Chaudhry Sarfraz Afzal Wahla
Commander (Retd) TI(M) PSc PN LEED GA Net Zero 101 (Environment Sustainability) SIIRSM AIOSH PRM RM & IS IPGDOSH (NVQ 6) NEBOSH OSHA Train the Trainer OSHA Professional ISO 45001-2018 ISO 14001-2015 RM & IS Location: KHOBAR, Saudi Arabia (with transferable Iqama) Email: *********@*****.*** Cell No.: 009*********** LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/commander-retd-chaudhry-sarfraz-afzal-wahla-ti-m-psc-pn-a763072a/ Global QHSSE Leader - 25+ Years of Safety Governance, Sustainability, Risk Mitigation & Compliance Excellence Senior HSSE / QHSE / EHS Director with 25+ years of progressive leadership experience in Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental management & Sustainability across oil & gas, infrastructure, high-rise construction, industrial, and mega-project environments throughout the GCC and Middle East. Proven expertise in developing and implementing integrated HSSE management systems aligned with ISO 45001, ISO 14001, Saudi Labor Law, Saudi Aramco standards, Civil Defense requirements, OSHA, and international best practices. Recognized for strengthening safety culture transformation, driving regulatory compliance, reducing operational risk, and delivering measurable continuous improvement across complex, high-hazard environments. Deep expertise in risk assessment, incident investigation, root cause analysis (RCA), process safety management (PSM), HSE audits, emergency response planning, contractor HSE management, and HSSE performance monitoring.
Demonstrated success leading multicultural teams, advising executive leadership on operational risk and regulatory compliance, managing large-scale projects, developing HSSE KPIs and strategic reports, and implementing safety governance frameworks that advance operational excellence and align with organizational objectives.
Core Skills: QHSE Strategic Planning • Sustainability • Integrated Management Systems (IMS) • ISO 45001 • ISO 14001 • ISO 9001 • Saudi Labor Law Compliance • Saudi Aramco Standards • OSHA Compliance • Risk Assessment & Hazard Analysis • Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
• Process Safety Management (PSM) • Emergency Response & Business Continuity • HSSE KPI Development & Reporting • Contractor HSE Management • Internal & External Audits • PTW Systems • JHA/JSA • API, NFPA & ANSI Standards • Safety Leadership • Regulatory Compliance • Safety Culture Transformation • Environmental & Sustainability Management • Method Statement & Risk Assessment (RAMS) Review • Saudi Building Code (SBC) • MHRSD Regulations • High-Risk Activity Review • Stakeholder Management CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
• Ranked #1 Contractor — HSE Excellence, Saudi Electric Company Awarded top-ranking HSE contractor status by Saudi Electric Company (SEC), outperforming 11 competing contractors on safety compliance, incident management, and environmental performance — the highest independent recognition of HSE leadership on the project.
• Led ISO 9001, ISO 14001 & ISO 45001:2018 Certification Program Directed and executed 45 external audits across ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001:2018 frameworks. Secured full certification across all three standards — delivering organizational compliance at an international level and strengthening client confidence in HSE governance.
• Delivered 30% Reduction in HSE Costs Through Strategic Restructuring Engineered a strategic overhaul of HSE resource allocation, introducing a robust checks-and-balances framework that eliminated redundancy and optimized spend — achieving a 30% cost reduction without compromising safety performance or regulatory compliance.
• Drove Accident Rate Down by 86% — From 7 to 1 Within 12 Months Spearheaded a comprehensive safety transformation program — introducing proactive risk controls, targeted training initiatives, and strengthened site supervision — reducing the accident frequency rate from 7 to 1 within a single operating year, an 86% improvement.
• Transformed Karachi Port Security to International Standards Post-9/11 Appointed to lead the full restructuring of the Karachi Port Security Force in the immediate aftermath of the September 2001 attacks. Designed and implemented international-grade security protocols, threat assessment procedures, and force readiness frameworks — delivering a port security capability aligned with global maritime security standards. Professional EXPERIENCE
ECEC – Project Management Consultancy (PMC)
Senior HSE & Quality Manager — RR & NHR Site
Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia 2025 – Present
• Directed full-scope QHSE management system implementation across high-rise and civil infrastructure projects — covering audits, risk assessments, HAZID, JSA, PTW, CAPA, and regulatory reporting aligned with ISO 45001, ISO 14001, ISO 9001, and Saudi Aramco standards.
• Ensured full regulatory compliance with Saudi Building Code, Civil Defense, Ministry of HRSD, and Dubai Municipality requirements across concurrent GCC project sites.
• Led contractor HSE management — evaluating subcontractor HSE plans, enforcing permit-to-work systems, and conducting pre-mobilization reviews for all high-risk construction activities.
• Drove safety culture transformation through behavioral safety program and leading-indicator monitoring — measurably improving HSSE KPIs and reducing incident frequency rates across all project sites.
• Managed facilities management oversight across project sites — coordinating site infrastructure readiness, welfare facilities compliance, utility systems, and physical workplace standards in line with Civil Defense mandates.
• Directed environmental compliance, waste management, and sustainability initiatives aligned with ISO 14001 and organizational ESG objectives.
• Directed operational and administrative management of the QHSE function — overseeing resource planning, budget management, HSE personnel deployment, documentation governance, and regulatory submissions.
• Reviewed and approved contractor HSE plans, method statements, and risk assessments (RAMS) for all high-risk activities, including lifting operations, work at height, excavation, confined space, and hot work, ensuring alignment with client requirements, Saudi Building Code (SBC), and ISO 45001 before work authorization through the permit-to-work system.
• Ensured full compliance with Saudi Building Code (SBC 201, 801 and 1001 fire and safety provisions), Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) occupational safety and health regulations, and Civil Defense requirements across all project sites, closing regulatory findings through structured CAPA and formal reporting to the Client.
• Audited contractor compliance against MHRSD labor and OSH regulations, including worker welfare, heat stress (midday work ban), accommodation standards, and mandatory HSE training, and reported compliance status to the Client through monthly HSE performance dashboards.
• Served as principal HSE advisor to senior leadership — delivering executive-level strategic HSE reports, HSSE KPI dashboards, and board-level risk briefings that directly informed project planning and client decision-making.
• Sustainability: Drive sustainability and ESG initiatives aligned with organizational objectives and Saudi Vision 2030 — resource efficiency, responsible waste streams, and green building awareness (LEED principles) embedded into construction delivery.
• Quality: Oversee the quality management dimension of the integrated QHSE function per ISO 9001 — audits, inspections, non-conformance
(NCR) close-out, CAPA, documentation governance, and management review driving continuous improvement.
• Leadership & Reporting: Advise senior leadership, deliver HSSE KPI dashboards and risk briefings, and lead safety culture programs that cut incident rates.
Colliers Project Leaders – Project Management Consultancy (PMC) Senior HSE & Quality Manager — GCC Business Unit
Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia 2022 – 2025
Key Projects: NOBU Hotel & Residence (36-storey high-rise) The Ritz-Carlton InterContinental Resort Remal Business Center
• Established the PMC review protocol for contractor method statements and risk assessments across four concurrent developments, rejecting non-compliant submissions and enforcing SBC and MHRSD requirements as a condition of work commencement.
• Developed and led long-term HSE strategies across multiple project sites, ensuring full alignment with corporate standards, international best practices, and Saudi Vision 2030 sustainability objectives.
• Integrated Health, Safety, and Environmental management systems throughout the complete project lifecycle, including design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and operational phases.
• Directed regional emergency response programs and led major incident investigations, conducting detailed root-cause analysis and implementing corrective and preventive actions to strengthen organizational safety culture.
• Acted as the primary liaison with regulatory authorities and government entities including MoMRA, Civil Defense, and Public Investment Fund
(PIF) stakeholders to ensure full compliance with local regulations and client requirements.
• Managed enterprise-level HSE risk registers and implemented advanced mitigation strategies for high-risk operations within complex urban and desert project environments.
• Drove operational excellence through HSE performance benchmarking, advanced analytics, KPI monitoring, and executive-level reporting to Project Directors and client leadership teams.
• Led continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety performance, reduce incident rates, and achieve project HSE objectives across large- scale infrastructure and construction projects.
• Provided leadership, mentoring, and technical guidance to multidisciplinary HSE teams, contractors, and subcontractors to ensure a proactive safety culture and high operational standards.
• Sustainability: Aligned project HSE delivery with Saudi Vision 2030 sustainability objectives and corporate ESG commitments — embedding resource efficiency, sustainable construction practices, and sustainability performance reporting into PMC governance.
• Quality: Directed the quality arm of the integrated HSE & Quality mandate — QA/QC oversight, ISO 9001-aligned audits, benchmarking, NCR/CAPA management, and executive-level performance analytics and KPI reporting to Project Directors and client leadership.
• Leadership: Provided leadership, mentoring, and technical guidance to multidisciplinary HSE teams, contractors, and subcontractors — driving a proactive safety culture, continuous improvement, and sustained reduction in incident rates across large-scale developments. Arabian Gulf Construction Company – Zamil Group
Corporate QHSSE Manager — Saudi Aramco Projects
Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia 2019 – 2022
Key Projects: Well Core Facilities Safwa Rahima Sehat — Saudi Aramco
• Spearheaded corporate-level QHSSE leadership across multiple simultaneous Saudi Aramco projects — directing emergency response planning, disaster preparedness, incident management, accident investigation, and root cause analysis (RCA) in full alignment with Aramco HSE standards and Saudi Labor Law.
• Delivered a landmark 87.5% reduction in Lost Time Incidents (LTIs) — driving annual LTI frequency from 16 to 2 through targeted safety initiatives, proactive hazard identification, structured behavioral safety program, and reinforced frontline supervision across all project sites.
• Served as corporate point of contact for the General Manager QHSSE — accountable for full implementation and maintenance of an Integrated Management System (IMS) aligned with ISO 45001, ISO 14001, and ISO 9001, including all protocols, procedures, and supporting documentation.
• Provided authoritative HSE consultation and regulatory compliance advisory to departmental and site management teams — confirming adherence to environmental regulations, occupational health standards, and Aramco contractual HSE requirements across all operations.
• Partnered with senior and site management to embed a world-class safety culture — deploying an effective OH&S management system, continuous improvement frameworks, and HSSE KPI monitoring that elevated performance standards organization-wide.
• Executed comprehensive risk assessments, job safety analysis (JSA), permit-to-work (PTW) enforcement, and contractor HSE management — ensuring zero-deviation compliance on high-risk activities across well facilities and industrial construction environments.
• Enforced a zero-tolerance security and asset protection framework — governing physical security of personnel, warehouse and depot facilities, and company assets while maintaining full site access control and emergency security protocols. Azmeel Holding Pvt. Ltd. Senior HSSE Manager – Aramco Haradh Project (SAR 1 billion) Dammam, Saudi Arabia 2017 – 2019
Projects: TCF 1 – Hufof, TCF 2 – Al Kharj, TCF 3 – Haradh
• Directed HSSE / HSE management across a SAR 1 billion Aramco Haradh project, overseeing a workforce of 3,000+ employees and managing a safety budget of SAR 10 million.
• Designed and implemented a comprehensive Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) program, significantly enhancing compliance with ISO 45001, ISO 14001, and Aramco HSE standards.
• Recognized over 670 employees with safety awards, boosting morale, participation, and a culture of accountability in workplace safety.
• Served as lead trainer and facilitator for HSSE, delivering safety inductions, toolbox talks, and committee workshops to strengthen awareness and competency.
• Investigated incidents and near-misses, prepared detailed reports, and implemented corrective/preventive measures, resulting in stronger risk control and reduced recurrence.
• Maintained 100% legal and regulatory compliance across occupational health, safety, and environmental requirements, ensuring alignment with Saudi regulations and Aramco standards.
Azmeel Contracting Pvt. Ltd.
HSSE Manager — Jizan Economic City
Jizan, Saudi Arabia 2015 – 2017
Key Project: Saudi Aramco JEC 2000 Home Lot Development & Pipeline — SAR 550 million
• Spearheaded end-to-end HSE management system implementation across major infrastructure, structural steel, earthworks, transmission, commercial, and industrial projects in Jizan Economic City — delivering SAR 400 million in project scope in full alignment with Saudi Aramco standards, ISO 45001, and applicable KSA regulatory requirements.
• Guaranteed full regulatory compliance with HSE legislation, Saudi Labor Law, and client contractual standards — implementing a structured system for incident investigation, root cause analysis (RCA), incident cost estimation, and corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) across all project sites.
• Conducted comprehensive HSE audits, site inspections, and permit-to-work (PTW) compliance enforcement — identifying non-conformances, categorizing improvement areas, and driving continuous improvement in safety performance across concurrent project operations.
• Introduced task-specific toolbox talks, tailgate safety meetings, and structured hazard identification (HAZID) and group risk assessments — strengthening frontline safety ownership and securing operational buy-in for the HSE management system at all workforce levels. Services & Solution Company Pvt. Ltd.
Head of HSSE — Major Infrastructure & Electromechanical Projects Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 2014 – 2015
Key Project: Major Infrastructure & Electromechanical Projects
• Directed full-scope HSSE program leadership across major commercial and industrial project sites in Saudi Arabia — managing a team of 16 direct reports and ensuring the health, safety, and environmental protection of 3,000 employees in high-risk operational environments.
• Streamlined and optimized the HSSE management system as direct report to the CEO — achieving a 30% reduction in safety-related incidents through strengthened risk controls, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and embedding a safety-first culture across the organization.
• Implemented comprehensive risk assessments, permit-to-work (PTW) systems, and job safety analysis (JSA) frameworks — ensuring zero- deviation regulatory compliance with Saudi labor Law, OSHA standards, and applicable HSE legislation across all project operations. PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
Shahzad Group of Companies
Group HSSE Manager Pakistan 2011 – 2014
Directed group-wide HSSE management system, risk assessments, HSE audits, incident investigations, and regulatory compliance across multiple business units — leading multicultural teams and driving continuous improvement in safety performance aligned with ISO 45001 and ISO 14001 standards.
Naval Housing Scheme — Pakistan Navy Karachi & Islamabad 2004 – 2011 Group HSSE Manager (2007–2011) Project HSSE Manager, Navy Heights (2004–2007) Directed HSSE management across large-scale residential and high-rise construction projects including a 273-bed hospital — overseeing risk assessments, HSE audits, emergency response planning, and regulatory compliance for a workforce of 1,000+. Karachi Port Authority, Pakistan 1999 – 2003
General Manager — Safety, Security & Intelligence
Overhauled port security management and emergency response frameworks post-9/11 — implementing international-grade physical security protocols, threat assessment procedures, and asset protection systems aligned with global maritime security standards. EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
• Bachelor of Science (War Studies), Command & Staff College, Quetta – Pakistan
• Bachelor of Science (Marine & Naval Sciences), University of Karachi – Pakistan
• Executive HR Management – Bahria University Islamabad – Pakistan
• Introduction to HSE Engineering
• Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Engineering - Khalifa University CERTIFICATIONS
• LEED GA • Lead Auditor ISO 45001:2018 – IRCA
• Lead Auditor ISO 14001:2015 – IRCA • NEBOSH IGC 1, 2 & 3 UK
• AIOSH • OSHA Train the Trainer – USA
• Project Risk Management • Risk Management & Industrial Safety
• Environmental Protection & Sustainability • First Aid & CPR – SRCA
• Advanced Firefighting & Damage Control • Blood-Borne Pathogens
• Safety Officer Tactical Course • Advanced Instruction Techniques
• IPGDOSH (Level 6) – International Post Graduate Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP
• SIIRSM - United Kingdom
MAJOR PROJECTS DELIVERED
• TCF 1, 2 & 3 - SAR 01 billion ARAMCO Project – HARADH
• SAR 400 million ARAMCO JEC 2000 Home Lot Development
• 132 KVA Saudi Electric Company Grid Station RABWA – Riyadh Saudi Arabia
• 115 KVA Saudi Electric Company Grid Station NADA – AL HASA Saudi Arabia
• 115 KVA Saudi Electric Company Grid Station MUBARAKIA – AL HASA Saudi Arabia
• 200 Villas Naval Housing Scheme - Karachi Pakistan
• 4 High Stories Tower (20 Stories Each) Naval Housing Scheme – Karachi Pakistan
• 273 Bed Hospital Pakistan Navy – Karachi Pakistan
• Revamped Karachi Port Safety & Security Force after 9/11 Attack USA – Karachi Port Authority