HSE Manager – Building Projects

Gulf Contracting & Landscaping (GCL); Iowa (LA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Gulf Contracting & Landscaping (GCL) is seeking a Project HSE Manager to lead health, safety and environmental activities on our construction projects in the UAE. You will oversee risk assessments, develop plans, and ensure full regulatory and contractual compliance.

This role requires strong leadership, incident investigations, and a proactive safety culture, with responsibilities to train staff, audit performance, and drive continuous improvement across the project team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science or Occupational Health & Safety.
• NEBOSH IGC and ISO 45001 Lead Auditor certifications mandatory.
• 12 years in HSE roles within construction/landscaping/infrastructure with at least 5 years in a managerial role.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of the Project HSE Management System.
• Ensure compliance with policies, client requirements, and HSE legislation.
• Develop, implement, and monitor project-specific HSE plans and safe systems of work.
• Conduct hazard identifications, risk assessments, and implement control measures.
• Lead investigations into incidents, near misses, and environmental events with root cause analysis.
• Prepare and present HSE performance reports and KPIs.

Skills

HSE regulations knowledge

Risk assessment methodologies

Incident investigation

HSE training delivery

Auditing and reporting

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science or Occupational Health & Safety

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

HSE management software

Job description

The Project HSE Manager is responsible for planning, directing, and overseeing all Health, Safety, and Environmental activities on the project to ensure a safe and healthy workplace, full compliance with regulatory and contractual requirements, effective risk management, environmental protection, and the achievement of the project's HSE objectives while promoting a strong culture of safety excellence.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of the Project HSE Management System.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, client requirements, and applicable HSE legislation.
• Develop, implement, and monitor project-specific HSE plans, procedures, and safe systems of work.
• Conduct hazard identification, risk assessments, and ensure effective implementation of control measures.
• Provide HSE leadership, guidance, and technical support to project management, supervisors, and subcontractors.
• Promote a proactive safety culture through coaching, engagement, and behavioral safety initiatives.
• Plan and conduct HSE inspections, audits, and compliance assessments, ensuring timely closure of corrective actions.
• Lead investigations into incidents, near misses, and environmental events, ensuring root cause analysis and preventive actions.
• Review and approve HSE documentation, including risk assessments, method statements, permit-to-work systems, and emergency response plans.
• Ensure effective emergency preparedness, response planning, and periodic emergency drills.
• Oversee HSE induction, training, competency assessments, and awareness programs for employees and subcontractors.
• Monitor and evaluate subcontractor HSE performance and ensure compliance with contractual requirements.
• Liaise with clients, consultants, regulatory authorities, and other stakeholders on HSE matters.
• Monitor occupational health, environmental protection, waste management, and sustainability initiatives.
• Prepare and present HSE performance reports, KPIs, and management review presentations.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the project HSE team to achieve operational excellence.
• Support project planning by integrating HSE requirements into construction methodologies and work activities.
• Drive continuous improvement through lessons learned, innovation, and implementation of best practices.
• Manage HSE resources, equipment, and budgets to support effective project execution.
• Act as the primary HSE representative, providing expert advice to ensure the safe and successful delivery of the project.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATION:

• Minimum Qualification: Bachelor’s degree or Level 7/6 OSH Diploma in Environmental Science, Occupational Health & Safety, NEBOSH IDIP/NVQ/OTHM/EDUQUAL/IOSH, or related discipline. Certifications: NEBOSH IGC or equivalent mandatory. ISO 45001 Lead Auditor Certification. For Abu Dhabi he/she shall be Registered as Sr. OSH Practitioner with ADPHC.
• Minimum Experience:12 years of relevant experience in HSE roles within the construction, Building/landscaping, or infrastructure sectors (UAE/GCC experience preferred) including minimum 5 years as Manager.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES:

• Job Specific: In-depth knowledge of UAE HSE laws, codes, and regulatory frameworks (Dubai Municipality, Trakhees, ADPHC/ADOSH, etc.). Strong understanding of risk assessment methodologies, incident investigation, and emergency preparedness. Ability to develop and deliver HSE training sessions and safety inductions. Competent in auditing and reporting safety performance indicators.
• Generic Skills: Strong communication, reporting, and documentation abilities. Excellent leadership, observation, and conflict-resolution skills. High level of integrity, accountability, and attention to detail. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and HSE management software.