HSE Manager Resume Example for Jobs in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)

Jeddah's health, safety, and environmental (HSE) management sector plays a critical role as Saudi Arabia pursues Vision 2030 megaprojects while maintaining the kingdom's position as a global energy leader. While Jeddah is not located in the primary oil-producing Eastern Province, the city serves as a strategic hub for energy sector support services, petrochemical operations (SABIC facilities), oil and gas logistics through its Red Sea port, and regional headquarters for international energy services companies. The Red Sea Development Company's massive resort projects, industrial facilities at King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), and growing renewable energy initiatives create demand for HSE managers who can implement world-class safety and environmental management systems across diverse industrial and construction environments.

HSE managers in Jeddah work in challenging contexts requiring integration of international best practices (ISO 45001, ISO 14001, OSHA standards) with Saudi regulatory requirements, corporate HSE management systems of global energy companies, and practical realities of executing complex projects in extreme climates with multicultural workforces. The visibility of HSE performance—both to corporate stakeholders and Saudi regulatory authorities—elevates HSE management to a strategic function affecting project approvals, contractor selection, and corporate reputation. Vision 2030's emphasis on sustainable development and environmental protection further increases demand for HSE professionals who can navigate the evolving landscape where economic development must align with environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

Why Choose Jeddah for HSE Management Careers

Jeddah offers HSE managers the opportunity to work on genuinely complex projects requiring sophisticated HSE management systems. The scale of developments (multi-billion riyal megaprojects), diversity of industrial activities (petrochemicals, construction, marine operations, emerging renewables), and challenging operating environment (extreme heat, logistics complexity, multicultural workforce) create professional challenges that accelerate HSE management capabilities. The zero income tax policy means HSE manager salaries provide exceptional purchasing power, with tax-free SAR compensation significantly outperforming equivalent positions in Western markets.

The city's cosmopolitan character makes it the most comfortable Saudi posting for many expatriate HSE professionals, while the kingdom's regulatory evolution under Vision 2030 creates environments where HSE managers can genuinely shape organizational culture and systems rather than simply administering established programs. The professional visibility is substantial—HSE managers on major projects work directly with senior leadership, government regulators, and international stakeholders, building networks and experience that position them for regional or global HSE leadership roles. The long-term project pipelines ensure employment stability uncommon in the cyclical energy and construction sectors globally.

Top HSE Management Employers in Jeddah

Saudi Aramco maintains significant operations in Jeddah including logistics facilities, technical offices, and support services for western region activities. Aramco's HSE culture is among the world's most rigorous, with comprehensive management systems, extensive training programs, and zero-tolerance approach to HSE violations. HSE managers at Aramco work within highly structured environments with substantial resources, gaining exposure to best-practice HSE management that sets global standards. The company's long-term stability and comprehensive benefits make it highly attractive for HSE professionals seeking career anchors.

Red Sea Development Company is building a massive luxury resort development requiring HSE management for construction, marine operations, environmental protection in sensitive coastal ecosystems, and operational safety for future resort facilities. TRSDC's sustainability commitments and environmental sensitivity create unique HSE challenges requiring innovative approaches balancing development with conservation. HSE managers at TRSDC work at the intersection of construction safety, environmental management, and sustainable tourism, developing capabilities relevant to the growing sustainable development sector.

Saudi Binladin Group employs HSE managers for construction megaprojects including Jeddah Tower and numerous government infrastructure developments. The scale of SBG operations (sites employing thousands of workers) requires HSE managers capable of developing site-wide safety systems, coordinating emergency response across vast construction zones, and implementing environmental management programs. SBG experience provides exposure to construction HSE management at levels rarely encountered elsewhere, though the company's recent restructuring has created some employment uncertainty.

Petrofac operates engineering, procurement, and construction services for oil and gas facilities from its Jeddah office, employing HSE managers for project execution ensuring compliance with client HSE requirements (often Saudi Aramco or international oil companies with rigorous standards). Petrofac HSE managers work across project lifecycle from FEED (front-end engineering design) through construction and commissioning, gaining comprehensive understanding of HSE management in energy sector developments. The company's international footprint provides potential for geographic mobility and exposure to diverse regulatory environments.

Worley (formerly WorleyParsons) provides engineering and project delivery services for energy and industrial projects, employing HSE managers for design safety (HAZID, HAZOP studies), construction HSE management, and operational readiness. Worley's involvement in both traditional oil and gas and emerging energy transition projects (hydrogen, carbon capture) creates opportunities for HSE managers to apply expertise across conventional and emerging technologies. The company's engineering focus provides understanding of how HSE considerations integrate with design and operational decisions from early project stages.

Jeddah-Specific Resume Tips for HSE Managers

When preparing your HSE management resume for Jeddah employers, emphasize experience with ISO-based management systems (ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety, ISO 14001 for environmental management) as these frameworks are widely adopted by Saudi Arabia's energy sector and major contractors. Highlight any exposure to high-risk activities common in Jeddah contexts: marine operations and offshore logistics (Red Sea port activities), hot work and confined space management (petrochemical facilities), working at height (construction projects), and heat stress management (universal requirement in Saudi summer conditions). Demonstrate familiarity with Saudi regulatory frameworks including General Authority of Meteorology and Environmental Protection (GAMEP), Saudi Civil Defense, and Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (labor regulations).

Quantify your HSE performance achievements using internationally recognized metrics. Include Total Recordable Injury Rate (TRIR), Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR), man-hours without lost-time incidents, and environmental performance indicators (waste reduction, emissions management, water conservation). Many Jeddah employers target world-class HSE performance, so demonstrating achievement of TRIR below 0.5 or millions of man-hours LTI-free provides concrete evidence of capability. Include any experience conducting HSE audits (internal, external, certification), incident investigations (root cause analysis using methodologies like TapRooT or similar), and HSE training program development and delivery.

Certifications carry significant weight in the Jeddah HSE market. Highlight NEBOSH International Diploma (gold standard for HSE management in Middle East), ISO 45001/14001 Lead Auditor credentials, professional memberships (IOSH Chartered Fellow, ASSE/ASSP certifications), and any specialized credentials (IRATA for rope access supervision, OPITO for offshore safety, IOSH Managing Safely trainer). Arabic language skills significantly enhance effectiveness particularly for workforce engagement, regulatory liaison, and emergency response coordination. Demonstrate cultural awareness by referencing experience managing HSE across multicultural environments and understanding that HSE culture development requires adaptation to local contexts while maintaining international standards.

HSE Manager Salaries in Jeddah

Mid-level HSE managers (7-12 years of experience) in Jeddah typically earn between SAR 14,000 and SAR 30,000 per month, with significant variation based on industry sector (oil and gas pays premium over construction), employer type (operators like Aramco vs. contractors), and professional qualifications (NEBOSH Diploma, chartership). Senior HSE managers and regional HSE directors with 12+ years of experience and proven track records on major projects can command SAR 32,000 to SAR 55,000 monthly, particularly for roles managing HSE across multiple project sites or establishing corporate HSE systems.

Entry-level HSE coordinator or HSE officer positions for degree holders with NEBOSH International General Certificate typically start at SAR 8,000 to SAR 12,000, with progression to HSE manager roles requiring 5-7 years of demonstrated performance and additional qualifications (NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent). Compensation packages frequently include substantial benefits: housing allowances (SAR 3,000-6,000 monthly depending on seniority), annual return airfare for family, health insurance, education allowances for children, and end-of-service gratuity. Some employers offer performance bonuses tied to HSE KPI achievement (TRIR targets, incident-free performance, successful audits). The zero income tax environment means HSE managers in Jeddah often achieve savings rates of 60-70% while maintaining comfortable lifestyles, significantly outperforming nominal salary equivalents in taxed jurisdictions.

Work Culture and Professional Environment

HSE management in Jeddah operates within a Sunday-Thursday work week, with Friday and Saturday forming the weekend. Work environments vary by sector: corporate offices (Aramco, SABIC) maintain structured business hours with defined work-life boundaries, while project-based roles (construction, turnarounds, commissioning activities) can require extended hours, weekend work during critical phases, and 24/7 on-call availability for emergency response. HSE managers are expected to maintain high visibility in operational areas rather than office-based administration—visible safety leadership is cultural expectation across the Saudi industrial sector.

The professional environment emphasizes relationship management and influence without direct authority. HSE managers must gain cooperation from project managers, operations leaders, and contractors whose priorities may emphasize cost and schedule over HSE. Success requires building credibility through technical expertise, demonstrating how HSE performance enables rather than hinders project objectives, and developing strong relationships with stakeholders at all organizational levels. Prayer times are observed with brief pauses throughout the day, which HSE managers incorporate into training schedules and operational planning. The multicultural industrial workforce creates environments where HSE managers develop strong cross-cultural communication skills and ability to influence safety behavior across linguistically and culturally diverse teams.

Regulatory Environment and Compliance

HSE managers in Jeddah navigate complex regulatory landscape combining Saudi national requirements with industry-specific standards and client HSE management systems. The General Authority of Meteorology and Environmental Protection (GAMEP, formerly PME) enforces environmental regulations including air quality, waste management, and environmental impact assessment requirements. The Saudi Civil Defense enforces fire safety, emergency response, and industrial safety regulations through facility inspections and operating permit requirements. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development enforces occupational safety requirements including working hours limitations, heat stress prevention, and general workplace safety standards.

Many Jeddah industrial operations require compliance with international standards due to client requirements, insurance stipulations, or corporate policies. Oil and gas contractors must typically comply with Saudi Aramco's stringent Loss Prevention Standards or international oil company HSE requirements (Shell, ExxonMobil, BP standards). ISO 45001 certification for occupational health and safety management and ISO 14001 for environmental management are increasingly expected by clients and used to differentiate contractors in competitive bidding. HSE managers must maintain familiarity with multiple frameworks, mapping client-specific requirements to regulatory compliance obligations while implementing practical HSE programs that protect workers and environment without creating bureaucratic burden that undermines operational effectiveness.

Professional Development and Industry Trends

HSE management in Saudi Arabia is evolving rapidly under Vision 2030's emphasis on safety, sustainability, and environmental protection. The kingdom's Public Investment Fund requires robust HSE management systems for all major investments, elevating HSE from compliance function to strategic business enabler. The growing emphasis on ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) performance in corporate reporting creates demand for HSE managers who can develop metrics, reporting systems, and improvement programs addressing stakeholder expectations for sustainability and social responsibility.

Professional development opportunities exist through international bodies and regional organizations. IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) Saudi Arabia Branch provides networking and continuing education. ASSE (American Society of Safety Engineers, now ASSP) Middle East Chapter offers certifications and technical conferences. Many HSE managers pursue advanced degrees (MSc in Safety, Health and Environment; MBA with sustainability focus) through distance learning while working in Jeddah. The combination of challenging projects, evolving regulatory landscape, and integration of HSE with broader sustainability objectives creates dynamic professional environment for HSE managers committed to long-term career development in industrial safety and environmental management.

Visa and Work Authorization

HSE managers working in Jeddah require an iqama (Saudi residency permit) sponsored by their employer. The sponsorship process typically takes 4-8 weeks and requires degree attestation (including verification through Saudi embassies), professional certifications, medical examinations, and security clearances. HSE qualifications and degrees must be authenticated. The employer manages the process but requires full cooperation in providing documents and completing health screening.

Understanding employer Nitaqat (Saudization) classification helps assess employment stability. While HSE roles are increasingly targeted for nationalization, specialized HSE management positions (particularly those requiring specific international experience, advanced certifications, or expertise in emerging areas like process safety or carbon management) often receive exemptions. HSE managers who demonstrate strong mentoring capabilities and commitment to developing Saudi HSE talent typically have more secure long-term prospects. Exit/re-entry visas are required for international travel during employment. The General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) enrollment provides end-of-service benefits. HSE managers should verify employer Nitaqat status and project pipeline during interviews, as these affect long-term job security and career development opportunities in the Saudi market.

Premium Resume Template for Jeddah HSE Managers

Professional Summary Example: "Chartered safety and health professional (CFIOSH) with 13 years of experience implementing HSE management systems for oil and gas, petrochemical, and construction projects across GCC markets. Proven track record achieving world-class safety performance (LTIFR <0.2) while managing HSE for projects employing 3,000+ workers across high-risk activities. Expertise in ISO 45001/14001 implementation, process safety management, and HSE culture development. Led incident investigations, HSE audits, and regulatory compliance programs for projects exceeding SAR 5B in aggregate value. Seeking senior HSE leadership role contributing to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 industrial transformation while developing local HSE capability. NEBOSH International Diploma, ISO 45001 Lead Auditor, working knowledge of Saudi Aramco Loss Prevention Standards."

HSE Performance Metrics Section: "Safety Performance (Past 5 Years): Managed HSE for 12.5 million man-hours across 8 major projects | Total Recordable Injury Rate (TRIR): 0.28 (65% below industry average) | Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR): 0.16 | Longest LTI-free performance: 4.2 million man-hours (18 months continuous) | Regulatory compliance: Zero major violations across 47 authority inspections | Environmental: Achieved 30% waste reduction, zero reportable environmental incidents across project portfolio | Training: Delivered HSE training to 2,400+ workers in multiple languages | Audit performance: Achieved average 94% in external ISO 45001/14001 surveillance audits." Quantified achievements demonstrate HSE capability far more effectively than generic responsibility descriptions.

Project Experience Format: "[Project Name] - [Type], [Value], [Location] | Role: HSE Manager | Duration: [Dates] | Scope: [Brief description - e.g., 'Petrochemical facility expansion: process units, utilities, offsite facilities, 2,200 construction workers peak'] | HSE Program: Developed and implemented project HSE plan complying with client requirements (Saudi Aramco/SABIC/etc.), Saudi regulations (GAMEP, Civil Defense), and ISO 45001/14001. Established safety orientation and ongoing training programs in English/Arabic/Urdu. Implemented permit-to-work system for high-risk activities (hot work, confined space, working at height, excavation, simultaneous operations). Conducted weekly HSE inspections, behavior-based safety observations, and monthly HSE committee meetings. | Incident Management: Investigated X incidents using TapRooT methodology, implemented corrective actions preventing recurrence. Managed emergency response drills and maintained relationships with local emergency services. | Results: Project completed with TRIR of X.XX (XX% below target), zero LTIs across X.X million man-hours, zero environmental incidents, successful ISO 45001 certification audit with zero major NCRs." This comprehensive format demonstrates both HSE system implementation and performance outcomes.

Cover Letter Template for Jeddah HSE Management Applications

"Dear [Hiring Manager Name], I am writing to express strong interest in the HSE Manager position with [Company]'s Jeddah operations. With fourteen years of HSE management experience including eight years in oil and gas and petrochemical sectors across GCC markets, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [specific project or company initiative mentioned in posting]. In my current role with [Current Employer], I manage HSE for a SAR 1.8B petrochemical expansion project, where I have implemented comprehensive HSE management systems achieving LTIFR of 0.14 across 3.2 million man-hours while maintaining zero environmental incidents in environmentally sensitive coastal location. This work required developing HSE culture across 1,800-person multicultural workforce, coordinating with multiple regulatory authorities (GAMEP, Civil Defense, labor ministry), and balancing rigorous HSE standards with aggressive project schedule demands. I am particularly drawn to [Company]'s commitment to [specific HSE value or initiative mentioned in company materials], having observed that organizations with genuine safety culture leadership achieve superior business performance alongside HSE excellence. My background in [relevant sector/specialization - process safety/offshore operations/megaproject construction HSE] and proven capability developing HSE systems aligned with both Saudi regulations and international standards (Saudi Aramco Loss Prevention Standards, ISO 45001, client-specific requirements) position me to contribute immediately to your Jeddah operations. As a Chartered Fellow of IOSH with NEBOSH International Diploma, ISO 45001 Lead Auditor credentials, and working Arabic capability enabling effective workforce engagement and regulatory coordination, I am equipped to advance your HSE performance toward world-class levels while supporting Saudi talent development under Vision 2030 nationalization objectives. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my HSE management expertise and commitment to zero-harm culture can support [Company]'s operational excellence and strategic objectives in the Saudi market. Thank you for your consideration."