HSE Manager - Mekkah

SYSTRA; Riyadh; On-site; SAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transport engineering firm is seeking a highly experienced HSE Manager for a Metro project in Saudi Arabia. The role requires a minimum of 15 years in railway safety management, with strong leadership and communication skills. Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and have hands-on experience with Safety Management Systems. This position offers the opportunity to drive safety excellence in a high-profile project environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of total professional experience with proven tenure in managing HSE on operational railway systems.
• Extensive hands-on experience in Railway Safety Management.
• Professional HSE certifications such as NEBOSH, IOSH, or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor HSE policies, procedures, and initiatives.
• Lead all HSE activities, including audits and risk assessments.
• Investigate incidents and near-misses, developing corrective actions.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Data analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Risk management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Occupational Safety, Environmental Science, or related field

Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline

Tools

Safety Management Systems (SMS)

HSE reporting software

Job description

Context

To lead, manage, and continually enhance the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) framework for the operation of a Metro project in Mekkah, Saudi Arabia, ensuring absolute compliance with local and international railway safety standards and fostering a culture of zero harm.

The role is instrumental in risk management, regulatory compliance, and the promotion of safety excellence throughout the operational lifecycle.

Missions / Main Duties

Develop, implement, and monitor HSE policies, procedures, and initiatives in line with regional and international best practices for operational railway environments.

Lead and coordinate all HSE activities, including audits, inspections, risk assessments, and site safety tours in active railway operations.

Ensure compliance with Saudi Arabia’s regulatory requirements and liaise with local authorities and stakeholders for all HSE matters.

Maintain and enhance the Railway Safety Management System (SMS), including safety cases, incident reporting, root cause analysis, and lessons learned processes.

Foster a safety culture at all levels, providing visible leadership, safety coaching, and HSE training for staff and contractors.

Manage the Project Management Consultant (PMC) interface, ensuring that all contractors and consultants adhere to the HSE requirements.

Investigate incidents and near-misses, developing corrective / preventive actions and leading implementation through to closure.

Prepare and present HSE reports, performance metrics, and improvement strategies for project stakeholders and senior leadership.

Drive continual improvement through regular review of safety performance and proactive hazard identification.

Participate in emergency response planning, drills, and reviews ensuring effective mitigation and response strategies.

Profile / Skills

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Occupational Safety, Environmental Science, or related field.

Masters degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline.

Minimum 15 years of total professional experience with proven tenure in managing HSE on operational railway systems.

Extensive hands-on experience in Railway Safety Management and development / maintenance of Safety Management Systems (SMS) for operational railways.

Previous PMC (Project Management Consultant) experience on large-scale transport or infrastructure projects is essential.

Previous experience in Saudi Arabia or the wider Middle East rail sector is highly preferred.

Should have completed at least two railway projects within the last 10 years

Must have worked on at least one O&M and projects supervision role in the railway industry.

Professional HSE certifications such as NEBOSH, IOSH, or equivalent (chartered status desirable).

Deep knowledge of international and KSA-specific HSE and railway safety regulations.

Robust understanding of risk management methods and incident investigation techniques.

Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Strong reporting, data analysis, and presentation capabilities.

Commitment to fostering a culture of continuous HSE improvement.

Systra is an equal opportunities company; this position is open to all applicants.