Safety Officer - Oil & Gas Industry | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

About the Role: Make a Difference in Workplace Safety

Seagull International LLP, a leader in human resource solutions for the energy sector, is seeking a dedicated and vigilant Safety Officer to join a prestigious client's team in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This is a critical full-time position within the Oil & Gas industry, perfect for a professional with 5-10 years of hands-on experience who is passionate about fostering a culture of safety awareness and preventing workplace incidents. As the cornerstone of our client's Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) department, you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive safety protocols to ensure the well-being of all personnel and the protection of assets in a dynamic and high-stakes environment.

Key Responsibilities & Daily Duties

Your primary mission will be to ensure a zero-incident work environment through proactive planning, continuous monitoring, and diligent enforcement of safety standards. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve the company's Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) management system in strict compliance with local Saudi Arabian regulations and international standards (e.g., OSHA, NFPA).
• Conduct daily site inspections and rigorous risk assessments (JSA, HAZOP) to identify potential hazards, unsafe practices, and environmental risks across all operational areas, including drilling rigs, production facilities, and pipelines.
• Lead comprehensive accident and incident investigations to determine root causes, prepare detailed reports, and implement effective corrective and preventive actions to avoid recurrence.
• Organize and deliver engaging safety training programs, toolbox talks, and emergency drills (fire, H2S release, evacuation) to enhance safety awareness and preparedness among all employees and contractors.
• Maintain and audit all safety documentation, including permits-to-work, equipment inspection records, emergency response plans, and safety data sheets (SDS).
• Lead the site emergency response team, acting as a first responder and coordinator during any crisis situation to mitigate impact and ensure personnel safety.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to project managers, engineers, and field supervisors on all matters pertaining to occupational health, process safety, and environmental protection.
• Monitor and ensure the correct usage and maintenance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), firefighting equipment, and other safety devices.
• Liaise with government safety inspectors, clients, and third-party auditors, presenting the company's safety performance and compliance status professionally.

Who We Are Looking For: Candidate Requirements

To be successful in this challenging and rewarding Safety Officer role, you must possess the following qualifications and attributes:

Education & Formal Certification

• A Graduation/Diploma in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Petroleum), Occupational Health & Safety, or a closely related field is mandatory.
• Professional certifications such as NEBOSH (International General Certificate or Oil & Gas), IOSH Managing Safely, or an equivalent are highly preferred.
• Certification in specialized areas like H2S Awareness, Confined Space Entry, First-Aid/CPR, and Firefighting is a significant advantage.

Experience & Technical Knowledge

• A proven track record of 5-10 years of experience in a dedicated safety role, specifically within the Oil & Gas upstream or downstream sector.
• In-depth, practical knowledge of HSE management systems, permit-to-work systems, hazard identification techniques, and behavioral-based safety programs.
• Familiarity with the specific safety challenges of the region, including extreme weather conditions and remote work locations.
• Exceptional safety awareness and a meticulous eye for detail to spot even the most minor non-conformances.

Skills & Competencies

• Leadership & Influence: Ability to lead by example and positively influence the safety culture at all levels of the organization, from senior management to frontline workers.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English (Arabic is a plus), with the ability to conduct training and write clear, concise reports.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and investigative skills to determine the root cause of issues and develop practical, sustainable solutions