Freelance Subject Matter Expert – Process Safety Management

Allow us to introduce ourselves

At dss+, we’re not just another global consulting firm. 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.

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 Freelance Subject Matter Expert in Process Safety to join our growing team. You will work with leading organisations to implement world-class Process Safety Management (PSM) practices, focusing on Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and risk management in high-hazard industries. This is a unique opportunity to broaden your professional impact while helping clients achieve safer, more resilient operations.

Does this sound like you?

As part of client-engagement teams, you’ll take the lead on designing and delivering process safety solutions. You’ll use your deep technical knowledge to help clients identify hazards, assess risk, and embed safety practices that protect people and drive business value.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the design and execution of process safety engagements, focusing on PHA (e.g., HAZOP, HAZID, LOPA) and related risk analysis techniques.

• Acting as a trusted advisor to senior executives and operational leaders, linking operational risk outcomes to business performance.

• Facilitating and/or chairing PHA sessions to a high professional standard, supporting clients to understand and manage complex risks.

• Working across the asset lifecycle – from design and build to operations, maintenance, modification, and decommissioning – to improve safety resilience.

• Building tailored solutions aligned with client culture, business needs, and regulatory standards.

• Contributing to thought leadership on PSM methodologies and mentoring junior colleagues.

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 clients and colleagues worldwide.

We provide:

• Mentorship and collaboration with leading process safety experts.

• 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.

Who are you today?

You are a recognised Freelance 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.

• Proven success implementing PSM systems and risk management in high-hazard industries (Oil & Gas, Chemicals, Petrochemicals, or similar).

• Operational experience in international companies, with exposure across the full asset lifecycle.

• Credibility from having worked in industry (e.g., operations, engineering, or process safety roles) and, ideally, consulting experience.

• 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).

• 15+ years of experience in process safety, operational risk, or engineering.

• Fluent in English and Dutch

• Willingness to travel up to 80% of the time.

• Already be set up and working as a freelance specialist or about to leave a permanent role to work as a freelance specialist. If you are only interested in working alongside your current permanent role, this will not be the right role for you.

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 metals & mining, chemicals, oil & gas & energy, power & utilities, agribusiness and consumer goods, industrial & manufacturing, and private equity), 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.

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

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