Freelance Subject Matter Expert Process Safety Management in London

At dss+, we are a purpose-driven company that exists to save lives and create a sustainable future for our clients, employees, and communities. We put people at the heart of everything we do, and we are a consultancy with heart. As an experienced process safety specialist, your expertise is vital in helping us protect people, assets, and the environment, making you an essential part of our mission.

Right now, we are strengthening our capability and presence and looking for a Freelance Subject Matter Expert in Process Safety to join our growing team. You will work with leading organisations to implement world-class Process Safety Management (PSM) practices, focusing on Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and risk management in high-hazard industries. This is a unique opportunity to broaden your professional impact while helping clients achieve safer, more resilient operations.

Responsibilities

• Leading the design and execution of process safety engagements, focusing on PHA (e.g., HAZOP, HAZID, LOPA) and related risk analysis techniques.
• Acting as a trusted advisor to senior executives and operational leaders, linking operational risk outcomes to business performance.
• Facilitating and/or chairing PHA sessions to a high professional standard, supporting clients to understand and manage complex risks.
• Working across the asset lifecycle from design and build to operations, maintenance, modification, and decommissioning to improve safety resilience.
• Building tailored solutions aligned with client culture, business needs, and regulatory standards.
• Contributing to thought leadership on PSM methodologies and mentoring junior colleagues.

What We Provide

• Mentorship and collaboration with leading process safety experts.
• A structured talent-development framework, including access to our Consulting Development Academy.
• Competitive salary, medical cover, allowances, disability benefits, a discretionary annual incentive, and flexible work policies.
• Opportunities to work on regional and international projects, growing your expertise and network.

Your Experience And Expertise Include

• Extensive practical experience in PHA techniques (HAZOP, HAZID, LOPA) ideally as a qualified HAZOP Chair or PHA facilitator.
• Proven success implementing PSM systems and risk management in high-hazard industries (Oil & Gas, Chemicals, Petrochemicals, or similar).
• Operational experience in international companies, with exposure across the full asset lifecycle.
• Credibility from having worked in industry (e.g., operations, engineering, or process safety roles) and, ideally, consulting experience.
• Strong understanding of the risk dimensions of PHA and the ability to present technical findings as clear, actionable advice.
• Excellent facilitation and interpersonal skills, able to work with both executives and technical teams.
• Organised, analytical, and outcome-focused, comfortable managing complex projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Engineering or equivalent (MSc or MBA preferred).
• 15+ years of experience in process safety, operational risk, or engineering.
• Fluent in English and an additional European language (French, German, Italian, Spanish etc).
• Willingness to travel up to 80% of the time.
• Already be set up and working as a freelance specialist or about to leave a permanent role to work as a freelance specialist.

We are implementers and change-makers. Our passion lies in helping clients solve their most complex challenges and engaging organisations from the boardroom to the shop floor to build resilience and sustain improvements.

Join us to make a difference safeguarding lives, assets, and the environment while building resilient, high-performing operations.