Head of Department - Technical Safety

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Head of Department with a proven track record in leading and managing the discipline engineering department, ensuring the successful execution of projects and alignment with company goals for a high‑profile client.

Wood’s Oil & Gas & New Energies business is built on a strong legacy of delivering large and complex projects for national and international energy companies across the globe. We have experienced teams, a proven delivery model and a strong reputation. We are the market‑leading provider of integrated and innovative solutions that challenge the status‑quo in the oil and gas upstream and midstream, onshore and offshore, gas‑to‑liquids and decarbonization and electrification markets.

We pride ourselves in steady and predictable delivery, setting our sights on an exciting growth trajectory. Energy security, transition and supply have never been more important.

Meaningful and interesting projects delivered to high‑profile clients across the Energy Sector. Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion. Competitive remuneration package with regular reviews to ensure we are rewarding at the right level in line with the market. Medical Insurance that ensures inpatient and outpatient medical care is available. Group Life and Personal Accident Insurance with Life Assurance cover. End of Service Gratuity in line with UAE Labor Law.

Employee Share Plan. Long Service Award. Commitment to continued professional development with tailored development plans. Global connections, including the Energy Transition Academy community of experts.

• Accountable for driving engineering excellence within the Civil, Structural and Architectural teams for both onshore and offshore projects across the region.
• Ensure consistent, safe and high‑quality delivery of engineering services, effective governance of discipline practices and development of engineering capability.
• Provide functional leadership to lead Discipline Engineers of both onshore and offshore projects and maintain oversight of all discipline engineering activities within the business.
• Serve as a subject‑matter expert supporting continuous improvement and technical excellence across the wider organisation.
• Role‑model the company’s values and behaviours, demonstrating the highest standards of safety, ethics and inclusivity.

• Bachelor’s degree as a minimum in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Minimum 25 years of experience in onshore and offshore mega projects (Capex of over 2 billion USD).
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a Head of Discipline role.
• Experience in ASSESS, Pre‑FEED, FEED and Detailed Design stages of projects.
• Extensive experience in engineering delivery of Technical Safety Discipline projects with over 100K man‑hours.
• Deep knowledge in API, IEC, NFPA, ISO, OSHA, etc. codes and Middle East clients’ specifications.
• Experience with ADNOC, Qatar Energy, KNPC, KOC, BGC, BP and Shell clients.
• Good knowledge in Process Safety Studies (FERA, QRA, CFD, Radiation and Dispersion), Loss Prevention, Environmental and Occupational Engineering.
• Experience in facilitating in‑house Process Safety Workshops (HAZID, HAZOP, What if, ISD, etc.).
• Expert‑level understanding of discipline engineering tools, processes, and technologies.
• Strong understanding of client business drivers and proven experience in developing and leading high‑performing engineering teams.

• Strategic thinking and problem‑solving capability.
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural and cross‑functional environments.
• Competent in people interviewing, selection, communication and management, including performance management.
• Proactively interact with team members in a positive and professional manner.
• Coaching and mentoring capability with a focus on talent development.

• Drive HSSEA culture and performance across the discipline team.
• Ensure engineering integrity and compliance throughout all work scopes.
• Maintain a strong focus on process safety and eliminate…