QHSE Director

The QHSE Director is responsible for setting the strategic direction and overseeing the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the company's Quality, Health & Safety, and Environmental (QHSE) management systems. This leadership role ensures that all projects-across design, construction, and handover-meet the highest standards of compliance, operational excellence, and risk management. The QHSE Director works closely with senior leadership, project teams, consultants, and contractors to drive a culture of quality, safety, and sustainability across the organization.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop the overall QHSE strategy and roadmap for the company.
• Establish company-wide QHSE policies, procedures, and performance standards.
• Provide strategic guidance to executive management on quality, health, and environmental matters.
• Ensure alignment with international standards (ISO 9001, ISO 45001, ISO 14001) and local regulatory requirements.
• Lead QHSE risk assessments and high-level reviews for major projects.
• Oversee the implementation of the Quality Management System (QMS) across all projects.
• Approve project quality plans, ITPs, method statements, and quality control procedures.
• Lead major quality audits, certification renewals, and compliance reviews.
• Drive initiatives that improve workmanship, reduce defects, and enhance client satisfaction.
• Ensure effective root cause analysis and corrective action plans for critical non-conformities.
• Oversee the Health & Safety Management System aligned with ISO 45001.
• Approve high-risk activity plans, safety guidelines, and emergency response procedures.
• Conduct executive-level safety walkthroughs and site leadership visits.
• Lead investigations of serious incidents and ensure proper implementation of corrective measures.
• Ensure contractors and subcontractors meet the company's HSE requirements and performance criteria.
• Oversee implementation of the Environmental Management System (ISO 14001).
• Ensure compliance with environmental laws, sustainability goals, and environmental permits.
• Lead initiatives on waste reduction, energy efficiency, environmental impact mitigation, and green site practices.
• Drive environmental awareness programs across project teams and contractors.
• Lead and develop the QHSE department, including managers, officers, site inspectors, and auditors.
• Establish KPIs and performance metrics for QHSE teams across all locations and sites.
• Provide coaching, training, and development to enhance QHSE capabilities within the organization.
• Promote a high-performance culture focused on accountability, continuous improvement, and risk prevention.
• Collaborate with Project Directors, Consultants, Contractors, and Government Authorities to ensure QHSE compliance.
• Represent the company in QHSE meetings, regulatory discussions, and industry forums.
• Support tendering and business development activities by preparing QHSE-related documentation.
• Engage with clients to present QHSE performance, initiatives, and compliance status.
• Provide monthly and quarterly QHSE performance reports to senior leadership.
• Monitor trends, analytics, and performance data to identify risks and improvement areas.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety culture, quality maturity, and environmental stewardship.

Key Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Occupational Health & Safety, or a related field.
• Master's degree preferred (MBA, Engineering Management, or related field).
• NEBOSH, IOSH, Lead Auditor ISO 9001/14001/45001 certifications strongly preferred.
• Minimum 12-15 years' experience in QHSE, including significant experience working in contracting companies.
• Proven leadership experience at a senior or director level.
• Strong track record overseeing QHSE operations across multiple construction projects.
• In-depth knowledge of UAE regulatory authorities and compliance requirements.
• Experience with large-scale real estate developments, mixed-use projects, or infrastructure projects.

Key Competencies

• Executive leadership and strategic planning
• Strong communication and stakeholder management
• Deep knowledge of ISO and regulatory frameworks
• High decision-making capability and risk management skillsAbility to influence senior stakeholders and contractors
• Strong audit, compliance, and reporting skills
• Ability to drive change and foster a strong QHSE culture