Job Summary
The HSE & QA Senior Manager is responsible for leading and integrating the Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality Assurance functions across the manufacturing facility. This role ensures full compliance with Saudi regulatory requirements (including SFDA, Civil Defense, and MEWA standards) and international food safety and occupational health frameworks, while embedding a strong culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement across production operations. The role reports directly to the Plant Director and serves as the site's senior authority on all HSE and QA matters
Key Responsibilities
A. Health, Safety & Environment (HSE)
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve the site's HSE management system in line with ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 standards.
- Lead risk assessments, job hazard analyses, and incident investigations across production, warehousing, and logistics areas.
- Own emergency preparedness and response plans, including fire safety, evacuation drills, and coordination with Saudi Civil Defense.
- Monitor and report on environmental compliance, including waste management, emissions, and water discharge, in line with MEWA regulations.
- Champion a proactive safety culture through toolbox talks, behavior-based safety programs, and visible leadership on the shop floor.
- Maintain and audit permit-to-work systems for high-risk activities (confined space, working at height, hot work, lockout-tagout).
B. Quality Assurance & Food Safety
- Own the site's Food Safety Management System, ensuring certification and ongoing compliance with ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, and HACCP principles.
- Ensure full compliance with Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) regulations and GSO (Gulf Standards Organization) food safety standards.
- Lead internal and external audits, including customer audits, certification body audits, and regulatory inspections.
- Oversee raw material, in-process, and finished product quality control, including specifications, sampling plans, and laboratory testing.
- Manage non-conformance, root cause analysis, corrective and preventive action (CAPA) processes, and product recall procedures.
- Drive supplier quality assurance, including approved supplier programs and incoming material verification.
C. Regulatory Compliance & Government Relations
- Serve as the site's primary point of contact for SFDA, Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs, Civil Defense, and other relevant authorities.
- Maintain all licenses, permits, and certifications required for legal operation of a food manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia.
- Prepare the facility for third-party certification audits and government inspections, ensuring zero critical non-conformances.
D. Leadership & People Management
- Build, lead, and develop a high-performing HSE and QA team, including recruitment, coaching, and succession planning.
- Partner with Production, Engineering, and Supply Chain leadership to embed HSE and quality requirements into daily operations.
- Deliver HSE and food safety training programs for all levels of the workforce, including inductions for new employees and contractors.
- Represent HSE&QA on the site leadership team and contribute to broader operational and strategic decision-making.
E. Reporting & Continuous Improvement
- Prepare and present monthly HSE and quality performance reports to senior management, including leading and lagging indicators.
- Lead root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce incident rates and quality deviations year over year.
- Benchmark site performance against industry standards and drive initiatives to achieve or maintain recognized certifications
Qualifications & Education
- Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Food Science, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field (required).
- Master's degree in a relevant discipline is an advantage.
Experience
- Minimum 8–10 years of progressive experience in HSE and/or Quality Assurance roles, with at least 5 years in a senior/managerial capacity.
- Prior experience within the food manufacturing, FMCG, or process industries is strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated experience managing regulatory relationships with SFDA, Civil Defense, or equivalent authorities in the GCC.
- Experience leading successful ISO and food safety certification audits (ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, ISO 45001, ISO 14001).
Certifications & Professional Memberships
- NEBOSH International General Certificate or Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety (required).
- Certified HACCP practitioner; Lead Auditor certification in ISO 22000/FSSC 22000 (required).
- ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 Lead Auditor certification (preferred).
- IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent (an advantage).
- Membership in a recognized HSE or food safety professional body (e.g., IIRSM, IFST) is a plus.
