Defensive Driving Subject Matter Expert; SME

Defensive Driving Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Muscat, Sultanate of Oman | Posted on 05/05/2026

• Work Experience 15+ years of progressive experience in defensive driving training, assessment, or standards body work.
• Job Opening Status Open
• Industry Manufacturing
• City Muscat
• Country Sultanate of Oman

The Subject Matter Expert (SME) is the senior technical authority on this contract. You will be the most credible voice on defensive driving and safe journey management inside company, and one of the most senior technical voices in Oman’s road-safety ecosystem. You will lead our team of auditors, personally evaluate trainers and assessors in the field, sign off every audit report before it reaches OPAL, and represent company at executive level.

Be the technical authority on DD and SJM standards

Advise OPAL on every aspect of the OPAL Defensive Driving Training & Assessment Standard (DDTAS), the OPAL Road Safety Standard (including Section 6 on Journey Management), and the OPALSTAR standards for centre recognition, course approval, and assessment. Track international best practice and propose updates so Oman’s standards stay world‑class. Lead any standard revision and update operational procedures within 10 working days.

Lead the audit programme

Plan and personally lead the annual evaluations and re‑evaluations of approved DDTPs, DDACs, and SJMTPs. Conduct trainer and assessor evaluations across the full range: knowledge interview, certificate verification, classroom observation, in‑vehicle observation, and feedback skills. Approve every audit report before it is issued.

Report and represent at executive level

Lead the weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports to OPAL. Attend operational, contract, and executive meetings as Company’s senior technical voice. Make sure every report carries clear authorship and is supported by audit evidence.

Develop people and build national capability

Run the structured CPD programme for trainers, assessors, and programme managers across the country. Mentor your audit team. Identify and develop a successor inside Company. Help OPAL build a national DD trainer certification standard and develop relationships with Omani universities and colleges.

Modernise the training ecosystem

Lead the annual review of training materials. Bring in interactive, scenario‑based, and simulation‑based methods. Help DDTPs integrate IVMS and DFMS data into their content.

Own the operations manual and quality system

Build and maintain the DDSB operations manual, SOPs, audit checklists, and inspection instruments. Update them within 10 working days of any standard revision. Contribute to the Safety Culture digital audit platform.

Protect the integrity of the function

Maintain absolute independence. Comply with the contractual conflict‑of‑interest restrictions covering Company subsidiaries and affiliated entities, both during and after the contract. Show no bias to any provider.

• 15+ years of progressive experience in defensive driving training, assessment, or standards body work.
• 5+ years in a defensive driving standards body, oversight, or evaluation role (OPAL or equivalent regulatory framework strongly preferred).
• Demonstrable record of leading evaluations of DD training providers, assessment centres, and trainer /assessor competency.
• Hands‑on familiarity with OPAL standards (DDTAS, OPAL Road Safety Standard, STAR Centre Recognition, STAR Course Approval).
• Working experience with Safe Journey Management — JMS audit, journey‑plan review, IVMS monitoring, night‑driving authorisation.
• Audit and quality‑assurance track record, including managing non‑conformances and writing evidence‑based reports.
• Reporting experience at executive level (weekly, monthly, quarterly cycles).

• RoSPA International Master Trainer (or equivalent recognised international DD trainer accreditation).
• RoSPA Diploma in Driving and Coaching (Gold Grade preferred).
• OPAL Certified DD Trainer and Manager.
• Royal Oman Police (ROP) Approved Driving Instructor.
• Valid OPAL Defensive Driving Permit (Light Vehicle and Heavy Vehicle).

• Recognised qualification in driver training, road safety,…