Project Safety Officer

Job description

Location: Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands Job ID: R0124587 Date Posted: 2026-07-07 Company Name: HITACHI ENERGY THE NETHERLANDS B.V. Profession (Job Category): Legal, Compliance & Audit Job Schedule: Full time Remote: No Job Description: The Opportunity The Project Safety Officer is responsible for the day-to-day management, supervision, and enforcement of health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards on project sites across the Benelux region. Acting as the visible HSE leader on site, the Project Safety Officer ensures that Hitachi Energy HSE policies, customer requirements, and local regulations are fully implemented and followed by both internal teams and subcontractors. Working closely with the Site Manager, Project Manager, and Country HSE organization, the Project Safety Officer provides hands-on safety leadership, proactive risk management, and practical support to ensure works are executed safely and efficiently. The role requires a strong field presence, a proactive mindset, and the authority to intervene and stop work when unsafe conditions or behaviors are observed. The role is predominantly site-based and requires frequent travel across project sites in Belgium and the Netherlands. At Hitachi Energy, our purpose is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We bring power to our homes, schools, hospitals and factories. Join us and work with fantastic people, while learning and developing yourself on projects that have a real impact to our communities and society. Bring your passion, bring your energy and be part of a global team that appreciates a simple truth: Diversity + Collaboration = Great Innovation. How You’ll Make an Impact Act as the primary HSE representative on site, promoting a strong safety culture and ensuring compliance with Hitachi Energy HSE standards, customer requirements, and local legislation. Support and challenge Hitachi Energy employees and subcontractors through daily site presence, coaching, and active engagement in safe working practices. Conduct site inspections, audits, safety walkdowns, and observations to identify hazards, mitigate risks, and drive continuous improvement. Deliver HSE inductions, toolbox talks, safety briefings, and practical coaching to ensure all personnel understand and apply safe working practices. Ensure all site personnel, including subcontractors, are appropriately trained, briefed, and authorized before commencing work activities. Monitor the condition and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safety equipment, and site safety controls to ensure compliance with required standards. Exercise stop-work authority whenever unsafe acts, unsafe conditions, or non-compliance are identified and ensure corrective actions are implemented before work resumes. Support work planning and execution by collaborating closely with project teams, engineering functions, site management, customers, and contractors to integrate HSE requirements into daily operations. Lead or support incident investigations, including root cause analysis, corrective action tracking, and the implementation of lessons learned. Maintain accurate and timely HSE documentation and reporting, including inspections, observations, incidents, corrective actions, and key performance indicators. Contribute to the development of a proactive safety culture by encouraging hazard reporting, workforce engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement across project sites. Your Background Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Minimum 3–5 years of hands-on HSE experience within construction, energy, infrastructure, or industrial project environments. Proven experience working on multidisciplinary project sites and supporting subcontractor management and safety compliance. Strong knowledge of HSE legislation, industry standards, and European safety directives. Recognized HSE qualification such as MVK or an equivalent professional certification. Demonstrated ability to work independently on site, influence behaviors, and build credibility with employees, contractors, customers, and management. Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to provide clear guidance, coaching, and constructive challenge. Fluent Dutch and English language skills are required; French language skills would be considered an advantage. Willingness to travel frequently between project sites across Belgium and the Netherlands. Valid driver's license. More about us A holistic range of competitive benefit programs to support your financial, physical, and mental wellbeing and personal development. We want you to truly thrive with us – in work and out. Accessibility and reasonable accommodation Qualified individuals with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the Hitachi Energy career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by completing a general inquiry form on our website. Please include your contact information and specific details about your required accommodation to support you during the job application process. This is solely for job seekers with disabilities requiring accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Messages left for other purposes will not receive a response. Use of Al and automated tools in recruitment As part of our recruitment process, Hitachi Energy uses digital and automated tools, including Al-supported solutions, to assist with activities such as application screening, job matching, and interview scheduling. These tools are designed to support our recruiters and do not replace human decision-making. Candidate data is processed in accordance with applicable data protection and employment laws as well as Hitachi's Global Data Privacy Notice. Background Screening and Security Checks As part of the hiring process, Hitachi Energy conducts pre-employment background checks that may include verification of employment history, education, criminal records, and other relevant information, in accordance with applicable laws. For certain roles—particularly those involving access to sensitive information, financial responsibilities, client data, regulated environments, or security-sensitive functions—additional or more comprehensive background or security screenings may be required. These may include, but are not limited to, enhanced criminal history checks, credit history reviews (where legally permissible), sanctions screening, or other due diligence measures aligned with the responsibilities of the position. The scope and depth of any background or security review will be determined based on the nature of the role and business necessity, and will always be conducted in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Candidates will be notified and, where required, asked to provide consent prior to the initiation of any such checks.