Safety Manager

Position Summary: The Safety Manager is responsible for ensuring comprehensive safety management in maritime, seaport operations, and freight forwarding activities. The role includes overseeing container handling, cargo operations, equipment safety, and customs interaction to uphold the highest standards of operational safety. The Safety Manager will proactively develop, implement, and monitor safety practices, ensuring compliance with local and international maritime safety regulations and fostering a robust culture of safety within all areas of operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop, implement, and maintain robust maritime and seaport safety policies, procedures, and operational guidelines.

Conduct regular safety inspections, audits, and risk assessments on container yards, cargo handling areas, and associated equipment.

Monitor and enforce compliance with local maritime safety laws, port regulations, customs procedures, and international safety standards (IMO, SOLAS, etc.).

Lead investigations into accidents, safety incidents, and near-misses to identify root causes and implement preventive measures.

Provide specialized safety training and education to employees in maritime operations, including hazardous materials handling, emergency response, and customs safety requirements.

Collaborate closely with customs authorities, regulatory agencies, and operational managers to ensure seamless adherence to safety and compliance standards.

Oversee safety management of port handling equipment, including forklifts, cranes, reach stackers, straddle carriers, and container trucks.

Maintain detailed records of safety inspections, incidents, training sessions, and corrective actions in compliance with regulatory standards.

Develop, test, and regularly update emergency response and evacuation plans specific to maritime and port environments.

Stay informed about developments in maritime safety regulations, operational best practices, and industry standards.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

Reduction in maritime and port-related accidents and incidents.

Compliance scores from internal and external safety audits.

Timely reporting, investigation, and resolution of all safety-related issues.

Employee engagement and effectiveness of safety training programs.

Adherence to maritime safety and customs regulations across all operational activities.

Qualifications and Skills:

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Maritime Studies, Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Science, or related field.

Minimum of 5 years’ experience managing safety in maritime, port operations, logistics, or freight forwarding sectors.

Certification in maritime safety (e.g., IMO certifications, NEBOSH, OSHA maritime) preferred.

Skills:

Comprehensive knowledge of maritime safety regulations and international shipping standards.

Proven leadership skills with the ability to communicate effectively across diverse teams.

Expertise in conducting detailed risk assessments, safety audits, and incident investigations.

Strong analytical abilities for root-cause analysis and preventive strategy development.

Proficiency in MS Office and relevant safety management software.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with customs compliance and regulatory requirements.

Previous experience working directly within seaport, maritime, or container terminal operations.

Bilingual proficiency (Arabic and English) advantageous.