Senior HSE Manager

Role Purpose

To lead and coordinate HSE performance across assigned UAE construction projects, ensuring effective implementation of company HSE standards, regulatory compliance, risk controls and continuous improvement in project safety and environmental performance.

HSE Operational Leadership
• Lead implementation of approved HSE plans, objectives and standards across assigned projects and operations.
• Advise Project Directors and project management teams on HSE priorities, performance gaps and corrective actions.
• Coordinate project HSE managers and teams to ensure consistent practices and effective field supervision.
• Escalate significant HSE risks and performance concerns to the Regional HSE Manager or HSE Director.
HSE Governance & Compliance
• Ensure project compliance with applicable UAE HSE legislation, client requirements, company policies and ISO 45001 / ISO 14001 management system requirements.
• Review project HSE plans, procedures, permits and compliance records for adequacy and implementation.
• Coordinate regulatory, client and internal inspections and audits; monitor timely close-out of findings.
• Support readiness for certification and management system reviews.

Key Accountabilities

Risk Management & High-Risk Activities
• Oversee hazard identification, risk assessments, method statements and safe systems of work for construction activities.
• Review controls for high-risk activities including lifting, work at height, excavations, temporary works, confined spaces and energised systems, as applicable.
• Verify that subcontractors implement required HSE controls and competence standards.
• Exercise stop-work authority where imminent danger or uncontrolled risks are identified.
Incident Management & Emergency Preparedness
• Coordinate prompt reporting and investigation of incidents, near misses and high-potential events.
• Lead or support significant incident investigations, root-cause analysis and corrective action verification.
• Ensure emergency response arrangements, drills and project contingency procedures are maintained and tested.
• Share lessons learned across projects and monitor prevention of recurring incidents.
Performance Monitoring & Reporting
• Monitor leading and lagging HSE indicators, inspection findings, corrective actions and project performance trends.
• Prepare consolidated HSE reports and improvement recommendations for senior management.
• Conduct regular project reviews and field engagements to verify effectiveness of HSE controls.
• Support consistent use of HSE reporting platforms and accurate records.
Training, Culture & Competency
• Identify project HSE training and competency needs with operations and the People/L&D teams.
• Promote visible leadership, workforce participation, toolbox talks and behavioural safety initiatives.
• Coach HSE personnel and operational leaders on risk awareness, accountability and safe work practices.
• Support contractor and worker HSE induction standards and refresher awareness.
Client & Stakeholder Coordination
• Represent Innovo in project-level HSE meetings with clients, consultants and relevant authorities.
• Provide HSE input to mobilisations, prequalification, tenders and major operational reviews.
• Work with Operations, Quality, Procurement and subcontractors to resolve cross-functional HSE issues.
Team Leadership & Resource Coordination
• Supervise and develop assigned HSE managers, engineers and officers.
• Monitor team deployment, performance and capability across assigned projects.
• Recommend resources and improvements needed to maintain effective HSE coverage.
HSE, Quality & Continuous Improvement
• Demonstrate leadership commitment to HSE compliance, safe work practices and environmental protection across assigned operations.
• Adhere to company quality standards and support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational performance.
Innovation & Value Creation
• Promote practical digital HSE tools, data analysis and innovative controls to improve prevention, reporting and operational efficiency.

Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science or a related discipline.
• NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent advanced occupational safety qualification preferred; NEBOSH International General Certificate or equivalent as a minimum.
• Minimum 10–15 years of relevant HSE experience, including at least 5 years managing HSE activities on major construction or infrastructure projects.
• Strong knowledge of UAE HSE requirements and ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 standards.
• Proven experience with high-risk construction activities, audits, incident investigation and contractor management.
• Experience leading multi-project HSE teams in the UAE or GCC.
• Professional IOSH membership and ISO 45001/14001 auditor qualification are advantageous.
• Strong reporting, communication, coaching and stakeholder management skills.