Health & Safety Manager

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Health & Safety professional to lead occupational health and safety for our terminal operations in Basra, Iraq. This hands‑on, field‑based position requires close coordination with head office and international lenders such as the IFC.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage the terminal’s Health & Safety programme, ensuring safe stevedoring, cargo handling, lifting and other activities while complying with Iraqi regulations, international maritime standards and IFC Performance Standards.
• Maintain and continuously improve site‑level H&S management systems, including risk assessments, incident investigations, permit‑to‑work, emergency response planning and contractor management.
• Conduct regular field inspections and audits, identify hazards and drive corrective actions to closure.
• Build and sustain a strong safety culture among staff, contractors and third‑party operators.
• Prepare clear written reports in English for head office, shareholders and lenders, covering incidents, monthly performance data and compliance updates.
• Liaise with IFC and other lenders during site visits, audits and supervision missions.
• Support implementation and improvement of the ISO 45001 occupational health and safety management system.
• Manage relationships with local authorities, regulators and emergency services.
• Mentor and develop the local H&S team.

Required profile

• Minimum 6 years of professional experience in occupational health and safety management, preferably in ports, terminals, logistics, heavy industry, oil & gas or infrastructure.
• Working knowledge of IFC Performance Standards (especially PS1 and PS2) and/or Equator Principles‑aligned environments.
• Proven ability to work independently in demanding field conditions while maintaining rigorous reporting discipline.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Willingness to relocate to and reside in Umm Qasr, Iraq for at least two years.
• Strong stakeholder‑management skills.

Required skills

• ISO 45001 occupational health and safety management system.
• IFC Performance Standards (PS1, PS2).
• Risk assessment methodology.
• Incident investigation procedures.
• Permit‑to‑work systems.
• Emergency response planning.