Quality Environment Specialist

Position Overview

The Quality and Environment Specialist will support Etihad Rail Freight in the development, implementation, and maintenance of quality management and environmental systems in line with corporate and regulatory requirements. The role ensures compliance with established policies and standards, monitors performance against objectives, and drives continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and environmental stewardship.

The specialist will work closely with operational teams to provide guidance on quality and environmental practices, conduct audits and inspections, support reporting and documentation, and assist in fostering a culture of safety, quality, and environmental responsibility throughout the organisation.

Roles and Responsibility

Quality Management

• Support the implementation and maintenance of the Quality Management System (QMS) in alignment with ISO 9001.
• Assist in internal and external audits to monitor compliance with quality standards and identify areas for improvement.
• Collect, analyse, and report on quality-related Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Assist in developing and updating policies, procedures, and work instructions to maintain consistent quality standards across operations.
• Collaborate with operational teams and stakeholders to support quality assurance in customer service, procurement, operations, maintenance and service delivery.

Environmental Management

• Support the implementation and monitoring of the Operational Environmental Management Plan (OEMP) in line with ISO 14001 standards.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with UAE environmental legislation, regulations, and international best practices.
• Support environmental assessments and initiatives aimed at mitigating adverse environmental impacts.
• Promote environmental awareness and sustainability practices across operational teams.
• Participate in environmental audits and inspections, ensuring timely reporting of findings and follow-up on corrective actions.
• Support the implementation and monitoring of Energy Management System in line with ISO 50001 standards.
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of greenhouse gas inventory and environmental and energy data and performance management.
• Implement robust environmental monitoring activities based on significant aspects and impacts, including, emissions testing, dust monitoring, waste and wastewater permits, environmental noise and vibration monitoring.

Compliance and Assurance

• Support adherence to local and international quality and environmental legislation, regulations, and standards, including ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
• Assist in integrating quality and environmental processes into the overall management system, ensuring consistency and operational efficiency.
• Contribute to the annual audit plan for quality and environmental management systems, in alignment with ISO 19011 guidelines.
• Act as a point of contact for environmental regulatory bodies, certification authorities, and other third-party stakeholders, assisting with queries, inspections, and compliance reporting related to environmental management and sustainability.
• Track findings from quality and environmental audits and inspections, supporting timely implementation of corrective actions, and reporting progress to the Senior Manager.
• Collect and analyse quality and environmental KPIs, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement, and supporting enhancements to policies, procedures, and operational processes.

Behaviour and Communication

• Support the communication of quality and environmental practices to operational teams and line managers, ensuring awareness and adherence to established standards.
• Assist in the development and delivery of training programs in collaboration with the training team to raise awareness of quality and environmental management across the organisation.
• Participate and set up stakeholder engagements and industry forums on quality and environmental matters, supporting senior leadership as required.
• Demonstrate effective teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills to facilitate operational compliance and continuous improvement initiatives.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

Academic Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in Environmental Management or Quality Management or a related field.
• Level 3 TQM Diploma or equivalent in Quality Management is desirable.
• NEBOSH National Diploma or equivalent in Environmental Management is desirable.

Professional Qualifications

• ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 Lead Auditor certifications are essential.
• Membership in a professional body related to quality and / or environmental is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in quality and environmental preferably in a high-risk industry such as rail, aviation, ports or oil and gas.
• Demonstrable experience in developing and implementing management systems and driving cultural change.
• Experience in conducting complex audits, assurance reports and risk assessments.
• International experience in a high-hazard industry is advantageous.

Skills

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Exceptional organisational skills with attention to detail.
• Strong technical writing skills for developing policies, reports, and procedures.

Other Skills

• Excellent communication skills are necessary in all forms with a proven ability to speak publicly and present in a professional manner.
• Excellent English language skill both written and verbal. Knowledge of Arabic is preferable.
• Able to manage cultural diversity in the workplace and recognise the sensitivities between different cultures.
• Adaptability and resilience to work in a harsh environment with most of the time being employed in desert locations.
• Be a person of trust and integrity and a people person who possesses the ability to influence, coach and mentor others. Be a safety role model and lead by example.

Key Competencies

• Leadership and strategic vision.
• Proactive approach to problem-solving and innovation.
• Commitment to sustainability and environmental protection.
• Strong focus on compliance and continuous improvement.