Senior Specialist, HSSE Technical

OQ; Muscat; On-site; OMR 18,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

OQ is seeking an experienced HSSE leader to provide expert guidance across refinery operations, ensuring compliance with health, safety, environmental, and process safety standards. The role entails driving risk management, incident investigations, and regulatory engagements to strengthen safety culture and performance.

The incumbent will coordinate with operations, maintenance, and turnaround teams, develop and implement safety frameworks, and mentor personnel on risk-based decision making and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in safety/engineering fields; relevant certifications preferred.
• 8+ years' experience in refining, petrochemical, oil & gas, energy or related industries.
• Proven track record in leading HSSE programs and interfacing with regulatory authorities and external auditors.

Responsibilities

• Act as refinery technical authority for HSSE, guiding operations and maintenance to manage risks and regulatory obligations.
• Lead hazard analyses (HAZOP/HAZID/LOPA/Bowtie) and risk studies to identify and mitigate major hazards.
• Develop and enhance Occupational Health, Environmental Management, and Risk Management frameworks.
• Monitor safety barriers, validate performance through audits and reviews.
• Lead incident investigations and root-cause analyses to drive corrective actions and learning.

Skills

Hazard Analysis

Incident Investigation

Regulatory Compliance

Risk Management

Emergency Response

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Safety / Process Safety

Job description

Job purpose

Provide technical HSSE expertise and specialist support to ensure refinery operations comply with applicable health safety environmental and process safety standards Lead and support risk management initiatives incident investigations regulatory compliance activities safety studies assurance programs and continuous improvement efforts to strengthen operational safety environmental stewardship and process safety performance across the refinery The position will act in accordance with the OQ8 s Mission Vision Values amp Strategies as well as policies guidelines and standards supported by an IT Technology platform HSE standards Oman s government amp other legal justifications and best international practices in consonance with national objectives

Key responsibilities

• Serve as the refinery s technical authority for health safety environmental and process safety matters providing expert guidance to operations maintenance engineering projects and turnaround teams to effectively manage operational risks and regulatory obligations
• Lead and facilitate comprehensive hazard analyses including HAZOP HAZID SIL assessments LOPA Bowtie Analysis and other risk studies ensuring effective identification mitigation and management of major accident hazards
• Develop implement and continuously enhance Occupational Health Environmental Management and Risk Management frameworks in alignment with corporate standards regulatory requirements and industry best practices
• Monitor the integrity and effectiveness of critical safety barriers and controls validating performance through assurance activities field verification audits inspections and management reviews
• Lead high‑potential incident investigations and root cause analyses utilizing recognized methodologies to identify systemic failures develop sustainable corrective actions and strengthen organizational learning
• Ensure compliance with applicable environmental permits emissions requirements waste management regulations and sustainability commitments through continuous monitoring assessment and reporting
• Conduct HSSE compliance audits contractor evaluations management system assessments and operational readiness reviews to verify effective implementation of HSSE requirements across refinery activities
• Analyze operational risk profiles HSSE performance indicators incident trends and leading and lagging metrics to identify emerging risks and recommend strategic improvement initiatives
• Support refinery emergency preparedness and crisis management programs by participating in emergency response planning drills scenario assessments and business continuity exercises
• Develop and maintain HSSE standards procedures technical specifications guidance documents and safe work practices to ensure consistent application across refinery operations
• Partner with operations and maintenance teams to strengthen operational discipline permit‑to‑work compliance isolation management confined space safety contractor safety and workforce risk awareness
• Engage with regulatory authorities external auditors certification bodies and industry forums to maintain compliance support inspections and benchmark refinery HSSE performance against industry standards
• Lead HSSE improvement projects and strategic initiatives aimed at reducing process safety events occupational injuries environmental impacts emissions and operational risks
• Mentor and coach technical personnel supervisors and contractors on risk management principles process safety fundamentals incident prevention and HSSE best practices to foster a proactive safety culture
• Support sustainability and environmental stewardship initiatives by identifying opportunities for resource efficiency emissions reduction waste minimization environmental risk mitigation and compliance enhancement
• Provide specialized technical input for refinery turnarounds shutdowns start‑ups commissioning activities and high‑risk operations to ensure safe execution and effective risk control
• Promote a strong HSSE culture through visible leadership workforce engagement behavioral safety initiatives and continuous improvement programs that strengthen individual accountability and operational excellence

Key interactions

Internal

All HSSE Teams OMT Project Turnaround Team ERT Executive amp Functional Leadership

External

Government Authorities and Regulatory bodies e g OPAL Environmental amp Safety Regulators External Auditors Contractors amp amp Service Providers etc

Notable Working

• Office environment intensive computer screen use
• Travel

Education requirements

Bachelor s Degree in Occupational Safety Process Safety Environmental Engineering Chemical Engineering Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

Language requirements

Excellent knowledge of written read and spoken English required

Background and experience

• 8 years of experience experience in refining petrochemical oil amp gas energy heavy industrial environment or similar process industries Proven track record in leading Occupational Safety Environmental Compliance and Major Accident Hazard Management programs at a facility or corporate level Strong experience engaging and interfacing with regulatory authorities certification bodies external auditors and industry stakeholders on technical HSSE matters Demonstrated experience in implementing and maintaining Health Safety Environmental in complex operational environments

Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Safety, Process Safety, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related disciplineExcellent knowledge of written, read, and spoken English (required) 8 years of experience experience in refining, petrochemical, oil & gas, energy, heavy industrial environment, or similar process industriesProven track record in leading Occupational Safety, Environmental Compliance, and Major Accident Hazard Management programs at a facility or corporate level. Strong experience engaging and interfacing with regulatory authorities, certification bodies, external auditors, and industry stakeholders on technical HSSE matters. Demonstrated experience in implementing and maintaining Health, Safety, Environmental, in complex operational environments. Hands‑on experience conducting hazard identification and risk assessments, including HAZOP, HAZID, JSA, LOPA, Bowtie Analysis. Experience in incident investigation and root cause analysis utilizing recognized methodologies such as TapRooT , RCA, ICAM, or equivalent techniques. Proven involvement in HSSE audits, compliance inspections, contractor safety management, and regulatory compliance programs. Working knowledge of international standards and industry best practices, including OSHA PSM, CCPS Risk‑Based Process Safety, ISO 45001, ISO 14001, API, and NFPA standards. Strong capability in analyzing HSSE performance data, developing reports, and recommending risk reduction and performance improvement initiativesCompetencies:Risk Assessment & Hazard Analysis (HAZOP, HAZID, Bowtie) Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Occupational Health & Industrial Hygiene Environmental Compliance & Sustainability Management Emergency Response & Crisis Management Safety Management Systems (ISO 45001) Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001) Audit & Assurance Techniques Refinery Operations and Process Understanding Regulatory and Legal Compliance Management Contractor HSSE Management Data Analysis, Trending and Performance ReportingStrong analytical and problem‑solving capability Technical report writing and presentation skills Stakeholder engagement and influencing skills Risk‑based decision‑making Facilitation of workshops and safety studies Effective communication and coaching abilities Project and Change Management Skills Leadership and team collaboration Strategic thinking with strong attention to detail Proficiency in MS Office and HSSE management systemsPreferred Certifications:NEBOSH International Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety Certified Safety Professional (CSP) Graduate Safety Practitioner (GradIOSH) or Chartered Member of IOSH (CMIOSH) Certified Process Safety Professional (CCPSC) ISO 45001 Lead Auditor ISO 14001 Lead Auditor

Competencies

• Risk Assessment & Hazard Analysis (HAZOP, HAZID, Bowtie)
• Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
• Occupational Health & Industrial Hygiene
• Environmental Compliance & Sustainability Management
• Emergency Response & Crisis Management
• Safety Management Systems (ISO 45001)
• Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001)
• Audit & Assurance Techniques
• Refinery Operations and Process Understanding
• Regulatory and Legal Compliance Management
• Contractor HSSE Management
• Data Analysis, Trending and Performance Reporting
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capability
• Technical report writing and presentation skills
• Stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
• Risk‑based decision‑making
• Facilitation of workshops and safety studies
• Effective communication and coaching abilities
• Project and Change Management Skills
• Leadership and team collaboration
• Strategic thinking with strong attention to detail
• Proficiency in MS Office and HSSE management systems

Competencies:Risk Assessment & Hazard Analysis (HAZOP, HAZID, Bowtie) Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Occupational Health & Industrial Hygiene Environmental Compliance & Sustainability Management Emergency Response & Crisis Management Safety Management Systems (ISO 45001) Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001) Audit & Assurance Techniques Refinery Operations and Process Understanding Regulatory and Legal Compliance Management Contractor HSSE Management Data Analysis, Trending and Performance ReportingStrong analytical and problem‑solving capability Technical report writing and presentation skills Stakeholder engagement and influencing skills Risk‑based decision‑making Facilitation of workshops and safety studies Effective communication and coaching abilities Project and Change Management Skills Leadership and team collaboration Strategic thinking with strong attention to detail Proficiency in MS Office and HSSE management systemsPreferred Certifications:NEBOSH International Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety Certified Safety Professional (CSP) Graduate Safety Practitioner (GradIOSH) or Chartered Member of IOSH (CMIOSH) Certified Process Safety Professional (CCPSC) ISO 45001 Lead Auditor ISO 14001 Lead Auditor

Preferred Certifications

• NEBOSH International Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
• Graduate Safety Practitioner (GradIOSH) or Chartered Member of IOSH (CMIOSH)
• Certified Process Safety Professional (CCPSC)
• ISO 45001 Lead Auditor
• ISO 14001 Lead Auditor

Preferred Certifications:NEBOSH International Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety Certified Safety Professional (CSP) Graduate Safety Practitioner (GradIOSH) or Chartered Member of IOSH (CMIOSH) Certified Process Safety Professional (CCPSC) ISO 45001 Lead Auditor ISO 14001 Lead Auditor