We are looking for a new HSEQS Director to take the lead on our activities in the EMEA region – and to help shape both the team and the way we work going forward. This is a key leadership role with overall responsibility for driving a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement, ensuring that HSEQS performance protects people, the environment and our assets. In addition, the HSEQS Director will drive the adoption of sustainability and ESG principles into business operations, supporting the Group’s organisation’s transition to a lower-carbon future.
ROLE PURPOSE
This role will report directly to the EVP EMEA Region and will also have a functional reporting line to the Group HSEQS and Sustainability Director.
The HSEQS Director – EMEA role is a key member of the EMEA Region Leadership Team and is the regional focal point for HSEQS matters.
The role will provide functional support to the countries within EMEA region ensuring adequate HSEQS resources are maintained to comply with regulatory requirements and Group HSEQS policies, standards, and procedures.
Through the provision of leadership, development and coaching the HSEQS Director will ensure the effective implementation of the Group HSES and Quality policies, procedures and tools across regional operations which underpin the requirements of the Business Management System.
KEY TASKS / RESPONSIBILITIES
STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP & CULTURE
* Define and implement the EMEA HSEQS strategy aligned with regional business objectives and global frameworks.
* Establish a strong, values-driven HSEQS culture that promotes accountability, visible leadership, and behavioural safety across all levels.
* Act as a key member of the EMEA leadership team, influencing business decisions to ensure HSEQS considerations are embedded in all activities.
* Drive continuous improvement in HSEQS performance through data-led insights, innovation, and industry best practice.
GOVERNANCE, RISK & COMPLIANCE
* Ensure full compliance with all applicable regional and international HSEQS legislation, standards, and regulatory requirements.
* Provide oversight of risk management frameworks, ensuring hazards and operational risks are systematically identified, assessed, and mitigated.
* Maintain and continuously improve the HSEQS Management System in line with ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards.
* Lead audit, assurance, and certification processes, ensuring robust governance and control.
* Ensure all required HSE operational permits and environmental authorisations are identified, obtained and maintained (for Regulatory, Customer, and Company requirements) across the Region, including those related to waste handling, transport and disposal.
* Ensure the Region maintains full compliance with all applicable supplier qualification and compliance systems (e.g SEQL), equivalent Customer and/or industry vendor databases.
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE & PERFORMANCE
* Oversee HSEQS performance across all EMEA operations, ensuring consistency and high standards across multiple countries and sites.
* Establish and monitor KPIs, dashboards, and reporting frameworks to drive transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making.
* Ensure effective incident management, including investigation, root cause analysis, and organisational learning.
* Provide strategic HSEQS input into major projects, tenders, and operational delivery.
LEADERSHIP & CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT
* Lead, develop, and inspire a geographically dispersed HSEQS team, building high-performing capability across the region.
* Define clear accountabilities and expectations for HSEQS at all organisational levels.
* Champion training, coaching, and competency development to ensure a skilled and engaged workforce.
* Foster collaboration across functions and regions to drive a “one business” approach to HSEQS performance.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT & REPRESENTATION
* Act as the primary EMEA interface for HSEQS with regulators, clients, industry bodies, and partners.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to enhance reputation and ensure alignment on HSEQS expectations.
* Represent the organisation in industry forums and contribute to advancing best practice.
SUSTAINABILITY & ESG LEADERSHIP
* Working in concert with Group, lead the development and execution of Regional sustainability and ESG initiatives, including net-zero and environmental performance programmes.
* Integrate environmental stewardship, resource efficiency, and carbon reduction into operational practices.
* Monitor and report on ESG performance, ensuring alignment with corporate commitments and stakeholder expectations.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE & BUSINESS RESILIENCE
* Working in concert with Group and other Regions (where required) ensure robust emergency response, crisis management, and business continuity frameworks are in place and regularly tested.
* Provide leadership during major incidents or crisis situations.
FINANCIAL & RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
* Develop and manage the regional HSEQS budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources.
* Ensure cost-effective delivery of HSEQS initiatives while maintaining high standards of performance.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
* Delivery of a consistent, high-performing HSEQS culture across EMEA.
* Compliance with all regulatory and certification requirements.
* Reduction in incident rates and improvement in leading HSEQS indicators.
* Effective implementation of HSEQS strategy aligned with business objectives.
* Integration of sustainability and ESG principles into operations.
KEY MEASUREMENTS (12-18 MONTHS)
* Measurable improvement in HSEQS performance indicators across the region.
* Successful implementation of a unified and effective HSEQS strategy.
* Positive audit and assurance outcomes with sustained certification.
* Increased workforce engagement and visible leadership in HSEQS.
* Tangible progress against sustainability and ESG targets.
QUALIFICATIONS / FORMAL EDUCATION
* Degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience.
* NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent).
* Chartered Membership of IOSH (or equivalent professional body).
* Lead Auditor qualification (ISO 9001 / 14001 / 45001) preferred.
EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL
* Significant senior leadership experience in HSEQS within the energy, offshore, or engineering sectors.
* Proven track record of leading HSEQS across multi-country or regional operations.
* Deep knowledge of HSEQS regulations, risk management, and management systems.
* Demonstrated ability to influence at executive level and drive cultural change.
* Experience managing and developing high-performing teams.
SKILLS & LEADERSHIP CAPABILITES
* A proven self-starter with experience in influencing / developing a high performing team.
* Building successful relationships to enable collaboration is a key aspect of this role. The job holder is expected to have the necessary interpersonal skills to interface, manage and influence a wide range of stakeholders within DeepOcean. The HSEQ Director must have the skills, confidence and diplomacy in dealing with people whilst being capable of driving the key stakeholders, setting the pace, and ensuring all stakeholders are working towards the Region’s delivery requirements.
* Strong communication and interpersonal capability.
* High levels of integrity, professionalism, and ethical leadership.
* Ability to operate effectively in a complex, international environment.
* Data-driven decision making and performance management.
WORK LOCATION / TRAVEL
* Work location for this role will be determined based on a balance between the preferred candidate’s circumstances and the Company’s needs.
* International travel and occasional site visits to onshore and offshore locations regionally with the possibility of short-term stays will be involved in this role.
REPORTING TO
* EVP EMEA Region
DeepOcean has joined the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative. We support the 10 United Nations Global Compact Principles on human rights, labour standards, environment and anti-corruption. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and workplace. We value inclusion, equality and diversity and encourage all qualified candidates to apply. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status or gender identity.
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