Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Manager

PURPOSE

The HSE Manager plays a key role in supporting the delivery of the GEMS Group Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) strategy across schools, service entities, and corporate departments. This role focuses on the practical implementation of HSE systems, ensuring day-to-day compliance with relevant regulations, and promoting continuous improvement in HSE performance. Working closely with operational teams, the HSE Manager provides guidance, builds capability, and helps embed effective risk management practices throughout the organisation.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Support the effective implementation of the GEMS HSE management system across schools, service entities, and corporate departments.
• Develop and review HSE policies and procedures in line with regulatory requirements, international standards, audit findings, incident learnings, and best practices.
• Champion effective risk management, supporting the development and quality assurance of risk assessments and maintaining a central library of practical and current templates.
• Conduct HSE inspections and audits, report findings, and monitor and support the implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Develop and deliver targeted HSE training, contributing to the professional development of Managers of School Operations (MSOs) and other key staff across schools, service teams, and corporate departments.
• Act as a point of contact for HSE queries, providing practical guidance to schools, service teams, and corporate departments on a wide range of HSE matters.
• Act as a champion for HSE across the organisation, helping embed a strong culture of risk awareness and safe practices.
• Monitor and analyse incident reports through the HSE Guard system, upholding reporting quality, identifying trends, and providing insights for local and group-wide action.
• Conduct HSE incident investigations and support the implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Provide administrative and operational support within the HSE department, including raising and managing purchase orders and approvals and other assigned duties.

Expected Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (preferred)
• NEBOSH IGC or equivalent (required)

Expected Experience

• Minimum 5 years of HSE experience
• Experience implementing and auditing HSE management systems across multiple sites
• Experience in education, facilities management, or service-based environments (preferred)

Job Specific Knowledge and Skills

• Solid knowledge of UAE and international HSE regulations, standards (including ISO 45001), and best practices.
• Strong understanding of risk management and incident investigation techniques.
• Excellent communication skills, with a clear professional writing style and confident verbal delivery.
• Skilled in delivering impactful training and presentations across all staff levels – from frontline to executive leadership.
• Competent IT skills (MS Outlook, Excel, Word, Powerpoint).
• Detail-oriented, with the ability to work independently and effectively manage competing priorities.
• Highly organised and detail-oriented, with strong self-management.

GEMS Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of its students and staff. A UK-enhanced DBS or equivalent police check is a pre-requisite for all appointments.