Principal Process Safety Consultant

SLR Consulting; Newcastle upon Tyne; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with discretionary bonus

Company pension

Private medical insurance

25 days’ annual leave plus flexible public holidays

Job summary

SLR Consulting is seeking an experienced Principal Process Safety Consultant to join our Process Safety team in Newcastle upon Tyne. This role involves leading high-profile process safety projects, ensuring compliance with COMAH regulations, and delivering expert knowledge across high-hazard sectors.

We offer a competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, and a wide range of benefits. Ideal candidates will possess a degree in Chemical or Process Engineering and have strong interpersonal skills.

Qualifications

• Chartered Engineer status (or working towards it).
• Experience in COMAH regulation is advantageous.
• High personal integrity, sound judgement and a proactive approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead process safety and engineering projects from site engagement through to technical reporting.
• Conduct audits and reviews of operational practices.
• Engage with third-party suppliers to deliver comprehensive services.

Skills

Strong experience in process plant design principles

Detailed understanding of COMAH legislation

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to build strong working relationships

Chartered Engineer status or working towards it

Education

Degree in Chemical or Process Engineering

Job description

SLR is a global leader in sustainability solutions, working with clients to help make sustainability happen, within a collaborative, people‑first culture.

Due to continued growth, we are seeking an experienced Principal Process Safety Consultant to join our established Process Safety team, delivering high‑profile process safety, COMAH and hazardous industry projects.

Although ideally based in Manchester, we are open to candidates across the UK and can consider remote working for those not located near an SLR office. The role involves regular work on client sites across the UK (typically 1–5 days at a time), with occasional opportunities for international work.

This is a senior, client‑facing role requiring strong interpersonal skills, commercial awareness, and the ability to remain hands‑on with technical detail. You will apply expert knowledge of COMAH and process safety legislation across a wide range of high‑hazard sectors including chemical manufacturing, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, explosives, and onshore bulk storage.

The Role

You’ll lead the delivery of process safety and engineering projects from site engagement through to technical reporting, working closely with clients and multidisciplinary teams. The role includes:

• Developing new and existing services based on client and industry needs
• Creating process engineering standards, manuals, methodologies and procedures for clients
• Conducting audits and authoritative reviews of operational practices against documented procedures and recognised good practice
• Interfacing with site management, engineering, operations and H&S teams, including leading studies to resolve process safety issues
• Undertaking on‑site surveys of vessels, tanks, pipework and structures, producing accurate as‑built documentation
• Leading hazard identification and risk assessment studies, including HAZID, HAZOP and LOPA
• Providing process engineering expertise for design reviews, EHS studies and engineering projects
• Delivering internal strategic development projects
• Supporting professional development of colleagues within the team
• Contributing to marketing and business development, including client relationship management
• Identifying cost‑effective solutions to support client sustainability and operational improvement
• Engaging with third‑party suppliers to deliver comprehensive services
• Ensuring client expectations are met in relation to quality, cost and delivery
• Helping build and grow the team, fostering a collaborative and productive working environment
• Leading multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring strong integration across the organisation

Rewards & Benefits

SLR’s ‘One Team’ culture is at the heart of our business, providing a collaborative and supportive environment for professional development. Through a structured career framework, regular performance reviews, and full support toward chartership, professional qualifications and licences, we offer outstanding opportunities for long‑term career progression.

Our Flexible Benefits & Reward Package Includes

• Competitive salary with discretionary bonus
• Company pension
• Private medical insurance
• Life, income, and travel insurance
• Salary sacrifice car lease and cycle‑to‑work schemes

We Believe Sustainable Careers Need Balance, So We Offer

• Flexible, hybrid and agile working
• 25 days’ annual leave plus flexible public holidays
• Buy or sell leave options
• Core working hours
• Cross‑border remote working and sabbatical opportunities

Family Life And Wellbeing Matter At SLR

We provide enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave, access to an Employee Assistance Programme, and specialist support for mental health, stress and menopause—supporting our people both professionally and personally.

About You

You’ll bring:

• Chartered Engineer status (or working towards it), with a degree in Chemical or Process Engineering
• Strong experience in process plant design principles, processes and standards
• Detailed understanding of COMAH and related legislation, codes and good practice
• Experience in COMAH regulation (advantageous)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to build strong working relationships and contribute effectively within multidisciplinary teams
• High personal integrity, sound judgement and a proactive approach

Culture & Inclusion

Inclusion is fundamental to who we are. We are committed to equal opportunities and foster a workplace where everyone can thrive, supported by active Culture & Inclusion Committees and Employee Networks. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are a Disability Confident Committed employer. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.