Black & Grey HR is partnering with a leading group of companies in the UAE to recruit a Chief HSE Manager to lead and oversee the Health, Safety, and Environment function across diversified business units and project sites in the UAE. This is a group-level leadership role accountable for ensuring regulatory compliance, risk identification & analysis, driving risk mitigation, and promoting a strong safety culture with a high emphasis on strengthening fire safety and fire prevention measures, and managing environmental responsibility.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct fire risk assessments and safety audits for buildings, industrial facilities, and commercial properties.
- Establish and enforce robust fire safety and fire prevention protocols in coordination with UAE regulations and standards (DCD, Civil Defence).
- Oversee fire safety initiatives, ensuring all fire protection systems (alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers, hydrants) are regularly inspected and maintained.
- Lead fire risk assessments, emergency drills, and response planning across all sites, ensuring alignment with global standards (NFPA, BS, IFC) and UAE fire codes.
- Recommend firefighting equipment, suppression systems, and emergency response plans.
- Advise on security and safety solutions, including CCTV, access control, and evacuation systems.
- Lead and implement HSE programs across all group companies in alignment with ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 standards.
- Review architectural and MEP designs to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.
- Supervise and mentor HSE officers, providing training on fire safety, emergency preparedness, and evacuation procedures to ensure consistent -safety compliance across all locations.
- Provide leadership and direction to HSE Officers across business units, managing through a matrix reporting structure to ensure consistent safety practices.
- Monitor environmental performance, drive sustainability initiatives, and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Coordinate emergency preparedness and response plans in collaboration with internal teams and local authorities.
- Liaise with regulatory bodies and serve as the point of contact for audits and compliance reviews.
- Stay updated on global fire safety standards (NFPA, BS, IFC) and UAE fire codes.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Fire & Safety Engineering, Environmental Science, Engineering, or related field.
- Min 15 years of experience in HSE, including strong exposure to fire safety and emergency planning, including 5+ years in a leadership role overseeing multiple sites.
- NEBOSH IGC, ISO 45001 Lead Auditor, and Fire Safety Certification (e.g., NFPA, UAE Civil Defence-approved courses) is preferred.
- Strong knowledge of fire suppression systems (sprinklers, alarms, hydrants), emergency response, and security solutions.
- Experience in working in high-risk environments industries (viz. Oil& Gas, Chemical, Airports, Gas installations, Fuel depots etc.)
- In-depth knowledge of UAE Civil Defence codes, life safety regulations, and industry-specific fire prevention standards.
- Proven leadership in managing HSE systems across multiple locations and teams; managing risk and driving incident reduction.
- Strong communicator with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Should be able to work independently with great deal of autonomy/ minimum supervision.
Benefits
- Career Growth: Be part of an ambitious team with opportunities for professional development and advancement.
- Dynamic Environment: Work in a fast-paced, results-driven organization with a customer-focused culture.
- Attractive Package: Competitive salary and benefits.