URGENT REQUIREMENT — HEAD OF HSE | DUBAI, UAE

Our client, a rapidly expanding design and manufacturing powerhouse, is seeking a highly experienced Head of HSE to lead a transformational shift in Health, Safety, and Environmental performance across multiple international operations. This is an exceptional opportunity for a results-driven HSE leader who thrives in fast-growing, dynamic, and technically demanding environments.

About the Company

What began as a small warehouse operation has grown into a world-class manufacturing organization with a cutting-edge facility based in Dubai. Their growth has been steady, strategic, and driven by innovation, quality, and operational excellence. The company now operates across the UAE, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and is actively planning further expansion into new global markets.

This growth comes with the need for robust, scalable, and future-ready HSE systems—and that is exactly where the Head of HSE will play a game-changing role.

If you are passionate about building strong safety cultures, influencing leadership, and embedding sustainable compliance frameworks, this is the opportunity to make a major impact.

Role Overview

The Head of HSE will be the strategic force behind the organization’s transformation from reactive safety compliance to a fully integrated, proactive HSE excellence model. You will lead the development, rollout, and continuous improvement of HSE systems and programs across all operational areas including design, manufacturing, warehousing, facility setups, fit-out projects, and regional branches.

You will work closely with senior leadership to build a unified vision of safety, ensuring alignment with UAE regulatory standards, Dubai Municipality requirements, Civil Defense mandates, and international best practices. Candidates who are available immediately or on short notice will be given priority due to the critical importance of the role.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead HSE System Development Across All Operations

• Build and implement a fully integrated HSE management system tailored to the company’s fast-paced and diverse operations.

• Standardize HSE procedures, documentation, and workflows for manufacturing, design, fit-out, and new facilities.

• Ensure the system is scalable and ready for future global expansion.

2. Transform Safety Culture Organisation-Wide

• Drive the shift from compliance-based safety to a culture of active hazard prevention and continuous improvement.

• Implement impactful safety campaigns, toolbox talks, and on-site leadership engagements.

• Strengthen employee ownership of safety through training, coaching, and empowerment initiatives.

3. Ensure Compliance with UAE Regulations

• Work closely with Dubai Municipality, Civil Defense, and other government entities to maintain full regulatory compliance.

• Ensure timely inspections, renewals, and submissions for all required permits, approvals, fire safety systems, and environmental controls.

• Liaise with external consultants, contractors, and agencies to align operational performance with local regulations and international HSE standards.

4. Lead Facility Transitions and Operational Setups

• Take ownership of new facility setups, transitions, and expansions from an HSE perspective.

• Oversee the installation, inspection, and maintenance of:

  • Emergency response systems

  • Fire detection and suppression equipment

  • Maintenance cycles for critical assets

  • Workplace infrastructure and compliance systems

• Develop robust SOPs to ensure operational continuity without compromising safety or compliance.

5. Implement Structured Audits and Reporting Processes

• Introduce and manage a consistent audit and inspection framework across all operational areas.

• Strengthen reporting systems for hazards, near misses, incidents, and compliance deviations.

• Lead root-cause investigations, ensure corrective actions are implemented, and track performance metrics for ongoing improvement.

6. Drive Continuous Improvement in HSE Performance

• Launch programs focused on:

  • Accident and incident prevention

  • Risk reduction in production and facility areas

  • Improving equipment reliability through safety-led maintenance

  • Enhancing workforce resilience and emergency preparedness

• Benchmark the organization’s HSE performance against industry best practices and global standards.

7. Lead and Develop a Multidisciplinary Team

• Manage a large team of 20 staff spanning HSE, security, housekeeping, maintenance, and emergency response.

• Mentor team leaders, set clear KPIs, and foster a high-performance culture that prioritizes accountability and collaboration.

• Ensure consistency in standards across all departments and regional branches.

Qualifications and Skills

We are seeking a candidate who brings deep expertise, strong leadership, and an innovative approach to HSE transformation.

To be successful in this role, you should have:

• Proven experience leading HSE transformation in manufacturing, facilities management, industrial operations, or fit-out environments.

• Strong knowledge of:

  • UAE HSE regulations

  • Dubai Municipality codes

  • Civil Defense requirements

  • Environmental and fire safety standards

• A track record of developing and implementing integrated HSE systems in diverse and fast-growing organizations.

• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels, including senior leadership.

• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and drive measurable improvements in safety culture and performance.

• Experience in supporting multi-country or regional operations is an added advantage.

Who This Role Is Perfect For

This opportunity is ideal for an HSE leader who:

✔ Thrives in growth-driven, evolving environments
✔ Loves building systems from the ground up and improving what already exists
✔ Has a strong command of UAE regulations and industry best practices
✔ Is passionate about transforming safety mindsets and strengthening employee engagement
✔ Enjoys leading and developing high-performance teams
✔ Is ready to make a rapid impact and contribute to an organization’s long-term success

If you’re looking for a role where your expertise will directly influence operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and organizational culture, this is the perfect fit.

Reporting Structure

This role reports directly to the CEO / Operations Director, providing the authority, visibility, and decision-making support required to implement impactful HSE strategies.

How to Apply

If you meet the above criteria and are ready to take on a career-defining leadership role, we want to hear from you.

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☎️ 04 362 8134
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