HSE Director

HSE Director – Civil & Infrastructure Location: Dubai, UAE – Head Office Based with Site Visits Across the UAE Company: Leading UAE Civil & Infrastructure Contractor Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent Salary: AED 70,000–85,000 monthly package (depending on experience) About the Company: Our client is a leading UAE Civil & Infrastructure Contractor with an established track record of delivering major engineering and infrastructure projects across the region. They are looking to appoint an HSE Director to lead the group’s health, safety and environmental function across its UAE operations. Position Overview: The HSE Director will take overall responsibility for the group’s HSE strategy, standards and performance, leading the department and overseeing implementation across projects. The contractor’s portfolio includes highways, road networks, airport runways, bridges, tunnels and associated infrastructure works. Based at the Dubai head office, with regular site visits across the UAE, you will work closely with senior management and project leadership teams to ensure effective risk management and consistent HSE standards. Operations are primarily focused on Dubai, with upcoming projects in Abu Dhabi.

Key Responsibilities

• Group HSE Strategy: Develop and implement the group’s HSE strategy, policies and objectives, aligning standards across business divisions and project teams.
• Department Leadership: Lead a team of Senior HSE Managers, HSE Managers and HSE Advisors, overseeing resources, development and performance across the group’s UAE operations.
• Project HSE Oversight: Provide senior-level oversight of HSE planning and delivery across major civil and infrastructure projects, ensuring appropriate controls are established and maintained.
• Risk Management: Review significant operational risks and work with project leadership teams to implement effective controls for high-risk construction activities.
• Compliance & Management Systems: Oversee HSE management systems, ensuring compliance with applicable UAE legislation, authority requirements, client standards and contractual obligations.
• Audits & Performance Monitoring: Direct site inspections and audit programmes, monitor HSE performance and ensure corrective actions are implemented and verified.
• Incident Management: Oversee investigations into serious incidents and near misses, ensuring root causes are addressed and lessons learned are shared across the group.
• Leadership Engagement & Reporting: Advise senior management on HSE risks and performance, engage with clients and relevant authorities, and promote accountability throughout the business. Requirements & Experience:
• Previous experience as an HSE Director or Head of HSE, with responsibility for running an HSE department or division, is essential.
• UAE construction experience is essential.
• Strong civil and infrastructure experience is highly preferred; experienced directors from closely related sectors will also be considered.
• Experience overseeing HSE on projects valued at AED 1 billion or above is essential.
• Chartered Membership of IOSH is essential.
• A recognised health and safety qualification, such as a NEBOSH Diploma, relevant NVQ or degree, is essential.
• Proven experience developing HSE strategy, leading teams and overseeing implementation across multiple projects.
• Strong knowledge of UAE HSE requirements, construction risk management, auditing and incident investigation.
• Ability to influence senior management, support project leadership teams and drive consistent HSE performance across the group