Senior Process Safety Engineer

Location

Berre L’Etang, France

Description

The Senior Process Safety Engineer plays a key role in ensuring the integrity and safe operation of industrial units from a Health, Safety and Environment perspective.

Acting as a main contact for production teams and regulatory authorities, the role supports the site in managing process safety risks, maintaining regulatory compliance and preventing major incidents.

The position is responsible for updating hazard studies, performing HSE risk assessments, reviewing process modifications and new projects, and promoting a strong process safety culture across the site.

Description – Version française

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Responsibilities and accountability

Requirements and expertise

Update hazard studies for existing units in accordance with French regulatory requirements.
Prepare environmental impact studies and ensure that their conclusions are communicated and integrated into new process projects.
Carry out HSE risk assessments requested by the Group.
Analyse process safety risks related to process modifications and new projects.
Ensure that risk assessments comply with internal company standards and French regulations.
Act as the main process safety interface with the DREAL for new administrative orders, inspections and regulatory matters.
Promote a strong process safety culture and reinforce site engagement in process safety.
Support process technologists and operating teams in process safety matters.
Share lessons learned and operational feedback with production teams.
Lead HAZOP and LOPA studies for the units within the assigned scope.
Ensure that the appropriate risk assessment methodology is applied consistently.
Participate in and validate the classification of Safety Instrumented Functions.
Participate in investigations of incidents and near misses using recognised methodologies such as BFA, Tripod and Root Cause Analysis.
Work closely with operating teams when analysing incidents and defining corrective actions.
Carry out process safety audits.
Participate in process safety inspections conducted by the DREAL.
Act as the site contact during regulatory inspections.
Prepare responses to observations and findings related to Safety Management System audits.
Contribute to the preparation of fire emergency exercises.
Participate in internal and external audits within the process safety area, including Operational Excellence and Assurance audits.
Contribute to the preparation and monitoring of hazardous area classification plans.
Support Group Leaders in ensuring compliance with operating permits and administrative orders.
Contribute to the preparation or modification of operating permits in collaboration with the Process Department.
Maintain strong technical expertise in tools used to estimate the severity and consequences of potential accidents.
Support continuous improvement initiatives related to process safety and risk management.
Provide technical guidance to production, engineering and project teams on process safety requirements.
Ensure that process safety considerations are integrated into operational decisions and project development.
Maintain effective communication with internal stakeholders, external authorities and technical experts.
Contribute to the protection of people, assets and the environment through effective risk prevention and control.
Depending on the successful candidate’s experience and profile, a dedicated training and development programme may be implemented before the candidate is authorised to validate risk assessments independently.

Personal skills

Education

Engineering degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering or a comparable technical discipline.

Work experience

Relevant experience in process safety, process engineering, industrial operations or HSE risk management.
Experience leading or participating in HAZOP and LOPA studies.
Experience with incident and near-miss investigation methodologies.
Experience working with regulatory authorities, preferably the DREAL.
Knowledge of French process safety regulations and industrial regulatory requirements.
Experience reviewing process modifications and new projects from a process safety perspective.
Knowledge of Safety Instrumented Functions and hazardous area classification.
Experience conducting process safety audits and supporting regulatory inspections.
Ability to work closely with production, engineering, maintenance and project teams.
Experience in a demanding industrial or petrochemical environment would be an advantage.
Operational English is required.
Depending on the candidate’s background, additional training and support may be provided to obtain the required authorisation to validate risk assessments.

Critical Competencies

Process safety expertise: Demonstrates a strong understanding of process hazards, risk assessment methodologies and industrial risk prevention.
Leadership: Leads risk assessments, supports decision-making and promotes a strong safety culture.
Analytical thinking and synthesis: Understands complex technical situations, identifies critical risks and communicates clear conclusions.
Risk assessment: Applies structured methodologies such as HAZOP, LOPA and incident investigation tools.
Regulatory awareness: Understands applicable French regulations and maintains effective relationships with regulatory authorities.
Resilience: Remains calm, objective and effective when facing pressure or sensitive safety issues.
Communication skills: Communicates clearly with production teams, technical specialists, management and external authorities.
Collaboration and teamwork: Works effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
Organisation and rigour: Manages technical documentation, regulatory requirements and action plans with accuracy.
Ownership and accountability: Takes responsibility for the quality and reliability of process safety assessments.
Exemplarity: Demonstrates professional integrity and acts as a role model in safety-related matters.
Adaptability and continuous learning: Challenges existing practices, accepts feedback and develops technical expertise.
Influencing skills: Builds alignment and encourages operational teams to apply process safety requirements.
Continuous improvement: Identifies opportunities to strengthen risk prevention and improve site practices.
Operational judgement: Balances technical, regulatory and operational considerations when assessing risks.

Application process

Interested in applying?

We are looking for a highly analytical and safety-focused professional who is motivated by risk prevention, regulatory compliance and the protection of people, assets and the environment. Join Velogy and take on a key role in strengthening process safety and supporting the reliable operation of our industrial facilities at the Berre site.

Apply today and be part of our journey.

Velogy is committed to promoting equal opportunities and preventing all forms of discrimination. This position is open to applicants with disabilities.

Senior Process Safety Engineer