Project Safety Officer | Rotterdam, Netherlands

Hitachi ABB Power Grids; Rotterdam; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Hitachi ABB Power Grids seeks a Project Safety Officer to lead day‑to‑day HSE management on sites across the Benelux region. You will enforce Hitachi Energy HSE standards, ensure compliance with local regulations, and support ongoing safety initiatives across internal teams and subcontractors.

The role requires a strong field presence, proactive risk management, and the authority to stop work when unsafe conditions are observed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in OH&S, Environmental Science, Engineering, or related field.
• 3–5 years of hands-on HSE experience in construction, energy, or industrial projects.
• Experience working on multidisciplinary project sites and managing subcontractor safety compliance.
• Strong knowledge of HSE legislation and European safety directives.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary HSE representative on site and promote a strong safety culture.
• Provide hands‑on safety leadership and risk management across project sites in the Benelux region.
• Conduct site inspections, audits, and safety walkdowns to identify hazards and drive improvements.
• Deliver HSE inductions, toolbox talks, and safety coaching to personnel and subcontractors.
• Intervene with stop‑work authority when unsafe conditions are observed and ensure corrective actions.

Skills

HSE leadership

Risk assessment

Site inspections

Incident investigations

Safety coaching

Compliance

Stop-work authority

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety or related field

Tools

MVK certification

Job description

The Project Safety Officer is responsible for the day‑to‑day management, supervision, and enforcement of health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards on project sites across the Benelux region. Acting as the visible HSE leader on site, the Project Safety Officer ensures that Hitachi Energy HSE policies, customer requirements, and local regulations are fully implemented and followed by both internal teams and subcontractors.

Working closely with the Site Manager, Project Manager, and Country HSE organization, the Project Safety Officer provides hands‑on safety leadership, proactive risk management, and practical support to ensure works are executed safely and efficiently. The role requires a strong field presence, a proactive mindset, and the authority to intervene and stop work when unsafe conditions or behaviors are observed.

The role is predominantly site‑based and requires frequent travel across project sites in Belgium and the Netherlands.

How You’ll Make an Impact

• Act as the primary HSE representative on site, promoting a strong safety culture and ensuring compliance with Hitachi Energy HSE standards, customer requirements, and local legislation.
• Support and challenge Hitachi Energy employees and subcontractors through daily site presence, coaching, and active engagement in safe working practices.
• Conduct site inspections, audits, safety walkdowns, and observations to identify hazards, mitigate risks, and drive continuous improvement.
• Deliver HSE inductions, toolbox talks, safety briefings, and practical coaching to ensure all personnel understand and apply safe working practices.
• Ensure all site personnel, including subcontractors, are appropriately trained, briefed, and authorized before commencing work activities.
• Monitor the condition and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safety equipment, and site safety controls to ensure compliance with required standards.
• Exercise stop‑work authority whenever unsafe acts, unsafe conditions, or non‑compliance are identified and ensure corrective actions are implemented before work resumes.
• Support work planning and execution by collaborating closely with project teams, engineering functions, site management, customers, and contractors to integrate HSE requirements into daily operations.
• Lead or support incident investigations, including root cause analysis, corrective action tracking, and the implementation of lessons learned.
• Maintain accurate and timely HSE documentation and reporting, including inspections, observations, incidents, corrective actions, and key performance indicators.
• Contribute to the development of a proactive safety culture by encouraging hazard reporting, workforce engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement across project sites.

Your Background

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum 3–5 years of hands‑on HSE experience within construction, energy, infrastructure, or industrial project environments.
• Proven experience working on multidisciplinary project sites and supporting subcontractor management and safety compliance.
• Strong knowledge of HSE legislation, industry standards, and European safety directives.
• Recognized HSE qualification such as MVK or an equivalent professional certification.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently on site, influence behaviors, and build credibility with employees, contractors, customers, and management.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to provide clear guidance, coaching, and constructive challenge.

Additional Requirements

• Fluent Dutch and English language skills are required; French language skills would be considered an advantage.
• Willingness to travel frequently between project sites across Belgium and the Netherlands.
• Valid driver’s license.

Benefits

A holistic range of competitive benefit programs to support your financial, physical, and mental wellbeing and personal development. We want you to truly thrive with us – in work and out.