HSSE Director

The HSSE Director is responsible for leading and governing Health, Safety, Security, Environmental, and Occupational Health functions across SOHAR Port and Freezone to ensure safe, secure, compliant, and sustainable operations. The role safeguards people, assets, marine and industrial environments, and ensures adherence to Omani regulations, international standards, and industrial best practices.

The position plays a critical role in supporting SOHAR’s vision as a world-class logistics and industrial hub by embedding a proactive HSSE culture across port operations, freezone tenants, contractors, and stakeholders

Strategic HSSE Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive HSSE strategy aligned with SOHAR’s corporate strategy and growth plans.
• Establish governance frameworks covering port operations, freezone industries, and marine activities.
• Advise executive management on HSSE risks related to industrial expansion, hazardous cargo, and tenant operations.
• Drive a “Zero Harm & Zero Incident” culture across all operational areas.
• Monitor contractor safety performance during port expansion and infrastructure projects.
• Ensure tenant compliance with HSSE regulations, environmental permits, and operational safety standards.
• Monitor & Oversee inspections and audits of industrial facilities (petrochemicals, logistics, manufacturing, metals, etc.).
• Implement risk control measures for high-risk industries and hazardous processes.
• Oversee contractor safety management across construction and industrial projects.
• Maintain HSSE certifications and compliance documentation.

Emergency Preparedness & Crisis Management

• Lead emergency response planning for fires, chemical spills, port and freezone incidents, and security threats.
• Coordinate with Civil Defence, Royal Oman Police, Coast Guard, and environmental authorities.
• Conduct joint emergency drills with tenants and external agencies.
• Ensure readiness for major incidents impacting port operations or surrounding communities.

Environmental Management & Sustainability

• Ensure compliance with environmental authority parties & regulations and permits.
• Lead sustainability initiatives supporting SOHAR’s environmental commitments.
• Lead projects and initiatives which relate to environmental impact assessments for new tenant projects.

Security & Access Control

• Develop and enforce port and freezone security policies aligned with ISPS Code and national regulations.
• Oversee access control systems & process, gate operations, ID management, and visitor control.
• Protect critical infrastructure, cargo, tenant assets and people.
• Manage surveillance systems, incident response, and threat mitigation.
• Align with national security and law enforcement authorities.

Occupational Health & Workforce Wellbeing

• Establish occupational health programs for SOHAR employees, port workers, contractors, and tenant workforce.
• Monitor exposure to industrial hazards (chemicals, noise, heat stress, dust).
• Implement health surveillance and fitness-for-work programs.
• Promote wellbeing initiatives aligned with workforce safety and productivity.

Budgets and Plans:

• Monitor the financial performance of a given area of activity versus budgets and ensure all activities are carried out in line with the approved guidelines while promptly reporting on any variances to management.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage with tenants, investors, contractors, and government entities to ensure HSSE alignment.
• Provide HSSE guidance during investor onboarding and project approvals.
• Represent SOHAR in national and international HSSE forums.

Policies, Systems, Processes & Procedures

• Provide inputs and implement policies, systems and procedure for the assigned section so that all relevant procedural/legislative requirements, fulfilled while delivering a quality, and cost-effective operations.

Continuous Improvement

• Participate in the identification of opportunities for continuous improvement and sustainability of systems, processes and practices considering global best standards, productivity improvement and cost reduction.
• Advise on the lean projects and initiatives and best ways of overcoming challenges.

Quality Management

• Supervise the implementation of quality management system.
• Support departments in achieving regulatory and internal excellence standards
• Advise on the implementation of ISO systems.

Statement and Reports

Prepare statements and reports timely and accurately as required to meet SIP Group requirements, policies and standards.

Minimum Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, Security Management, or related field.
• Master’s degree in HSSE, Environmental Management, or Business Administration preferred.

Minimum Experience & Knowledge & Skills

• Minimum 15 years of HSSE experience in ports, oil & gas, petrochemicals, logistics, or heavy industry.
• Minimum 10 years in a senior leadership role overseeing complex industrial environments.
• Professional certifications such as NEBOSH, CSP, ISO Lead Auditor, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of emerging risk trends and their potential impact on the organization.
• Familiarity with risk management, governance, quality and continuous improvement methodology.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to effectively convey complex information to diverse audiences.
• Leadership abilities, including the capability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders across the organization.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to align HSE management and compliance efforts with business objectives.
• Attention to detail
• Adaptability and flexibility to navigate changing regulatory environments and business conditions.

Fluency in Arabic and English both oral and written.