Planning Executive – PMO

Azim Premji Foundation; Bengaluru Urban; On-site; INR 2,800,000 - 6,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Azim Premji Foundation seeks a Head of Safety to lead strategic safety initiatives across all Green field and PAN India projects. You will develop safety strategy, drive behavior-based safety, and partner with leadership to embed safety into every project phase.

The role requires 20+ years in industrial/construction safety, with at least 5 years in a strategic leadership position, and experience managing a large contract labour workforce. Strong regulatory and ISO knowledge is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in engineering, occupational safety, environmental science or related field.
• Professional safety certifications (NEBOSH, IOSH, OSHA) are highly desirable.
• 20+ years of progressive experience in industrial and construction safety, with at least 5 years in strategic leadership.
• Proven track record in managing safety in large-scale EPC projects.
• Extensive experience handling large contract labour workforce and implementing skilling/induction programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a holistic safety strategy aligned with the Foundation's vision.
• Foster a culture of safety excellence with proactive, behavior-based practices.
• Oversee safety policies and compliance with local, national, and international regulations.

Skills

Safety leadership

Stakeholder communication

Team mentoring

Safety analytics

Contract labour management

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Engineering or Safety

Tools

Safety management software

Digital analytics tools

Job description

The Head of Safety will spearhead safety initiatives, providing strategic vision and guidance to ensure a safe working environment across all operations, projects across India. This role requires a focus on developing safety culture, implementing behaviour-based safety practices, and managing safety for Large Infra and Hospital Projects. Leadership in mitigating risks, driving safety innovations, and overseeing a large contract labour workforce are critical aspects of this position.

Key Responsibilities:

The Head of Safety will collaborate with the Foundation Leadership to achieve the following outcomes across all Green filed projects on PAN India locations:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a safety strategy aligned with Foundation’s vision and strategic plans.
• Foster a culture of safety excellence and accountability, emphasising proactive and behavior-based safety practices.
• Partner with the Safety Council and leadership to integrate safety into all project phases and organizational decisions.

Policy Development and Implementation

• Establish and continuously update safety policies, procedures, and protocols in compliance with local, national, and international safety regulations.
• Ensure adherence to best practices in occupational health, industrial safety, and environmental sustainability.
• Conduct regular reviews and updates to align with industry advancements and organizational needs.

Operational Excellence

• Drive initiatives to achieve zero fatal accidents at project sites and facilities.
• Ensure compliance with EHS regulations and oversee incident investigations with actionable preventive plans.
• Develop and implement safety plans for mega/complex projects and plants, optimizing EHS resource deployment and monitoring key safety metrics.

Construction and Project Safety

• Oversee safety management for large-scale construction and infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
• Implement robust safety measures across high-risk environments, including site-specific safety plans and hazard mitigation.
• Monitor safety practices during all project stages, from design and planning to execution and handover.

Behavior-Based Safety and Training

• Promote behavior-based safety programs to encourage proactive safety practices.
• Design and deliver continuous training, induction programs, and skill-building initiatives for employees and contract workers.
• Conduct workshops, toolbox talks, and awareness campaigns to reinforce safety culture.
• Launch employee engagement and development programs to foster a safety- oriented culture.

Risk Management and Compliance

• Conduct periodic safety audits, inspections, and risk assessments to identify hazards and implement corrective actions.
• Lead the development of emergency response and crisis management plans.
• Ensure adherence to statutory guidelines and international safety standards, such as ISO 45001 and ISO 14001.
• Lead cross-functional teams to develop and implement EHS risk mitigation action plans.

Team and Workforce Management

• Lead and mentor a team of EHS Professionals, fostering collaboration and innovation.
• Oversee the safety of a large, diverse contract labour workforce engaged by various contractors.
• Promote knowledge sharing and best practices across ICs/SBGs and EHS professionals.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with regulatory bodies, industry associations, and other external stakeholders to stay updated on the latest safety standards and innovations.
• Represent the organization in safety-related matters during audits, client meetings, and inspections.
• Coordinate with regulators, inspectors, and safety organizations for approvals, audits, and compliance.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Track and report key safety performance indicators (KPIs) to the Safety Council and senior stakeholders.
• Deploy digital tools and analytics to monitor EHS metrics and identify trends for continuous improvement.
• Conduct regular site audits to ensure compliance with established safety practices and policies.
• Prepare comprehensive reports on safety incidents, investigations, and preventive measures.

Skills and Competencies

• Expertise in construction and project safety management, behavior-based safety, and fostering safety culture.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify risks and develop effective mitigation strategies.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience in managing large, diverse teams and driving cultural change.
• Familiarity with modern safety technologies and digital tools for monitoring and reporting.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in engineering, Occupational Safety, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Professional certifications in safety management (e.g., NEBOSH, IOSH, OSHA) are highly desirable.
• Minimum 20+ years of progressive experience in industrial and construction safety, with at least 5 years in a strategic leadership role.
• Proven track record of managing safety in large-scale EPC Projects.
• Extensive experience in managing a large contract labor workforce and implementing skilling and induction programs.
• Should have strong understanding of relevant EHS standards and frameworks applicable to construction sites, factories, and establishments.