Health & Safety Manager – Terminal Operations

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, and will be based in Umm Qasr for at least two years.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage the terminal’s Health & Safety programme, ensuring safe stevedoring, cargo handling, lifting and all site activities comply with Iraqi regulations, international maritime standards and IFC Performance Standards.
• Maintain and continuously improve site‑level H&S management systems, including risk assessments, incident investigation, 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 terminal staff, contractors and third‑party operators.
• Prepare clear, high‑quality reports in English for head office, shareholders and IFC/lender reporting requirements.
• Liaise with IFC and other lenders during site visits, audits or supervision missions, representing the terminal’s H&S performance.
• Support implementation and continual improvement of the ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System.
• Manage relationships with local authorities, regulators and emergency services as required.

Required profile

• Minimum 6 years of occupational health & safety management experience, preferably in ports, terminals, logistics, heavy industry, oil & gas or infrastructure.
• Working knowledge of IFC Performance Standards (especially PS1 and PS2) 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 implementation
• IFC Performance Standards
• Risk assessment
• Incident investigation
• Permit‑to‑work systems
• Emergency response planning
• Contractor management