The Head of HSE is responsible for providing strategic leadership and overall management of Health, Safety and Environmental activities across the manufacturing facility. The role is accountable for establishing and maintaining a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with applicable Bahrain regulatory requirements and international standards, minimizing occupational and environmental risks, and continuously improving HSE performance.

The position requires strong experience in manufacturing or heavy industrial operations, with the ability to manage risks associated with production machinery, electrical systems, lifting activities, material handling, chemicals, high-temperature processes, contractors, and maintenance activities.

HSE Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and implement the company's HSE strategy, policies, procedures, and annual objectives.

• Provide leadership and direction to the HSE team.

• Advise senior management on HSE risks, compliance requirements, and performance.

• Drive a proactive Zero Harm / Zero Incident safety culture across the organization.

• Establish HSE KPIs and regularly report performance to management.

• Promote employee participation and accountability for workplace safety.

Occupational Health & Safety

• Ensure effective implementation of occupational health and safety programs across manufacturing operations.

• Conduct and oversee workplace risk assessments and Job Safety Analysis (JSA/JHA).

• Ensure appropriate controls are established for high-risk activities.

• Monitor machine safety, guarding, electrical safety, lifting operations, working at height, confined spaces, and hot work.

• Ensure effective implementation of Permit-to-Work (PTW) and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) systems.

• Monitor occupational exposure risks including noise, heat, chemicals, fumes, and other industrial hazards.

  
  

Manufacturing & Operational Safety

• Work closely with Production, Maintenance, Engineering, QA/QC and other departments to integrate HSE requirements into daily operations.

• Conduct safety reviews for new machinery, production lines, modifications, and engineering projects.

• Ensure safe operating practices are implemented for production equipment and material handling operations.

• Conduct regular plant inspections and identify unsafe conditions and behaviors.

• Ensure corrective actions are implemented and closed within agreed timelines.

Incident Investigation & Risk Management

• Lead investigations of accidents, incidents, near misses, occupational illnesses, and environmental events.

• Conduct or oversee Root Cause Analysis (RCA).

• Ensure corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) are effectively implemented.

• Analyze incident trends and identify opportunities for preventive action.

• Communicate lessons learned across relevant departments.

• Maintain accurate incident records and management reports.

Environmental Management

• Develop and maintain environmental management programs.

• Ensure compliance with applicable environmental legislation, permits, and company requirements.

• Monitor waste management, emissions, hazardous materials, chemical handling, and environmental risks.

• Promote waste reduction, recycling, energy efficiency, and pollution prevention initiatives.

• Support corporate sustainability and ESG initiatives where applicable.

ISO Management Systems & Audits

• Lead and maintain the HSE Management System in accordance with ISO 45001 - Occupational Health & Safety and ISO 14001 - Environmental Management.

• Lead internal HSE audits and coordinate external certification audits.

• Ensure timely closure of audit findings and non-conformities.

• Conduct management reviews and maintain required HSE documentation.

• Drive continual improvement of HSE management systems.

Emergency Preparedness & Fire Safety

• Develop and maintain emergency response plans and procedures.

• Coordinate fire prevention and emergency preparedness activities.

• Conduct emergency drills and evaluate their effectiveness.

• Ensure firefighting and emergency equipment is properly inspected and maintained.

• Coordinate with relevant authorities and emergency services when required.

• Ensure employees and contractors understand emergency response requirements.

Contractor HSE Management

• Establish HSE requirements for contractors and service providers.

• Conduct contractor HSE evaluations and inductions.

• Monitor contractor compliance during work activities.

• Ensure contractors comply with PTW, LOTO, PPE, and other applicable safety procedures.

• Take appropriate action in cases of serious HSE violations.

Training & Safety Culture

• Develop an annual HSE training and awareness plan.

• Ensure appropriate safety induction for employees, contractors, and visitors.

• Conduct and coordinate specialized HSE training.

• Promote behavioral-based safety and employee engagement programs.

• Conduct safety campaigns, toolbox talks, and awareness initiatives.

• Coach managers and supervisors on their HSE responsibilities.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with applicable Bahrain occupational health, safety, environmental and Civil Defence requirements.

• Monitor changes in HSE legislation and assess their impact on operations.

• Coordinate regulatory inspections and required HSE submissions.

• Maintain statutory records, licenses, permits, and certifications as applicable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related technical discipline.

• NEBOSH International General Certificate (IGC) or equivalent - required.

• NEBOSH Diploma / International Diploma - highly preferred.

• ISO 45001 Lead Auditor certification - highly preferred.

• ISO 14001 Lead Auditor certification - preferred.

• IOSH membership/certification is an advantage.

• Additional qualifications in Fire Safety, First Aid, Incident Investigation, Risk Assessment, or Process Safety are advantageous.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of progressive HSE experience, preferably within manufacturing, cable manufacturing, aluminium, metals, engineering, or heavy industrial environments.

• At least 3-5 years in an HSE managerial or leadership position.

• Strong experience managing HSE systems within a manufacturing plant.

• Proven experience with ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 management systems.

• Demonstrated experience in incident investigation, risk management, audits, emergency response, and regulatory compliance.

• Experience managing HSE teams and contractor safety.

• Experience working within multicultural industrial environments is preferred.

Technical Skills

• HSE Management Systems

• ISO 45001 & ISO 14001

• Risk Assessment / JSA / JHA

• Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis

• Permit-to-Work (PTW)

• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)

• Machine & Electrical Safety

• Fire & Emergency Management

• Contractor Safety Management

• Environmental Compliance

• HSE Auditing

• Behavioral-Based Safety

• HSE Reporting & Data Analysis

Desired Candidate Profile

10+ years of HSE experience with a strong background in manufacturing or heavy industry. Previous experience in cable, aluminium, metals, electrical manufacturing, or other continuous-process industrial operations would be highly advantageous.