Lead Specialist

Lead Specialist, EHSS – Shaping the Future of Mining Safety and Compliance in Saudi Arabia

Maaden, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s largest multi-commodity mining and metals company, is at the forefront of transforming the mining sector into the third pillar of the national economy. With a vision to build a world-class, fully integrated mining value chain, Maaden is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Specialist, EHSS (Environment, Health, Safety, and Sustainability) to join its Performance & Reporting Department in Ras Al Khair, Saudi Arabia. This pivotal role offers a unique opportunity to lead process safety management, drive compliance excellence, and champion sustainable operational practices across Maaden’s industrial and process operations.

Overall Job Purpose

As the Lead Specialist, EHSS, you will be responsible for leading process safety management and supporting the Assurance & Compliance function to ensure that Maaden’s operations adhere to the highest standards of safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance. Your role will encompass the identification, assessment, and control of process safety risks and major accident hazards, while collaborating closely with the Assurance & Compliance team to verify adherence to internal policies, external audit requirements, and regulatory frameworks. Additionally, you will implement, monitor, and continuously improve Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) programs to support efficient and sustainable operations. This position demands a blend of strategic oversight, hands-on field engagement, and analytical rigor to drive audits, assurance activities, and corrective-action follow-up to closure.

Key Accountabilities

• Process Safety Leadership: Lead process safety management across all operating assets, including conducting process hazard analyses (e.g., HAZOP/LOPA), major accident hazard assessments, asset/mechanical integrity reviews, management of change evaluations, and pre-startup safety reviews to ensure operational resilience.
• Assurance & Compliance Oversight: Serve as a core member of the Assurance & Compliance team, verifying conformance with internal and external audit requirements, regulatory standards, and Maaden’s EHSS Management System. Validate the effectiveness and sustainability of controls to mitigate risks and ensure operational integrity.
• Corrective and Preventive Action Management: Validate and oversee the timely closure of corrective and preventive actions arising from audits, assurance reviews, and incidents. Ensure that corrective measures are implemented effectively and verified for long-term sustainability.
• HSE Program Development and Improvement: Implement, manage, and continuously enhance HSE programs, including Industrial Hygiene initiatives, hazard identification protocols, and risk-control measures to foster a culture of safety and sustainability.
• Policy and Procedure Governance: Lead periodic reviews and updates of high-level HSE policies, procedures, and standards to align with evolving regulatory requirements and industry best practices, ensuring Maaden remains at the forefront of HSE excellence.
• Strategic HSE Framework Development: Develop and maintain comprehensive Safety, Health, and Environmental standards, programs, plans, and strategic frameworks to support Maaden’s operational objectives and sustainability goals.
• Hazard Assessment and Risk Mitigation: Conduct and oversee detailed assessments of physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and environmental hazards within operating-plant contexts. Apply expertise in NNRC (National Nuclear and Radiological Control) standards and radiation risk management as required.
• Risk Control Recommendations: Recommend and validate engineering, administrative, PPE, and environmental controls to effectively mitigate operational and process risks, ensuring alignment with Maaden’s safety and sustainability objectives.
• Subject-Matter Expertise: Serve as the go-to expert on complex HSE topics, particularly process safety, major accident hazards, and environmental incidents, providing guidance and support to cross-functional teams across Maaden’s operations.

Qualifications, Experience & Skills

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Safety Engineering, Chemical/Process Engineering, Environmental Science, Occupational Health & Safety, or an equivalent discipline.
• Recognized HSE certifications such as NEBOSH, IOSH, or equivalent. Process safety credentials (e.g., HAZOP leadership, PSM, or equivalent) are considered a significant advantage.

Minimum Experience:

• 10+ years of practical HSE experience within operating heavy industry, including mining, metals, refining, smelting, or comparable industrial/process operations, with a demonstrated depth in process safety and risk management.
• Proven track record in leading process safety initiatives, conducting hazard analyses, and implementing robust risk-control measures in complex operational environments.
• Hands-on field engagement experience, with the ability to drive audits, assurance activities, and corrective-action follow-up to closure in high-risk industrial settings.

Core Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex risks and develop effective mitigation strategies.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities to influence stakeholders at all levels and drive a culture of safety and compliance.
• Proficiency in HSE management systems, regulatory frameworks, and industry best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within cross-functional teams to achieve organizational objectives.