Luke Whittaker - HSEQ Manager

Take us through your career journey at the company?

Luke Whittaker Employee Story

I joined Total in 2014 on the 3-year graduate scheme, rotating through multiple departments and offshore roles. That experience gave me a broad view and allowed me to appreciate the different departments roles in the business. I progressed from Environmental Advisor to Senior Environmental Engineer, then moved into Marketing & Services to a broader Health, Safety, Environment Advisor. Since 2021, I’ve been the Lubricants Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ) Manager at Ferrybridge. 

What do you do in your current role?

I lead our Lubricants plant in Health, Safety, Environment & Quality(HSEQ), its management system, keeping us audit‑ready and in line with legislation, and coach my team to deliver strategy. I run emergency drills, chair safety and environmental committees, and manage contractors so safety is built in from the start. It’s a mix of leadership, problem‑solving, and making systems work for people.

What is your daily life?

No two days are the same. I start with what matters most—risk, people, and learning. I walk the site, listen, and clear obstacles so teams can do their best work. I prepare for audits and projects, align with managers and contractors, and close the loop on improvements. It’s practical, people‑centred, and it gives me a real sense of joy when we make something safer and simpler together.

What do you love most about your job?

Coaching, running drills, and watching confidence grow is genuinely rewarding. I also love simplifying complex systems—integrating processes and using smart tools so colleagues spend less time on admin and more time on meaningful work. Progress, however small, really energises me.

Why did you choose a career in the energy industry?

I’ve always found energy fascinating—the mix of science, safety and environment, and real‑world impact. The chance to drive sustainability through everyday decisions and to do it with diverse teams felt like a powerful way to build a better future.

Do you feel like you’re making a difference in your job?

Yes of course, we’re continuously developing our management system to layer improvements in HSEQ year on year. We target key risks within our processes and focus on risk assessments with controls to manage the hazards until we’re happy they are reduced to as low as possible.

How has TotalEnergies supported you with your ongoing training and career development? 

I’m fortunate—my graduate rotations built breadth early. Offshore experience and foundational HSE training (including the NEBOSH General Certificate) deepened my resilience. Continued development, including the NEBOSH Diploma, prepared me to lead audits, committees, and crisis exercises. The company encourages you to be curious, try new paths, and keep learning.

What do you think differentiates TotalEnergies as a company to work for?

Opportunity. Real internal mobility—from Exploration and Production (E&P) to Marketing & Services (M&S) both have helped me grow fast. A culture that values innovation, diversity, sustainability, and development means you can challenge norms, bring ideas, and be supported to make them real.