QHSE Director

The QHSE Director is responsible for setting the strategic direction and overseeing the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the company’s Quality, Health & Safety, and Environmental (QHSE) management systems. This leadership role ensures that all projects—across design, construction, and handover—meet the highest standards of compliance, operational excellence, and risk management. The QHSE Director works closely with senior leadership, project teams, consultants, and contractors to drive a culture of quality, safety, and sustainability across the organization.

Job Responsibilities:

• Develop the overall QHSE strategy and roadmap for the company.

• Establish company-wide QHSE policies, procedures, and performance standards.

• Provide strategic guidance to executive management on quality, health, and environmental matters.

• Ensure alignment with international standards (ISO 9001, ISO 45001, ISO 14001) and local regulatory requirements.

• Lead QHSE risk assessments and high-level reviews for major projects.

• Oversee the implementation of the Quality Management System (QMS) across all projects.

• Approve project quality plans, ITPs, method statements, and quality control procedures.

• Lead major quality audits, certification renewals, and compliance reviews.

• Drive initiatives that improve workmanship, reduce defects, and enhance client satisfaction.

• Ensure effective root cause analysis and corrective action plans for critical non-conformities.

• Oversee the Health & Safety Management System aligned with ISO 45001.

• Approve high-risk activity plans, safety guidelines, and emergency response procedures.

• Conduct executive-level safety walkthroughs and site leadership visits.

• Lead investigations of serious incidents and ensure proper implementation of corrective measures.

• Ensure contractors and subcontractors meet the company’s HSE requirements and performance criteria.

• Oversee implementation of the Environmental Management System (ISO 14001).

• Ensure compliance with environmental laws, sustainability goals, and environmental permits.

• Lead initiatives on waste reduction, energy efficiency, environmental impact mitigation, and green site practices.

• Drive environmental awareness programs across project teams and contractors.

• Lead and develop the QHSE department, including managers, officers, site inspectors, and auditors.

• Establish KPIs and performance metrics for QHSE teams across all locations and sites.

• Provide coaching, training, and development to enhance QHSE capabilities within the organization.

• Promote a high-performance culture focused on accountability, continuous improvement, and risk prevention.

• Collaborate with Project Directors, Consultants, Contractors, and Government Authorities to ensure QHSE compliance.

• Represent the company in QHSE meetings, regulatory discussions, and industry forums.

• Support tendering and business development activities by preparing QHSE-related documentation.

• Engage with clients to present QHSE performance, initiatives, and compliance status.

• Provide monthly and quarterly QHSE performance reports to senior leadership.

• Monitor trends, analytics, and performance data to identify risks and improvement areas.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety culture, quality maturity, and environmental stewardship.

Key Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Occupational Health & Safety, or a related field.

• Master’s degree preferred (MBA, Engineering Management, or related field).

• NEBOSH, IOSH, Lead Auditor ISO 9001/14001/45001 certifications strongly preferred.

• Minimum 12–15 years’ experience in QHSE, including significant experience working in contracting companies.

• Proven leadership experience at a senior or director level.

• Strong track record overseeing QHSE operations across multiple construction projects.

• In-depth knowledge of UAE regulatory authorities and compliance requirements.

• Experience with large-scale real estate developments, mixed-use projects, or infrastructure projects.

Key Competencies:

• Executive leadership and strategic planning

• Strong communication and stakeholder management

• Deep knowledge of ISO and regulatory frameworks

• High decision-making capability and risk management skills

• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and contractors

• Strong audit, compliance, and reporting skills

• Ability to drive change and foster a strong QHSE culture