Principal QHSES Assurance Specialist

McDermott International, Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

McDermott International, Ltd is seeking a Principal QHSES Assurance Specialist based in Greater London. This role is for a recognized subject-matter expert responsible for developing and executing QHSES assurance strategies across corporate, regional, and project levels. The candidate will lead preparation for audits, develop procedures, and provide independent assurance opinions. A minimum of 12–15 years in Oil & Gas/Energy EPC projects and certifications in ISO standards are essential. Strong communication and analytical skills are vital for success in this position.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12–15 years of experience in Oil & Gas/Energy EPC projects.
• Certified Lead Auditor for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001.
• Strong knowledge of IOGP OMS principles and EPC delivery models.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain QHSES assurance strategy.
• Lead development of annual assurance plans.
• Provide independent assurance opinions to senior leadership.
• Develop and improve QHSES assurance procedures and tools.
• Act as primary representative for audits and certifications.

Skills

Team leadership

Analytical skills

Risk-based assurance

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Visio

Job description

Job Overview

Principal QHSES Assurance Specialist is a recognized subject‑matter expert responsible for interpreting complex internal and external business issues and recommending best practices within the QHSES Assurance discipline. The role operates with a high degree of autonomy, working independently with minimal guidance and providing objective challenge where required.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain a risk‑based QHSES assurance strategy covering corporate, regional, and project levels.
• Lead the development, approval, and execution of annual and multi‑year assurance plans, aligned with business risk, past performance, and client exposure, in consultation with Functional Leads, Manager Assurance, and the Corporate IMS Team.
• Provide independent assurance opinions to senior leadership on management system effectiveness, emerging risks, and the sustainability of corrective actions.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve QHSES assurance procedures, guidance, tools, and templates, including support to gap analyses, standard manual revisions, and Management Review Meetings.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders on QHSES‑related matters and support preparation for external certifications and industry awards.
• Act as the primary company representative for external certification, surveillance, client, and regulatory audits, including governance of audit outcomes, validation of findings, root cause analyses, and corrective action effectiveness.
• Govern and support the continual improvement process, working with Department Heads to establish targets, review assurance feedback, and execute improvement initiatives to enhance process effectiveness and efficiency.
• Oversee global and business‑line QHSES performance metrics, dashboards, and trend analyses; interpret benchmarks, lessons learned, and systemic risks across operating units.
• Represent QHSES Assurance in client engagements, bids, and governance meetings, providing assurance input into risk acceptance and execution strategies.
• Ensure alignment between corporate standards, project execution practices, and client requirements.
• Plan and deliver QHSES assurance training and awareness, including development of training materials and support to onboarding of new employees.
• Support customer satisfaction surveys and feedback mechanisms relevant to QHSES performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline.
• 12–15 years of experience in Oil & Gas / Energy EPC projects, including construction and fabrication environments.
• Certified Lead Auditor for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 (ISO/TS 29001 strongly preferred).
• Strong knowledge of IOGP OMS principles, risk‑based assurance, and EPC delivery models.
• Ability to operate effectively as both a team member and team leader.
• Strong decision‑making, analytical, and organisational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Visio, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Strong attention to detail, prioritisation, and multi‑tasking capability.
• Ability to write clearly in explanatory and procedural styles for diverse audiences.