HSE Director

Job description / Role

Guildhall is exclusively supporting a newly awarded 4.5-year Infrastructure & Marine Breakwater Project in Kuwait, and we are now actively hiring an experienced HSE Director to lead all Health, Safety, and Environment functions for this major development. This is a senior, site-based leadership role requiring strong experience in large-scale civil, infrastructure, and marine construction projects preferably within Kuwait or the wider GCC.

The HSE Director will serve as the highest authority for all safety matters on the project. This leader will oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the project’s HSE strategy, ensuring full compliance with Kuwait regulations, international standards, and the contractor’s internal policies.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Leadership Responsibilities
• Develop and execute the overall HSE plan, policies, and project-wide safety strategy.
• Lead, mentor, and oversee the full HSE team including HSE Managers, Officers, and Safety Inspectors.
• Establish clear HSE targets, KPIs, and performance control measures.
• Ensure a strong safety culture across all departments, subcontractors, and site operations.

Regulatory & Compliance
• Ensure full compliance with Kuwait HSE regulations, marine construction standards, and statutory requirements.
• Review and approve all method statements, risk assessments, PTWs (Permit to Work), and emergency response plans.
• Lead site audits, inspections, and internal compliance reviews.
• Liaise with Kuwaiti authorities, government bodies, and regulatory agencies.

Operational Responsibilities
• Monitor all on-site work activities—including marine, infrastructure, utilities, heavy equipment, and high-risk operations.
• Identify potential hazards and implement preventive measures.
• Lead incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action planning.
• Ensure safety measures are applied in marine operations such as breakwater works, barge movement, lifting operations, and deep-foundation activities.
• Develop and maintain emergency preparedness and crisis management plans.

Training & Development
• Create and deliver safety training programs for staff and subcontractors.
• Conduct toolbox talks, safety inductions, and marine-specific training sessions.
• Promote continuous improvement and awareness in HSE standards.

Reporting & Documentation
• Prepare weekly, monthly, and quarterly HSE performance reports.
• Maintain documentation for audits, certifications, and compliance reviews.
• Report directly to the Project Director and communicate any critical risks immediately.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Occupational Safety, Environmental Science, or related fields.
• Minimum 12–18 years of HSE experience, with at least 5+ years in a Director/Head of HSE position.
• Proven background in marine, breakwater, or infrastructure mega-projects.
• Experience working in Kuwait is strongly preferred.
• Professional certifications such as NEBOSH, IOSH, OSHA, ISO 45001 Lead Auditor.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Must be willing to relocate and work full-time on site.

About the Company

Guildhall is the most respected HR & Headhunting Consultancy in the MENA Region.

With deep, extensive knowledge of HR & Recruiting in the region, Guildhall has become a trusted partner of choice for candidates and clients. Starting from an exclusive recruitment agency in Dubai - UAE, Guildhall has grown into an elite service with the ability to cover vacancies in across MENA and Asia-pacific.

Offering tailored Career Sessions and an innovative industry-first membership program designed to save money on core services.

Guildhall is the partner of choice.