Director - HSWW at Parsons in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

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Job Description:

Position Summary

The Director – HSWW Utility Compounds provides strategic leadership and overall accountability for Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental performance across all HSWW utility compounds and associated infrastructure. This includes treatment plants, pumping stations, utility hubs, reservoirs, storage facilities, network interface compounds, and related civil/MEP works.

The role focuses on setting strategy, governance, and standards; overseeing implementation by project and operations teams; and driving a strong safety culture and continuous improvement in risk management, compliance, and environmental performance.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Develop and lead the HSWW HSE strategy for utility compounds, aligned with corporate objectives, regulatory requirements, and client expectations.
• Establish governance frameworks, policies, and procedures for HSE across design, construction, commissioning, and operations of utility compounds.
• Define HSWW performance targets, KPIs, and reporting structures; ensure alignment across all projects and operations.
• Provide HSE input into long‑term planning, investment decisions, and portfolio‑level risk reviews for utility compounds.

HSE Management System & Standards

• Own and continuously improve the HSE Management System for HSWW utility compounds, including manuals, procedures, and standards.
• Ensure integration of ISO , ISO and other relevant standards into HSWW operations.
• Define minimum HSE requirements for compounds
• Oversee development and implementation of HSE design‑for‑safety standards for new and upgraded compounds.

Risk, Compliance & Assurance

• Lead identification and management of HSE risks across the HSWW utility compound portfolio.
• Oversee major risk assessments, HAZID/HAZOP, process safety reviews, and Management of Change for critical assets.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable HSE legislation, permits..
• Develop and oversee HSE audit and inspection programs; verify that corrective and preventive actions are implemented and effective.

Incident Management & Emergency Preparedness

• Provide leadership for serious incident and high‑potential event investigations related to HSWW utility compounds.
• Oversee root cause analysis, lesson‑learning processes, and dissemination of learning across all teams and sites.
• Direct development and testing of emergency response plans for compounds.
• Interface with regulators and external agencies during significant incidents and emergency responses.

Environmental & Resource Protection

• Oversee environmental management across compounds, including effluent quality, sludge handling, emissions, odors, chemical storage, noise, and waste.
• Ensure robust spill prevention, containment, and response systems for chemicals, fuels, and process streams.
• Promote water efficiency, energy efficiency, and waste minimization initiatives aligned with sustainability targets.
• Ensure accurate environmental monitoring, reporting, and regulatory submissions.

Culture, Training & Competence

• Champion a strong, visible safety culture and “zero harm” mindset across HSWW utility compound projects and operations.
• Define competency requirements for critical HSE roles (confined space teams, rescue teams, chemical handlers, permit issuers, process operators, etc.).
• Oversee development and delivery of HSWW‑specific HSE training.
• Promote behavioral safety programs, leadership safety walks, and safety observation/feedback initiatives.

Stakeholder, Client & Regulatory Engagement

• Act as senior HSE representative for HSWW utility compounds with clients, regulators, and external stakeholders.
• Lead HSE components of client reviews, audits, and progress meetings; provide clear, data‑driven performance updates.
• Coordinate responses to regulatory inspections, notices, and directives; ensure timely and robust close‑out.
• Support community and stakeholder engagement on HSE matters related to HSWW compounds (odors, noise, traffic, construction impacts).

Integration with Projects & Operations

• Work closely with project directors, construction managers, and operations leadership to plan and execute HSWW compound projects safely.
• Ensure HSE requirements are fully embedded in project plans, contracts, method statements, and commissioning plans.
• Oversee HSE risk management for contractors and service providers working at compounds; ensure consistent standards and monitoring.
• Support readiness reviews and HSE acceptance for compound handover from construction to operations.

Leadership of HSE Team

• Lead and develop a team of HSE managers, engineers, and specialists assigned to HSWW utility compounds.
• Define structure, roles, and resource plans to provide effective HSE coverage across all sites and project phases.
• Mentor and coach HSE staff; support professional development and succession planning for key roles.
• Promote knowledge sharing, standardization, and continuous improvement within the HSE function.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Engineering, Civil Engineering or related discipline.
• 20 years of progressive HSE experience, with significant exposure to water/wastewater treatment plants, utility compounds, or comparable process/industrial facilities.
• At least years in a senior leadership role (program, regional, or corporate HSE leadership) managing multiple sites or major projects.
• Strong knowledge of HSE regulations, environmental requirements, and best practices for HSWW and utility infrastructure.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in HSE, Environmental Management, or related field.
• Recognized HSE certifications (e.g., NEBOSH Diploma, CSP, CMIOSH, or equivalent).
• Experience working with large utilities, municipalities, or major EPC/O&M contractors.
• Demonstrated experience with ISO , ISO implementation and certification programs.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic leadership with the ability to set vision, drive change, and influence at executive and board levels.
• Deep understanding of HSWW processes and associated risks (biological, chemical, mechanical, confined space, and environmental).
• Strong risk management, analytical, and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, including with regulators and communities.
• Proven track record in building and leading high‑performing HSE teams.
• Proficiency in MS Office and HSE data/reporting tools; familiarity with digital permit‑to‑work and HSE management systems.

Parsons equally employs representation at all job levels no matter the race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information.

We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!

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