Principal QHSES Assurance Specialist in London

The Principal QHSES Assurance Specialist is a recognized subject-matter expert responsible for interpreting complex internal and external business issues and recommending best practices within the QHSES Assurance discipline. The role operates with a high degree of autonomy, working independently with minimal guidance and providing objective challenge where required. The role leads the design, implementation, and execution of risk-based QHSES assurance programs, aligned with ISO standards, IOGP Operating Management System (OMS) principles, and EPC project delivery models. The position routinely engages with Project Directors, Functional Leaders, Clients, Certifying Bodies, and Regulators, and acts as a mentor and technical reference for QHSES auditors, assessors, and specialists globally.

Responsibilities

• Define and maintain a risk-based QHSES assurance strategy covering corporate, regional, and project levels.
• Lead the development, approval, and execution of annual and multi-year assurance plans, aligned with business risk, past performance, and client exposure, in consultation with Functional Leads, Manager Assurance, and the Corporate IMS Team.
• Provide independent assurance opinions to senior leadership on management system effectiveness, emerging risks, and the sustainability of corrective actions.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve QHSES assurance procedures, guidance, tools, and templates, including support to gap analyses, standard manual revisions, and Management Review Meetings.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders on QHSES-related matters and support preparation for external certifications and industry awards.
• Act as the primary company representative for external certification, surveillance, client, and regulatory audits, including governance of audit outcomes, validation of findings, root cause analyses, and corrective action effectiveness.
• Govern and support the continual improvement process, working with Department Heads to establish targets, review assurance feedback, and execute improvement initiatives to enhance process effectiveness and efficiency.
• Oversee global and business-line QHSES performance metrics, dashboards, and trend analyses; interpret benchmarks, lessons learned, and systemic risks across operating units.
• Represent QHSES Assurance in client engagements, bids, and governance meetings, providing assurance input into risk acceptance and execution strategies.
• Ensure alignment between corporate standards, project execution practices, and client requirements.
• Plan and deliver QHSES assurance training and awareness, including development of training materials and support to onboarding of new employees.
• Support customer satisfaction surveys and feedback mechanisms relevant to QHSES performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline.
• 12-15 years of experience in Oil & Gas / Energy EPC projects, including construction and fabrication environments.
• Certified Lead Auditor for ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 (ISO/TS 29001 strongly preferred).
• Strong knowledge of IOGP OMS principles, risk-based assurance, and EPC delivery models.
• Ability to operate effectively as both a team member and team leader.
• Strong decision-making, analytical, and organisational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Visio, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Strong attention to detail, prioritisation, and multi-tasking capability.
• Ability to write clearly in explanatory and procedural styles for diverse audiences.