Job Purpose

The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is a world-renowned private university located in Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The KAUST National Transformation Institute (NTI) is designed to accelerate the commercialization of technology and support the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's economic diversification aspirations. Acting as a bridge between academic research, industry, and government, NTI drives the development of largescale national initiatives and deep-tech innovation to align with Vision 2030 and Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) priorities. The Institute’s portfolio encompasses a diverse range of high-impact sectors, including environmental restoration, energy, and mobility, managing the transition of cutting-edge research into real-world industrial applications and commercial ventures. 

The Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Manager serves as a strategic partner to NTI, ensuring that this fastpaced innovation ecosystem operates within a framework of safety excellence. This position is responsible for the holistic development and oversight of HSE management systems, from laboratories and testing facilities to remote field sites. The incumbent will lead a team of HSE specialists to foster a proactive safety culture that empowers researchers and partners to innovate safely. Key responsibilities include the review of risk mitigation strategies for complex technologies, ensuring rigorous compliance with evolving local and international regulations, driving continuous improvement in environmental and safety performance, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders in creating safe workplaces, and the development and implementation of local occupational health and safety and environmental procedures, as well as industry-accepted practices. 

Major Accountabilities

• Leadership: Develop and implement local plans and procedures to enhance HSE culture across the workforce including contractors and service providers. 


• Risk Assessment: Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential HSE hazards and develop mitigation plans to avoid or minimize risks. 


• Training: Develop and implement HSE training programs for department personnel. 


• Inspections and Audits: Undertake risk-based inspections and audits including third party facilities and equipment. 


• Staff Mentoring: Provide coaching and guidance for junior HSE staff. 


• Emergency Planning and Response: Develop and maintain local emergency response plans and coordinate emergency drills. 


• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with local, national, and international HSE regulations, codes, and standards applicable to departmental operations. 


• Collaboration and Innovation: Actively cooperate with HSE staff across the organization and with internal and external stakeholders to promote HSE goals. Work with NTI project heads to ensure HSE plans are cascaded to all employees and contractors. Stay up to date on the latest industry innovation and apply it where relevant. 


• Service Oriented Approach: Foster a culture of customer service within the HSE client, emphasizing responsiveness, professionalism, and collaboration in all interactions. 


• Consistent Program Implementation: Establish a structured process for identifying and addressing HSE challenges, including coordinating and leading the implementation of university-wide HSE policies and procedures. 


• Key Performance Indicators (KPI): Develop, implement, monitor and continuously report department specific KPIs. 


• Continuous Improvement: Monitor performance metrics and KPIs to evaluate the effectiveness of HSE programs and implement continuous improvement initiatives as needed. 

Competencies

• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and priorities while maintaining a focus on achieving key objectives. 


• Comprehensive knowledge of HSE codes, standards, regulations, as well as best practices. 


• Demonstrated leadership skills within consensus-building organization effectively coaching team members and inspiring teamwork within his/her direct areas of responsibility and laterally among other work teams. 


• Strong problem-solving skills, an individual must be capable of accurately assessing needs, maintaining a calm business demeanor, and taking quick action to resolve issues. 


• Ability and willingness to work outside normal office hours and work away from the office including travel to remote project sites. 


• Proficiency in English and Arabic, both written and spoken. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Health, Safety and Environment field, or related disciplines. 


• International certification in applicable HSE areas (i.e. ISO 4500, ISO 14001) desirable. 

Experience

• At least 10 years of experience in a similar role. 


• Strong knowledge of health, safety, and environmental governance and compliance. 


• Experience with planning and implementing Health, Safety and Environmental management systems. 


• Experience in leading Health, Safety and Environment team members.


• Track -record of developing and implementing performance metrics to assess HSE program effectiveness.