Head of Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality - UAE National

A leading government entity in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced and accomplished Head of Health, Safety, Environment & Quality (HSEQ) to lead its HSEQ function across major infrastructure and capital projects.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for a strategic and hands‑on HSEQ professional who can establish strong governance frameworks, drive regulatory compliance, strengthen safety culture, and ensure the highest standards of health, safety, environmental protection, and quality across project delivery.

• Develop and implement the HSEQ strategy, policies, management systems, standards, and governance framework.
• Lead HSEQ audit programs, site inspections, compliance monitoring, and assurance activities across project sites.
• Oversee major incident investigations, root‑cause analysis, corrective actions, and preventive measures.
• Establish and maintain quality assurance protocols for construction and project activities, including inspection and testing plans and non‑conformance management.
• Oversee contractor HSEQ pre‑qualification, performance monitoring, compliance, and enforcement.
• Ensure compliance with applicable Abu Dhabi HSEQ regulations, government requirements, and international standards.
• Lead environmental compliance initiatives, including environmental impact mitigation and monitoring programs.
• Develop and maintain project emergency response plans and ensure site teams and contractors are appropriately trained and prepared.
• Develop and oversee HSEQ training, safety induction, awareness, and competency development programs.
• Analyze HSEQ performance data, identify trends, and benchmark performance against industry standards and best practices.
• Drive initiatives that strengthen safety culture, environmental responsibility, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee HSEQ digital systems, reporting platforms, performance dashboards, and data management.
• Provide senior leadership with regular reports on HSEQ performance, incidents, audit findings, compliance, and key improvement initiatives.
• Lead, manage, and develop the HSEQ team, ensuring effective resource allocation, capability development, and performance management.
• Represent the entity in relevant government and regulatory forums and maintain effective relationships with key HSEQ authorities and stakeholders.

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Safety Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related discipline
  .
• NEBOSH International General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety is required.
• Minimum 10–12 years of progressive experience in HSEQ, preferably within large-scale infrastructure, construction, capital projects, or government environments.
• Proven leadership experience managing HSEQ functions across complex projects and multiple stakeholders.
• Strong experience in HSEQ governance, regulatory compliance, safety audits, incident investigations, quality assurance, and contractor management.
• Strong knowledge of ISO 45001, ISO 14001, and ISO 9001 management systems.
• Strong understanding of Abu Dhabi HSEQ regulations and requirements relevant to construction and infrastructure.
• Knowledge of NEBOSH / IOSH standards and HSE best practices.
• Demonstrated experience working with contractors, consultants, government authorities, regulatory bodies, and certification organizations.
• Strategic HSEQ Leadership
• Leadership & Team Development
• HSEQ Governance & Assurance
• Health & Safety Management
• Quality Management
• Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis
• Contractor & Stakeholder Management
• Regulatory Compliance
• Data Analysis & Performance Reporting
• Integrity & Accountability
• Results Orientation

Sector: Capital Projects / Infrastructure

Organization: Confidential Government Entity

Please note: This is a confidential opportunity with a government entity in Abu Dhabi
. Further details regarding the organization and role will be shared with shortlisted candidates during the recruitment process.