Safety Specialist

Emirates Flight Catering; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company in Dubai seeks a Safety Specialist to implement and improve Occupational Health & Safety programs in compliance with ISO 45001 standards. The role monitors safety practices, conducts training, and investigates incidents to minimize workplace risks and ensure employee safety.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of relevant experience in a health & safety role.
• Preferred experience in catering, aviation, or industrial/manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Monitor OHS performance across departments to set improvement objectives.
• Support planning and execution of internal safety campaigns.
• Investigate incidents involving employees, contractors, and visitors.
• Conduct internal audits to ensure compliance with ISO 45001.

Skills

Risk assessment

Incident investigation

Internal audits

Communication skills

Policy development

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

NEBOSH International/General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety

Lead Auditor Certification in ISO 45001:2018

Degree or Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety Management

IOSH Membership

Job description

To implement, monitor, and continuously improve Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) programs and ensure compliance with ISO 45001 standards across the EKFC group.

Job Purpose

To monitor and assess occupational health and safety practices at EKFC premises and operational sites, to minimise workplace incidents and improve employee safety. The role supports compliance with all relevant legislation, standards, and internal policies, and provides expert safety advice to department heads under the guidance of the Workplace Safety Manager.

Key Result Areas

• Monitor OHS performance across departments and set realistic improvement objectives in collaboration with HODs, management, and frontline teams.
• Support the planning and execution of internal safety campaigns, toolbox talks, cascades, and targeted communication to promote a strong safety culture and reduce risk.
• Serve as backup in the absence of the Workplace Safety Manager and collaborate with other Safety Specialists as needed to ensure continuity of operations.
• Oversee and evaluate the Behaviour Based Safety Management (BBSM) program and ensure adequate resourcing and training in designated departments to meet safety KPIs.
• Assist in organising and executing fire evacuation drills, and act as a liaison with regulatory authorities and third-party service providers to ensure readiness.
• Investigate incidents involving employees, contractors, and visitors. Conduct root cause analysis and recommend effective preventive actions to avoid recurrence.
• Participate in Health & Safety Committee meetings, track progress on corrective actions, and ensure alignment with relevant legislation, company policies, and industry best practices.
• Design and deliver safety training programs in coordination with the Learning and Development team to ensure staff are well-informed and competent in executing their duties safely.
• Conduct internal audits and inspections to ensure compliance with ISO 45001:2018, and support management during external client audits.

Job Context

Operating in a 24/7 environment, the Safety Specialist plays a critical role in safeguarding staff and supporting continuous improvement in occupational health and safety performance. The role requires a proactive approach to risk identification, stakeholder engagement, and real-time problem-solving, with the flexibility to work across shifts and respond to emergencies as needed.

Knowledge, Skills & Minimum Experience

Educational Qualifications

• NEBOSH International / General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety (Mandatory)
• Lead Auditor Certification in ISO 45001:2018 (Mandatory)
• Degree or Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety Management or equivalent (Mandatory)
• IOSH Membership or other recognised professional safety body (Preferred)

Work Experience

• Minimum 6 years of relevant experience in a health & safety role
• Preferred experience in catering, aviation, or industrial/manufacturing environments

Skills

• In-depth understanding of OHS legislation, compliance, and safety management systems
• Proven experience in risk assessment, incident investigation, and internal audits
• Strong policy development and implementation capabilities
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to liaise with regulatory bodies
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Ability to build trust, influence stakeholders, and foster a safety-first culture