About the Role
Guildhall is running a search for a growing regional main contractor delivering large-scale construction projects across the GCC. This Senior HSE Manager will own HSE strategy, systems and compliance across a major construction project in Dubai, reporting directly to the Projects Director. The hire comes as the group scales its project portfolio and needs senior-tier HSE leadership embedded on site, not sitting in a head-office function. It's a rare seat with real authority: approving protocols, leading investigations, and building a department rather than inheriting one.
Package: Up to AED 40,000 per month
The role
- Own HSE strategy, systems and compliance across a major Dubai construction project
- Report directly to the Projects Director on safety and risk performance
- Build and lead the HSE department, including all field safety staff
- Approve safety protocols, mock drills and corrective actions on site
- Lead investigation and reporting of incidents to senior management
- Act as liaison with government bodies and regulators on compliance
What you'll bring
- 15–18 years total HSE experience, including 5–10 years in senior management
- Senior HSE leadership experience on large-scale construction projects.
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering
- NEBOSH IGC and/or IOSH certification, minimum requirement
- Native or bilingual fluency in Arabic and English
- Proven track record building and staffing an HSE department
- Strong knowledge of UAE/GCC construction regulation and labour law
- Valid DDA approval already held, or obtainable quickly
What's on offer
- Senior leadership seat on a major, high-profile Dubai construction project
- Direct line to the Projects Director, with genuine operational authority
- Scope to build HSE systems and a team across multiple sites
- A mandate that grows as the group expands its international portfolio
Why apply through Guildhall
- Boutique executive search firm in Dubai, established 2010
- Eight independent industry awards for search quality since 2020
- 4.9-star Google rating from over 250 client and candidate reviews
- Direct access to the retained consultant running this search, confidentially
Hiring a Senior HSE Manager in Dubai
A Senior HSE Manager in Dubai typically reports to a Projects Director and owns HSE strategy across live construction sites, not just field enforcement. The role covers policy, regulatory liaison, incident investigation, and building out a department of field safety staff. Demand for this level of hire tends to spike when a contractor is scaling a major project or expanding its regional portfolio, since it signals a need for senior-tier governance rather than a single site safety officer. Fluency in Arabic and English, along with DDA approval, is commonly expected for roles tied to Dubai-regulated developments.
Common questions
What does a Senior HSE Manager do in Dubai?
A Senior HSE Manager sets and directs health, safety and environmental strategy across construction projects, rather than working as a single-site safety officer. They approve site protocols, lead incident investigations, liaise with regulators, and build and manage the HSE department, including field safety staff. The role typically reports to a Projects Director or equivalent senior leader.
What experience do I need to apply?
Senior HSE leadership experience on large-scale construction projects. NEBOSH IGC or IOSH certification is generally the minimum, with OSHA credentials seen as a strong plus. Bilingual Arabic and English communication, a relevant engineering degree, and proven experience building an HSE team are commonly required.
How do I apply?
Apply directly on this page. A Guildhall consultant reviews every application personally and will contact suitable candidates on a confidential basis.
What does this role pay?
The role offers a package of up to AED 40,000 per month, roughly AED 480,000 per year.
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The Agency Behind This Role
This search is managed by Guildhall — an 8× award-winning executive search and recruitment agency, rated 4.9★ across 250+ Google reviews, recruiting in Dubai and across the GCC.