procedures remain compliant
• Coordinate mandatory employee medical examinations, safety certifications and statutory training where required
  

Safety Program Management

• Develop, implement and continuously improve occupational health and safety programs across company operations
• Conduct regular workplace inspections, identify hazards and ensure corrective actions are implemented
• Perform risk assessments and ensure appropriate preventive and protective measures are in place
• Develop and maintain safe work instructions and operating procedures
• Partner with manufacturing, engineering and operations teams to integrate safety requirements into daily activities
• Coordinate emergency preparedness, evacuation planning and emergency response procedures
• Organize and deliver occupational health and safety training for employees and contractors
• Promote a proactive safety culture through continuous awareness initiatives

Incident Management & Reporting

• Lead investigations of workplace incidents, accidents and near misses
• Ensure timely reporting and documentation of incidents in accordance with Ukrainian legal requirements
• Develop corrective and preventive action plans and monitor their implementation
• Analyze safety performance metrics and prepare regular reports for company leadership
• Identify systemic risks and recommend continuous improvement initiatives

Requirements:

• Higher education in Occupational Health & Safety, Engineering,
• Environmental Health, Industrial Safety or a related field
• Strong knowledge of Ukrainian occupational health and safety legislation and practical experience applying legal requirements within manufacturing or industrial environments
• Experience working with regulatory inspections and maintaining statutory HSE documentation
• Experience conducting workplace risk assessments, safety inspections and incident investigations
• Experience developing occupational health and safety policies, procedures and training programs
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Willingness to travel between company sites within Ukraine 
• English level sufficient for working with documentation and cross-functional communication 
• Skills & Competencies
• • Strong organizational and project management skills
  • Excellent problem-solving and risk assessment capabilities
  • Ability to build trust and influence stakeholders at all organizational levels
  • Strong communication and presentation skills
  • Detail-oriented with excellent documentation skills
  • Ability to prioritize multiple initiatives in a dynamic environment
  • Proactive mindset with a strong commitment to continuous improvement and safety culture

 As a Plus:

• Experience in defense, aerospace, electronics manufacturing or other high-risk industrial environments
• Experience working with hazardous materials, lithium batteries, explosives or energetics
• Experience implementing ISO 45001 management systems
• Experience supporting external audits and regulatory inspections
NEBOSH, IOSH or other internationally recognized HSE certifications

The company offers:

• Full-time position & official employment
• Competitive salary (based on interview results)
• Paid vacation and sick leave according to Ukrainian legislation 
• Medical & Life
• Insurance Reservation from mobilization
• Friendly and people-oriented team culture 
• Have opportunities to work on an innovative and impactful product