Freelance Subject Matter Expert

Allow us to introduce ourselves

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're a consultancy with heart.

We implement, working side-by-side with our clients to deliver real, tangible results. We pride ourselves in combining industry experts and on the ground experience with strong people-centric change management capabilities. This creates the perfect blend to support our clients from intent to impact, enabling them to protect what they care for, transform their organisation, and sustain the changes required to make their vision a reality, in a practical actionable way.

Our clients are across a wide range of industries including Oil & Gas, Chemicals, Petrochemicals, Mining & Metals, Power & Utilities, including Renewables.

What will you do?

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're strengthening our capability and presence and looking for a Subject Matter Expert in Process Safety to join our growing team. With expertise on Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and Risk Assessment & Management, you will lead specific workstreams within a wider Process Safety Management (PSM) / Operational Risk Management (ORM) transformation program, aiming at identifying, designing, and implementing effective solutions within the area of expertise. You will provide subject matter expertise and lead project teams to help clients establishing and implementing robust Risk Assessment and Process Hazard Analysis programs and, in particular, building organizational capabilities to sustain performance.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the design and execution of process safety engagements, focusing on PHA and related risk analysis techniques and providing subject matter expertise on PHA and Risk Assessment Programs (including HAZOP, What-If, Layer of Protection Analysis, Safety Integrity Level, Quantitative Risk Assessment, Building Risk Assessment/Facility Siting, Human Factor, Inherent Safer Process Review, etc.).
• Identifying and evaluating process safety risks by working across the asset lifecycle – from design and build to operations, maintenance, modification, and decommissioning and taking into consideration the necessary links with other project workstreams such as Management of Change, Mechanical Integrity, etc.
• Facilitating and/or chairing PHA sessions to a high professional standard, supporting clients to understand complex risks, evaluate the adequacy of controls and provide recommendations to manage.
• Acting as a trusted advisor to senior executives and operational leaders, facilitating decisions on operational risk outcomes and proactively identifying issues and risks in relation to the specific delivery activities and liaising with the wider project team to evaluate potential solutions and pursue the optimal course of action to minimise adverse impact and maximise project success.
• Contributing to thought leadership on PSM methodologies and mentoring junior colleagues, and participating and contributing to functional and/or industry networks to develop and share best practices.

Who are you today?

You are a recognised Subject Matter Expert in Process Safety, with deep technical competence in Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and extensive experience applying process safety principles in operational environments.

Your experience and expertise include:

• Extensive practical experience in PHA techniques (HAZOP, HAZID, LOPA) – ideally as a qualified HAZOP Chair or PHA facilitator. Strong knowledge and practical experience in application / facilitation of a wide range of Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) techniques including: HAZID, HAZOP, What-IF, Safety Integrity Level, LOPA, Bow-Tie, Human Factor, Inherently Safer Process Review, Risk Register, Risk Matrix. Knowledge and practical experience of quantitative techniques is a plus, including Fault Tree Analysis, Event Tree Analysis, Consequence Modelling (Fires, Toxic Releases, Explosions), Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) / Building Risk Assessment (BRA), Iso-Risk Curves (Individual and Societal Risk Curves).
• Operational experience in international companies, with exposure across the full asset lifecycle with proven success implementing PSM systems and risk management in high-hazard industries (Oil & Gas, Chemicals, Petrochemicals, Mining & Metals, Power & Utilities).
• 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:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent (MSc or MBA preferred).
• ~12+ years of experience in process safety, operational risk, or engineering.
• Fluent in English (additional languages a plus).
• Willingness to travel extensively.

A bit more about us

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.

Our industry expertise (in Oil & Gas, Chemicals, Petrochemicals, Mining & Metals, Power & Utilities), combined with our consulting know-how in risk, operations, and sustainability, helps clients turn pain points into actionable roadmaps that deliver real, measurable results.

Our transformational solutions in leadership development, operational risk management, operational excellence, and ESG/sustainability are powered by coaching, capability building, culture change, and digital innovation.

Let's see where our shared vision leads

We have a strong growth trajectory and a global footprint, giving you unprecedented opportunities to advance your career while working with diverse industries, clients and colleagues worldwide.

We provide:

• 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.

Protect. Transform. Sustain.

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