Health Safety & Environment Lead, Railway

Context

The Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Lead will be responsible for leading the implementation of the Engineering and Projects Business Unit’s (EPBU) HSE management system within their respective programme. They shall also facilitate the ongoing monitoring, review, and continual improvement of the system, coordinate local HSE inspectors activities and provide training to EPBU project staff. The position requires extensive experience—at least 10 years—in railway safety management, including a proven track record on major projects within the Gulf region.

The HSE Lead will be pivotal in ensuring regulatory compliance and reinforcing a proactive safety culture throughout project execution.

• Lead the implementation of the EPBU HSE strategy, management system, improvement initiatives, and training plans in their respective program.
• Monitor, review, and identify opportunities for improvement in the HSE management system and arrangements, supporting the development and implementation of improvement initiatives.
• Author, monitor, review, continually improve EPBU project HSE documentation, and review contractor HSE documentation (method statements, risk assessments, HSE Management Plans, Emergency Response Plans, etc.) to assess their adequacy, suitability, and compliance with EPBU and other requirements.
• Develop, implement, monitor, and report on the progress of local safety performance improvement plans for their respective programs and projects.
• Provide expert guidance and support to project teams on all HSE-related matters, ensuring full compliance with local regulations, client standards, and international best practices relevant to conventional railway projects.
• Act as the program’s primary liaison on all HSE matters for the client when dealing with contractors and project stakeholders.
• Develop and implement a program for conducting regular site safety inspections and audits, ensuring the development of practical recommendations for addressing deficiencies and non-conformances, as well as monitoring and reporting on the status of recommendations.
• Facilitate hazard identification and risk assessment workshops to ensure the comprehensive and accurate understanding of project risks, risk profiles, and risk management measures.
• Lead incident investigations and root cause analyses, with a focus on learning to drive improvement through the learning of lessons and implementation of practical actions.
• Monitor and analyse HSE performance against a range of KPIs, and prepare comprehensive safety statistics, reports, and presentations for senior management and the client.
• Deliver a range of HSE training, inductions, briefings, toolbox talks, etc. to increase awareness amongst staff and support the enhancement of safety culture throughout projects staff.
• Conduct internal compliance monitoring activities to ensure compliance with all relevant statutory, legal, contractual, and client-specific HSE requirements.
• Remain current on applicable safety legislation, regulations, and best practices related to railway projects in the region.

• Minimum 10 years' experience in HSE roles with a strong track record in conventional railway projects (construction, commissioning, and/or operations).
• Minimum 5 years’ Gulf region experience on major projects (UAE, KSA, Qatar, etc.).
• Thorough knowledge of Gulf HSE regulations and railway industry safety standards (e.g., mainline/conventional heavy rail).
• Recognized professional certifications (e.g., NEBOSH, IOSH, CSP, IRCA Lead Auditor) are highly desirable.
• Strong communication skills in English (Arabic is an advantage).
• Demonstrated ability to interface with clients, contractors, and regulatory authorities.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Occupational Health and Safety, or a related field.
• Fluent in English with strong written and oral communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in Arabic language an advantage.

Systra is an equal opportunities company; this position is open to all applicants.