Job Purpose
To lead the implementation and continuous improvement of the HSE Management System in alignment with organizational objectives, with the ultimate goal of achieving zero harm to people and the environment. This role ensures compliance with relevant standards and legal requirements, drives HSE training and equipment readiness, fosters strong collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, and provides effective people leadership to build a proactive and safety-first culture across the organization.
Key Accountabilities
- Identify and control high-risk activities and tasks on the site, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and guidelines.
- Lead investigations into actual or potential incidents of medium to high risk, determining root causes and implementing corrective actions.
- Develop a comprehensive site improvement plan aligned with regional and global HSE strategy requirements.
- Review and measure the implementation of the site improvement plan, ensuring continuous improvement in health, safety, and environmental performance.
- Establish and implement quality, safety, health, and environmental systems to meet organizational objectives and legal requirements.
- Mentor site senior management in HSE leadership, promoting a culture of safety and accountability.
- Analyze site performance statistics to identify improvement opportunities and provide timely input to shape regional strategy.
- Maintain accident statistics and regularly analyze trends, advising management and OHSE committee accordingly.
- Establish, implement, and maintain Emergency Response Procedures for various emergency situations, ensuring preparedness and effective response.
- Assess and confirm the site's compliance with global/regional and local legislative requirements, coordinating with relevant authorities as necessary.
- Mentor, coach, and support HSE staff, providing guidance and expertise in health, safety, and environmental practices.
- Determine employee HSE needs, develop and implement site-specific HSE training programs.
- Coordinate and plan with GM operations regarding training status, equipment operator suitability, practical training, and assessments.
- Plan various HSE activities, prepare the department's annual budget, and manage expenses within the allocated budget.
- Ensure compliance with DP World's standards, HSE policies, and safety legal requirements, providing guidance and support to staff.
- Act as an ambassador for DP World at all times when working; promoting and demonstrating positive behaviours in harmony with DP World’s Principles, values and culture; ensuring the highest level of safety is applied in all activities; understanding and following DP World’s Code of Conduct and Ethics policies
- Perform other related duties as assigned Undertake tasks and responsibilities assigned by the CEO.
Job Context
This role supports the safe and compliant operation of the Business Unit by implementing HSE policies, procedures, and systems that reduce risk and promote a zero-harm culture. It involves executing risk mitigation strategies, ensuring legal and standards compliance, leading audits and incident investigations, deploying training programs, and monitoring environmental performance. The role also requires mentoring site personnel, advising management on HSE matters, supporting emergency preparedness, and driving continuous improvement across all aspects of health, safety, and environmental performance.
Qualifications, Experience and Skills
- The HSE Head holds a formal Diploma/Degree level qualification in HSE.
- Minimum graduate (B.Sc.) with a formal HSE qualification such as NEBOSH.
- At least 8-10 years of practical experience as an HSE Manager in an industrial setup and high-risk environment, preferably a Container Terminal.
- Excellent influencing and communication skills.
- Knowledge of ISO and other international standards related to quality, environment, occupational health, safety, and security in the ports and shipping sector.
- Experience in dealing with critical incident investigations.
- Experience in the development of HSE management systems.
- Exposure to liaising with government, regulatory, industry, and labor organizations.
- Able to develop strong working relationships at all levels within the organization and lead/mentor workgroups and individuals.
- Language: English and Arabic is a must
Frameworks, Boundaries and Decision-making Authority
- Operates within DP World HSE policies, local regulatory requirements, and international safety standards
- Authority includes:
- Full responsibility for HSE strategy, audits, risk management, and emergency response.
- Approval of site-specific safety protocols, training plans, and incident investigations.
- Direct engagement with regulatory bodies and emergency services.
- Requires escalation for:
- Major policy deviations or incidents with reputational/regulatory risk.
- Investments beyond the approved HSE budget.
- Acts independently on operational HSE matters while aligning with CEO & Regional HSE leadership.