HSSE Specialist

Puma Energy Zambia is looking for a highly motivated, proactive, and technically competent HSSE Specialist to support the implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of the Company's Health, Safety, Security, Environment, and Quality (HSSEQ) Management Systems across all business operations.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for an HSSEQ professional to work across our Retail, Aviation, Transport, Terminal, Engineering, and Project Operations, supporting the delivery of key HSSEQ programs that protect our people, assets, reputation, and the environment while driving operational excellence and compliance.

About the role

Reporting to the Country HSSEQ Manager, the HSEQ Specialist will provide technical and operational support in the implementation of HSSEQ management systems, assurance programmes, audits, inspections, risk assessments, incident investigations, process safety initiatives, contractor management, project HSSEQ activities, compliance monitoring, and performance reporting.

The successful candidate will work closely with operational teams and business leaders to ensure compliance with Puma Energy standards, applicable legislation, ISO Management Systems requirements, and industry best practices, while helping to strengthen a positive HSSEQ culture throughout the organisation.

Key responsibilities:

• HSSEQ Management System implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement.
• SAPS audits, compliance reviews, security assessments, and internal management system audits.
• ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 audit programmes and management reviews.
• Root Risk Assessments (RRAs), risk registers, and Risk Reduction Action Plans (RRAPs).
• Assurance programmes, critical control verification activities, and operational compliance reviews.
• Process Safety Management (PSM) implementation and monitoring across terminals and operational facilities.
• Administration and monitoring of the SpheraCloud Management System, including action tracking and performance reporting.
• Incident reporting, investigation, root cause analysis, corrective action management, and lessons learned processes.
• Contractor HSSEQ compliance, performance reviews, audits, and onboarding processes.
• HSSEQ support for capital projects, engineering works, retail developments, maintenance activities, and infrastructure upgrades.
• Project assurance activities, including HAZID, HAZOP, Management of Change (MoC), and Pre-Start-Up Safety Reviews (PSSR).
• Site inspections, compliance assessments, operational readiness reviews, and assurance activities.
• HSSEQ performance reporting, KPI monitoring, dashboard preparation, and trend analysis.
• Training, awareness programmes, audit readiness activities, and competency development initiatives.

Qualifications and experience

The ideal candidate should possess:

• A Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Management, , Risk Management or a related discipline.
• A professional HSE qualification such as or equivalent.
• A minimum of 5 years' experience in HSSEQ, risk management, compliance, auditing, quality management, or related disciplines within a high-risk operational environment.
• Sound knowledge of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 Management Systems.
• Experience in auditing, risk assessment, incident investigation, contractor management, and compliance monitoring.
• Knowledge of Process Safety Management principles and practices.
• Strong analytical, communication, stakeholder engagement, presentation, and report-writing skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. Experience with Cloud based (EMS) or HSSEQ management platforms will be an added advantage.
• A member of Zambia occupational health and safety association

 Key Competencies

We are looking for an individual who demonstrates:

• Strong technical understanding of HSSEQ management systems and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent planning, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to analyse data and develop practical risk-based solutions.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• High attention to detail and commitment to continuous improvement.
• A proactive, hands-on approach and passion for operational excellence.
• The ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within cross-functional teams.