Melissa Spencer https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissazassospencer/
*****************@*****.*** Residing in Greenbrier, TN 37073 +1-615-***-**** Classified as Internal
EHS MANAGEMENT ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCESS SAFETY LEADER
A professional with a systemic mindset and an energetic, proactive, and results-oriented approach. Known for resilience, collaboration, and empathy. Passionate about delivering value to people, the planet, and the organization. Engineer with international experience as an executive and as an auditor in EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety), Process Safety, and Operations. Held management positions in large multinational companies across multiple sites operations leading multicultural EHS teams. Proven areas of expertise include:
Leadership Operational Support Safety Culture Integrated Management Systems (IMS) Process safety risks Audit PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
ULTRACARGO May. 2022 to May. 2025
The company belongs to Grupo Ultra, the largest Brazilian provider of bulk liquid tank storage. It operates in the oil, gas, and logistics sectors. HSE Manager - Risk Management and Process Safety – Corporate position Lead a corporative team of safety, environmental with responsibility for supporting services to all units located in seven Brazilian states. Reported to the Operations Director and managed a team of 30, including all terminals.
● Led organizational behavior and safety culture programs aimed at ensuring safe operations (Hearts and Minds, G- MIRM).
● Monitored KPIs related to safety performance, compliance, and root cause identification, based on API 754. Oversaw all EHS programs to ensure full compliance with applicable regulatory agencies.
● Created and executed a company-wide EHS Master Plan based on four management layers, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and regulatory compliance. The plan included programs aligned with the Mindware, Software, and Hardware pillars.
● Led and executed risk programs such as HAZOPs and developed critical procedure failure analyses across all units.
● Implemented a comprehensive risk management process focused on identifying all MUEs (Material Unwanted Events). Developed Bow-Tie diagrams to define critical controls, map preventive and mitigative barriers, and monitor dynamic risks across 100% of operational processes.
● Established a risk management control system for CAPEX governance.
● Developed digital platforms featuring innovative technologies in process safety, including Management of Change
(MOC), Waiver Processes, Insurance Audits, Dynamic Risk Monitoring, and HAZOP tracking.
● Oversaw Emergency Response Plans and coordinated response drills in collaboration with facility managers and operations staff. Implemented Business Continuity and Crisis Management Plans at the corporate level.
● Conducted regular EHS compliance audits across all facilities to prevent accidents and ensure adherence to safety regulations.
● Led the environmental licensing process for ongoing operations and new terminal development projects. VOPAK BRASIL S.A Feb. 2010 to Apr. 2022
Large-sized global business as International Tank terminal operator focus on handling of bulk liquid products and gases. Global Projects Manager - EHS and Operations Jul. 2019 to Apr. 2022 – Global Position Allocated in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Reported to the Global EHS Advisor. Indirectly led focal points at international terminals.
● Developed and deployed the global Safety Engagement Program ("Trust and Verify!") across all 66 operational terminals, using the Bow-Tie methodology. Created a standard Safety Checklist focused on critical operational safety processes and the Integrated Management System, supported by technical guidelines.
● Delivered training for over 3,000 employees at all hierarchical levels to ensure proper implementation and engagement with the program.
Melissa Spencer https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissazassospencer/ *****************@*****.*** Residing in Greenbrier, TN 37073 +1-615-***-**** Classified as Internal
● Reviewed the Global Technical Audits Program (THA – Terminal Health Assessment), aligning it with CDI-T (Chemical Distribution Institute – Terminals) and international standards.
● Led and participated as an auditor in international technical audits covering operations, EHS, quality, maintenance, and projects at ports in various countries.
● Implemented a new audit management software system (Enablon) across all 66 terminals.
● Demonstrated strong influence and persuasive communication with multifunctional teams. Acted as a business partner with a direct focus on global standards for confined spaces, product transfer, LOTO (Lock Out/Tag Out), working at height, emergency response, firefighting systems, and electrical systems. Operations Manager - Terminal Jun. 2014 to July. 2019 – Site position Provided services for the joint venture between Vopak and Ultracargo at the Port of Paranaguá, Paraná, Brazil. Reported to the Board of Directors and directly managed a team of 40. Responsible for the administrative, operational, maintenance, and EHS departments.
● Managed liquid bulk volume loading and unloading operations, EHS compliance, ISPS Code adherence, tank maintenance, new expansion projects, customer service, and administrative activities.
● Coordinated the terminal’s budget, CAPEX, and OPEX. Increased EBITDA by 50% in 2017 and 2018.
● Implemented Vopak safety standards with full compliance during the 2016 Assure Internal Audit program.
● Led the creation and execution of an EHS system-focused safety culture transformation project, achieving five consecutive years without personal incidents.
Safety, Environment, Health, and Quality Specialist Jun. 2013 to July. 2014 – Regional Position Provided services for the Alemoa (Santos), Aratu (Salvador) and Paranaguá port in Paraná. Reported to EHS Manager.
● Led continuous improvement initiatives by developing the EHS management system and integrating ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 certifications, resulting in a 90% reduction in non-conformities.
● Managed corporate occupational health programs such as PPRA, PCMSO, and PPR, achieving a 10% cost reduction.
● Standardized 100% of sustainability indicators based on API 754 standards and conducted five performance audits.
● Implemented a software-based environmental licensing system and trained 10 focal points.
● Developed and implemented Management of Change (MOC) processes at the corporate level.
● Led the implementation of an online Learning Management System (LMS), including the creation of training materials and conducting staff training sessions.
Safety, Environment, Health, and Quality Coordinator Feb. 2010 to July. 2013 - Site position Provided services for the ports of Alemoa and Ilha Barnabé in Santos. Reported to the EHS Manager.
● Implemented and standardized Job Safety Analysis (JSA), training employees and third-party contractors. Developed and delivered training for a behavioral safety program.
● Investigated incidents using the Tripod methodology, including fire, spill, accident by leave, and product contamination cases.
● Led the improvement of terminal emergency plans in compliance with federal legislation and mutual aid agreements. AMAGGI EXP E IMP LTDA AND HERMASA NAVEGAÇÃO DA AMAZÔNIA S.A Sep. 2002 to Nov. 2009. Large-sized Brazilian company in the agricultural and ports industry. Environmental Coordinator Sep. 2003 to Nov. 2009 - Site position Managed the EHS team at Itacoatiara, Belém, and Porto Velho. Reported to the EHS Manager.
● Established environmental departments at individual units, developing a team of eight employees.
● Prepared and implemented the group’s first environmental policy by creating environmental processes for corporate activities.
Melissa Spencer https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissazassospencer/ *****************@*****.*** Residing in Greenbrier, TN 37073 +1-615-***-**** Classified as Internal
● Achieved certification under NBR ISO 14001:2004 for sectors including soy crushing, ports, thermoelectric plants, dockyards, river transport, and soy farming.
● Conducted 20 compliance audits based on the NBR ISO 14001:2004 standard. Chemical Engineer Trainee Sep. 2002 to Aug. 2003 - Site position Work experience at a soy crushing lab.
● Identified environmental aspects and impacts, hazards, and risks, managing solid residue and working at the water and waste treatment stations.
● Assessed projects and helped achieve authorization from prior licenses, installations, and operations. EDUCATION
Specialization in Sustainable Management - Unimonte University, 2012. Specialization in Safety Engineering - University of São Paulo, 2009. Specialization in Environmental and Technological Management - Cândido Mendes University, 2005. Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering - Federal University of Santa Maria, 2002. INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
● 2014–2021: England, Peru, Colombia, Mexico, US, Panama, the Netherlands, and Belgium — Participated as lead and co-lead auditor in several technical audits for Vopak’s units.
● 2019–2021: Rotterdam, the Netherlands — Based there to develop global SHE and operational projects.
● 2010: Guayaquil, Ecuador — Worked as EHS Manager for six months. TECHNOLOGY AND SPECIALIZATION COURSES
● OSHA General Industry – In progress.
● Enablon Software: Management of events, audits, and non-compliances. Bowtie: Risk analysis methodology
● Tripod: Incident investigation methodology.
● In-company training courses: Integrated Management System, ESG, Leadership, People Management, Storage Tanks and Projects, International Auditor Course, and API-754. LANGUAGES
Fluent English, intermediate Spanish. Native language: Portuguese