SHEQ Specialist (Process Safety, Fire and Emergency Response)

Vopak

- Durban
- South Africa
- SHEQ
- 40 hours

Description of this vacancy

Start your career as an SHEQ Specialist (Process Safety, Fire and Emergency Response) at Vopak and contribute to social themes such as energy security and energy transition. We offer you a working environment that is safe and pleasant and where equality, diversity and satisfaction are of paramount importance.

As an SHEQ Specialist (Process Safety, Fire and Emergency Response) you will build together with all your colleagues in South Africa on our ambition to be the best in Port at leading locations. Vopak South Africa is a growing company and major investments have been done. As an SHEQ Specialist (Process Safety, Fire and Emergency Response) you will join our motivated team in South Africa at Vopak Terminal Lesedi to optimize the use of the infrastructure and contribute to a culture of being proud to work for this growing company.

Ready to develop yourself and make a positive impact? Improve the world and start as SHEQ Specialist (Process Safety, Fire and Emergency Response) for Vopak South Africa.

What will you do as an SHEQ Specialist (Process Safety, Fire and Emergency Response)?

The SHEQ Specialist (Process Safety, Fire and Emergency Response) will be the dedicated Process Safety custodian and Subject Matter Expert for Vopak South Africa, taking ownership of the local Process Safety Management (PSM) framework to prevent Loss of Primary Containment (LOPC).

As the sole Process Safety Engineer for the Durban and Lesedi locations, this role requires a hands-on, proactive self-starter who bridges the gap between global standards and local operations. You will identify, assess, and control risks using Vopak's Major Hazard Risk Assessment (MHRA/MHI) tools, while managing Emergency Response and Fire Protection as integrated mitigative barriers within our overall safety logic.

Key resource support in the development and maintenance of an effective Process Safety Management (PSM), Emergency Response (ER) and fire Protection Program which forms part of the National Occupational Health, Safety & Security Program, developing related targets and maintaining a positive safety performance in line with legal and Vopak standards.

What do we offer you?

A market-based salary that is commensurate to your knowledge & experience, coupled with attractive bonuses
Relevant and competitively placed allowances
Various growth & developmental opportunities
Disability & Risk Insurance that is fully subsidized by the company
Group Medical Aid where Vopak pays 50% of the nominal costs
Excellent Retirement Scheme funding through our Group scheme Retirement Fund
Wellness Agenda that authentically connects and cares for our people and promotes work/life balance
Great working environment & a diverse and inclusive culture

What do we expect from you as an SHEQ Specialist (Process Safety, Fire and Emergency Response)?

Education: A recognized 3 year bachelor's degree in chemical, mechanical, or a related engineering discipline,
Experience: Seasoned Professional with well-grounded experience of 5-7 years of experience in projects and processing plant environment,
Certifications: professional certifications like the CCPS Process Safety Professional Certification (CCPSC) from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) or equivalent
Sound knowledge and understanding of the relevant legislation e.g. Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993. MHI Regulations, etc.
Proficiency in Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) studies. through formal training and certification and experience in HAZOP leadership.
Active exposure to emergency response e.g. Fire and Rescue, First Aid/BAA/BLS response, High Angle Rope Access Rescuer, Hazmat and pollution response would be advantageous with supporting qualifications/certificates.
Proof of Facilitation Training (certificate or other)

Skills Required

Strong relations building and personal leadership on all levels of the organization with emphasis on vertical and horizontal influencing skill/ability (demonstrated) and information sharing ability at all levels
Strong understanding of Process Safety Fundamentals and their relationship and integration with Personal Safety and Fire/Emergency Response with demonstrable competence at Incident Commander level capability.
Demonstrable experience in managing and leading Contractors and SHEQ practitioners during Projects/Turnaround/Shutdown lead roles in any SHEQ capacity.
Extensive experience in process Safety management industry. Must be capable of identifying process hazards, evaluating the risk of those hazards, and assist in the development of effective solutions to mitigate risk.
Accuracy and attention to detail, embracing and driving change with strong facilitation as well as auditing skills.

Knowledge Required

Demonstrable knowledge of Project Management and Process safety Fundamentals industry experience
Strong understanding of the SHE legislation especially MHI requirements
Knowledge of occupational health and contractor safety requirements specific the industry
Understanding of site operations e.g. Mechanical/Maintenance processes, Operational Activities, SHEQ roles and practices and associated risks presented in our industry.
Understanding of Petrochemical Tank Storage, and loading/unloading processes/activities as it pertains to the SHEQ environment

Competencies

Customer and Quality Orientation
Results Orientation with bias for Continuous Improvement
Problem Analysis & Judgement and solving abilities
Communication, Listening and Influencing
Discipline delivery and Teamwork
Demonstrable Emergency Response Capability/Experience in the following areas is an added advantage, e.g. Pollution/ Spill Response, Confined Space Entry (CSE) and Rescue, Fire Training and Development.

Your core responsibilities are

Risk Identification & Assessment (The MHRA/MHI Framework)

Take ownership of the team effort to identify potential hazards and assess whether risks are brought to an acceptable level.
Manage and facilitate the RA/PHA/HAZOP/MHI program, acting as the primary driver for identifying what can go wrong and tracking resulting recommendations.
Facilitate Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA) to verify if safeguards are strong enough, and manage SIL classification/verification.
Apply the ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) principle, utilizing Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) to justify safety investments and decisions.

Operational Control, Projects & Assurance (Trust & Verify)

Provide strict process safety oversight during high-risk periods, including managing Contractors and SHEQ practitioners during Projects, Turnarounds, and Shutdowns.
Lead Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSRs) to physically verify that changes are implemented as designed before introducing hazardous materials.
Manage process safety assurance via Technical Reviews to validate that effective PSM systems (VIMS013) are being implemented correctly.
Manage MOC for the organization. Act as the digital gatekeeper for the Management of Change (MOC) process, evaluating the safety implications of proposed changes before implementation.
Subject Matter expert in ensuring that all processes, equipment, and procedures comply with internal company standards and external regulatory requirements (e.g., OSHAct; MHI etc.). Support and coordinate permits and licenses required for operations and projects.
Create and maintain comprehensive PS and Fire auditing system and safety documentation, including managing Process Safety Information (PSI). Conduct structured audits to verify that safety standards and procedures are being followed. Above the scope audits, conduct audits such as Trust and Verify, Field Audits (SOR/POR), Legal Audits, Customer/Supplier Audits, THA, CDI-T etc. and/or other similar processes.

Integrated Fire Protection & Emergency Response

Develop and manage Process Safety and Fire protection systems for Vopak South Africa as critical mitigative barriers within the risk management framework, and lead implementation, monitoring and technical advice of PS committee.
Act as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for firewater networks, foam systems, and gas detection mapping. Ensure all fire protection equipment complies with NFPA standards and Vopak Global Standards. Coordinate with the maintenance department to ensure 100% reliability of active and passive fire systems through rigorous testing protocols.
Lead in the updating, training, and testing of the Emergency Response Plan (ERP) and Business Continuity Plan (BCP) for both Durban and Lesedi, act as standby for emergencies.
Identification of Process Safety & Fire Protection improvements based on the strategic objectives of the organization, changes in legislation, trending of SHE performance, industry best practices, customer requirements and general improvements.

Culture & Incident Investigation

Educate the BU on the Principles on Process Safety (PoPS), Hazard Recognition, and barrier thinking.
Manage Incident management process, Lead and participate in incident investigations (using tools like Tripod or Root Cause Analysis) to determine root causes and implement corrective actions.
Lead the development of a strong safety culture through leading the application of process safety fundamentals and by raising awareness and empowering staff and contractors. This includes coaching them on how to handle PSM and Fire matters effectively in their specific roles.

Governance and Documentation

Developing Procedures: Creating and updating process safety and fire protocols, emergency response plans, and safe work practices for Vopak South Africa.
Providing Technical Expertise: Offering expert advice on process safety matters during ongoing operations and new projects, annual plans, budgeting and reporting.
Asset Integrity & Technical Governance: Coordinate with different Departments such as Operations and Maintenance to ensure asset integrity and technical governance.
Training: By developing and delivering technical safety training for the terminal teams and contractors to ensure a strong safety culture across the organization.
Compliance: Beyond general regulatory compliance, this position is crucial in ensuring the fire and process safety of "control of works" plant activities and Ops SLA.
KPI’s: Monitor leading and lagging Process Safety and Fire Protection KPIs (e.g., API 754) to identify trends before they lead to incidents, maintain zero over due’s, develop reports and present to the organization to influence culture.

Want to start as SHEQ Specialist (Process Safety, Fire and Emergency Response) at Vopak?

Are you ready to share your vision and contribute to Vopak South Africa? Then start as an SHEQ Specialist (Process Safety, Fire and Emergency Response) and apply now!