SHEQ Manager – Harbour tugs – GCC

Our client is seeking an experienced SHEQ Manager to lead safety, health, environmental and quality activities across its marine and offshore operations within the GCC region.
This is a senior role responsible for driving a strong safety culture, maintaining robust management systems and ensuring compliance with applicable local and international regulations and industry standards. The successful candidate will work closely with senior management, operational teams, clients, regulatory authorities and JV partners.
The Role
As SHEQ Manager, you will take overall responsibility for SHEQ matters across the fleet, crew and shore-based operations. You will act as the principal SHEQ representative and provide leadership, advice and assurance across a complex, multi-stakeholder marine environment.
Key responsibilities will include:

• Lead the development, maintenance and continuous improvement of the Safety Management System (SMS/HMS).
• Ensure SHEQ policies, procedures and standards remain aligned with current local and international regulations and industry best practice.
• Lead and manage internal and external SHEQ audits, including OVMSA, ISM, ISPS and OVID inspections.
• Liaise with Flag, Class and relevant authorities regarding audits, findings and corrective actions.
• Monitor regulatory and industry developments and assess their impact on operations.
• Develop and implement SHEQ policies, procedures and initiatives that strengthen the organisation’s safety culture.
• Lead incident investigations, root-cause analysis, reporting and corrective/preventive action programmes.
• Conduct operational risk assessments and identify opportunities to reduce risk and improve safe working practices.
• Develop and monitor SHEQ KPIs, statistics, reports and management information.
• Oversee SHEQ training, certification and induction programmes for shore-based and offshore personnel.
• Develop, review and maintain emergency response plans.
• Support the management and implementation of PPE requirements.
• Promote a strong “Safe to Speak Up” and Stop Work Authority culture.
• Work closely with operations, crewing and fleet management to identify and address SHEQ risks.
• Support health-based initiatives and continuous improvement programmes.
• Review and improve operational procedures for offshore operations.
• Visit offshore personnel and actively support training and safety initiatives both ashore and afloat.
• Work closely with clients, contractors, subcontractors, JV partners and relevant regulatory bodies on HSSEQ matters.
• Ensure security requirements and security risks are appropriately managed within the SHEQ framework.
• Have the authority to intervene where there is a risk to life, safety, security or the environment.
• Provide SHEQ advice and representation to senior management and external stakeholders.
• Undertake additional responsibilities as required by the Managing Director.

About You
You will be an experienced SHEQ/HSE professional with a strong background in marine, offshore and/or Oil & Gas operations, ideally with experience in towage or a comparable operational environment.
Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Marine/Nautical Sciences, Safety Management or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years’ relevant HSE experience within the Oil & Gas industry, including at least 3 years at management level.
• Proven experience in Quality and Safety Management Systems.
• Experience within the towage and/or offshore industry.
• Strong understanding of ISM/SMS principles and procedures.
• Experience working within a regulated marine or offshore environment.
• Knowledge of applicable local and international SHEQ legislation, standards and best practice.
• Experience with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 management systems.
• NEBOSH or equivalent professional qualification such as CMIOSH, MIIRSM or RSP.
• Strong knowledge of risk management and incident investigation methodologies.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Willingness and ability to travel occasionally across the GCC region.

Desirable

• Ocean-going marine experience.
• DPA and CSO certification.
• Recognised incident investigation/root-cause analysis qualification.
• Experience dealing with Flag, Class and regulatory authorities.
• Experience managing client inspections and external audits in a marine/offshore environment.

Key Competencies
The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong leadership and influencing skills.
• Excellent analytical, interpersonal and communication abilities.
• A proactive approach to safety and continuous improvement.
• The ability to operate effectively under pressure and manage multiple stakeholders.
• Strong knowledge of marine/towage operational procedures.
• Practical experience in risk and incident management.
• The ability to work effectively within a multicultural, multilingual and multinational environment.
• A self-motivated approach with the drive to develop expertise and take on new challenges.
• The confidence and authority to challenge unsafe practices and intervene where necessary.

Technical Expertise
The role requires broad technical capability across:

• Safety Management
• Health Management
• Quality Management
• Environmental Risk Management
• Incident Management
• Emergency Response
• Business Process Analysis
• Marine Safety Management Systems
• Risk Assessment and Management
• Audit and Compliance

What’s on Offer
This is an excellent opportunity for an established SHEQ/HSE Manager to take a senior leadership position within a major marine and offshore operating environment in the GCC region.
The role offers the opportunity to influence safety culture at an organisational level, work across both shore-based and offshore operations, and engage directly with senior management, major clients, regulatory bodies and international stakeholders.
Location: GCC Region
Position: SHEQ Manager
Employment: Shore-Based
Reporting to: Managing Director