Lead Auditor Operations

Job Purpose

To lead and execute comprehensive HSSE audits in the operations sites, ensuring compliance with regulatory, internal, and industry-specific guidelines. Drive continuous improvement in HSSE practices through rigorous audit findings and recommendations.

Reporting Line

The Lead Auditor Operations will report to the Head of HSSE Governance and Assurance /Head of HSSE Operations/Head of HSSE Construction

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough HSSE audits in operations projects, ensuring adherence to regulatory and company standards.
• Develop and implement audit plans, methodologies, and checklists tailored to the operations sectors.
• Analyze and interpret audit findings, providing actionable recommendations for improvement.
• Collaborate with operational teams to ensure the effective implementation of audit recommendations.
• Stay updated with the latest industry standards, best practices, and regulatory changes relevant to HSSE in operations.
• Provide training and guidance to junior auditors and other team members.
• Engage with external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies and industry groups, to align audit practices with external expectations.
• Ensure transparent and regular communication of audit findings to the Head of HSSE Audit and Assurance and other relevant stakeholders.

Planning and Delivery 

• Develop and execute tactical HSSE assurance and auditing plans, ensuring timely completion and alignment with immediate organizational objectives.
• Create detailed HSSE plans emphasizing regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, training, and security and crisis recovery.
• Seamlessly integrate HSSE plans into daily business operations, ensuring the safety of personnel and assets while achieving operational milestones.
• Facilitate clear communication and prompt implementation of HSSE actions across all organizational levels.
• Monitor, review, and update HSSE plans regularly, ensuring timely completion of actions and continuous improvement in the HSSE Audit and Assurance Functions.

Technical Services and Guidance

• Deliver technical HSSE expertise, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
• Guide and advise on technical HSSE matters, ensuring informed decision-making and risk mitigation across the organization.
• Ensure the continuous advancement of technical capabilities within the HSSE function, maintaining alignment with evolving industry standards.
• Implement rigorous technical auditing and assurance processes, safeguarding compliance and identifying areas for improvement.
• Engage with external technical experts and organizations, ensuring the ongoing development and relevancy of internal technical capabilities.

HSSE Management Systems 

• Establish, manage, and continually refine HSSE management systems, ensuring strategic alignment and operational efficacy.
• Ensure the rigorous implementation and adherence to HSSE management systems across all business functions and levels.
• Continuously assess the effectiveness and relevance of HSSE management systems, instigating improvements and modifications as necessary.
• Facilitate comprehensive training and awareness programs, ensuring robust understanding and utilization of HSSE management systems.
• Ensure HSSE management systems are adaptable and resilient, capable of supporting the organization through change and crisis.

HSSE Management, Monitoring, and Reporting

• Strategically manage the assurance and auditing department to ensure alignment with organizational goals, regulatory compliance, and optimal risk management through rigorous oversight and periodic reviews.
• Employ a data-driven approach for assurance and auditing, utilizing comprehensive monitoring and reporting tools to gauge the efficacy of policies, protocols, and procedures in mitigating HSSE risks and ensuring compliance.
• Ensure systematic and transparent reporting to internal stakeholders and, when relevant, external bodies, providing clear, comprehensible insights into the status, findings, and recommendations of HSSE audits and assurance activities.
• Implement stringent monitoring mechanisms to ensure consistent adherence to HSSE policies and regulations across the organization, proactively identifying, addressing, and reporting any instances of non-compliance.
• Create and manage feedback loops with various department heads, team members, and external stakeholders, ensuring that insights and recommendations are actively considered and integrated into continuous improvement of the HSSE assurance and auditing strategies and implementations.
• Create and manage feedback loops with various department heads, team members, and external stakeholders, ensuring that insights and recommendations are actively considered and integrated into continuous improvement of the HSSE assurance and auditing strategies and implementations.

Training 

• Oversee the formulation, delivery, and continuous improvement of HSSE training programs, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and organizational needs.
• Ensure all personnel, regardless of role or level, receive relevant and impactful HSSE training, fostering a culture of safety and environmental responsibility.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of HSSE training initiatives, refining content and delivery as necessary to maximize impact and engagement.
• Facilitate continuous professional development opportunities within the HSSE function, ensuring technical and strategic capabilities evolve in line with industry advancements.
• Engage with external training providers and experts, ensuring the relevancy and efficacy of internal HSSE training initiatives.

Stakeholder Management 

• Develop and nurture strong relationships with internal stakeholders, ensuring that HSSE audits are aligned with their expectations and requirements.
• Maintain transparent and consistent communication with stakeholders, keeping them informed and engaged on pertinent auditing matters.
• Seek and leverage opportunities for collaborative stakeholder engagement to bolster the organization’s HSSE profile and capabilities.
• Address and resolve stakeholder concerns and feedback regarding HSSE audits in a timely and transparent manner, ensuring the organization's reputation remains intact.

Team Management 

• Uphold and enforce ACWA Power's people management policies, procedures, and practices, ensuring both individual and team contributions align with business objectives.
• Foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning within the team.

Policies, Processes, Systems & Procedures

Ensure the implementation of HSSE policies, procedures and controls covering all areas of activity so that all relevant procedural/legislative requirements are fulfilled while delivering a quality, cost-effective service.

Continuous Improvement

• Design and execute audit action plans based on historical performance and industry best practices, aiming for continuous enhancement in audit practices.
• Stay updated and maintain professional competence in the field, ensuring the audit practices remain relevant and effective.

Related Assignments

Perform any other duties which the line manager may require to be carried out.             
Leadership 

Manage and guide the audit team and support functions to achieve objectives through setting individual goals, managing performance, and providing feedback. Ensure overall team performance, engagement, and motivation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in safety, engineering, or a related field.
• Certification from a recognized auditing institution as lead auditor Professional membership with an international HSSE Institution (e.g., OSHA, IOSH, IEMA).
  

Minimum Experience

• At least 5 years of hands-on experience in HSSE auditing within the Utilities, Energy, or Heavy Engineering sectors, with a proven track record of managing comprehensive audits.
• Demonstrated experience in leading audit teams and managing a diverse range of HSSE audits.

Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of local and international HSSE standards.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Cultural adaptability and experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong self-motivation, with the ability to think critically, persist in challenging situations, and drive issues to closure.
• Detailed understanding of operational processes within the plant and broader industry context, with a focus on risk areas pertinent to HSSE compliance.