Manager - HSEQ

Lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of the Cluster HSEQ management framework to ensure safe, compliant and sustainable maritime operations. The role oversees health, safety, environment, quality, security and business continuity activities, ensures compliance with applicable local and international requirements, and promotes a proactive safety and quality culture across business units, vessels, sites, contractors and stakeholders.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and technical guidance on all HSEQ matters across departments, business units, vessel masters, crews, clients, contractors and service providers.
• Develop, implement and maintain HSEQ management systems, policies, procedures and standards in line with IMS, SMS, ISPS, MLC, ISO standards, regulatory requirements and AD Ports Group requirements.
• Act as Designated Person Ashore (DPA), where applicable, to monitor the effective implementation of the Safety Management System and ensure safe vessel operations.
• Ensure implementation, review and maintenance of Ship Security Plans (SSP), emergency response arrangements, crisis management plans and business continuity requirements.
• Lead HSEQ risk assessments, audits, inspections, incident investigations and assurance reviews, ensuring timely corrective and preventive actions are identified, tracked and closed.
• Monitor HSEQ performance through KPIs, dashboards, audits, incident trends, observations and compliance reports, and provide clear recommendations to senior management.
• Evaluate and approve Business Unit HSEQ SOPs, records, registers and operational controls to ensure compliance with integrated Health, Safety, Environment and Quality Management System requirements.
• Maintain registers of applicable legislation, codes of practice, standards and maritime best practices, and ensure relevant updates are communicated and implemented.
• Support departments in conducting business impact assessments and developing business continuity strategies, recovery plans and emergency response exercises.
• Drive HSEQ awareness, training, campaigns and engagement initiatives to strengthen safety leadership, quality culture and environmental responsibility across the Cluster.

People Management Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop the HSEQ team by setting objectives, providing regular feedback and supporting capability development.
• Plan team resources, assign priorities and ensure effective delivery of HSEQ initiatives, inspections, audits, training and reporting activities.
• Identify skills gaps and training needs, and ensure team members remain updated on regulatory changes, industry standards and best practices.
• Promote collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement within the team and with business stakeholders.

Strategic Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the Cluster HSEQ strategy, annual plan, objectives, budget, performance monitoring framework and improvement roadmap.
• Align HSEQ plans with business priorities, operational requirements, regulatory expectations and AD Ports Group standards.
• Analyze safety, quality, environment and business continuity data to identify trends, emerging risks and improvement opportunities.
• Champion continuous improvement by integrating lessons learned, best practices, digital tools and innovation into HSEQ processes.
• Advise senior leadership on HSEQ risks, regulatory compliance, assurance outcomes and strategic initiatives required to improve performance.

SECTION III: KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Bachelor's degree in Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Marine Engineering, Quality Management or a related field; Master's degree is preferred.
• Lead Auditor certification in ISO 45001, ISO 14001, ISO 9001 and/or ISO 22301 is preferred.
• NEBOSH IGC, IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent HSE qualification is required/preferred based on business requirements.
• Relevant maritime safety, security, business continuity or risk management certifications are an advantage.
• Excellent written and spoken English; Arabic is an added advantage.
• Minimum 8-10 years of relevant HSEQ experience, including experience in maritime, shipping, ports, offshore or vessel operations, with team leadership exposure.
• Strong knowledge of maritime HSEQ requirements, IMS, SMS, ISPS, MLC, ISO standards, regulatory compliance and contractor safety management.
• Experience in HSEQ audits, inspections, risk assessments, incident investigation, emergency response and business continuity planning.
• Ability to interpret legislation and standards and translate them into practical procedures, controls and improvement plans.
• Strong analytical, reporting and presentation skills with the ability to use HSEQ data to support decision-making.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills across operational and leadership levels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and HSEQ reporting systems; experience with dashboards and performance monitoring tools is an advantage.
• Strong leadership capability with a track record of developing high-performing teams and promoting a proactive safety culture.
• Solution-oriented mindset with strong problem-solving, adaptability and continuous improvement capabilities.