PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Timeline

Dr. Iain Gardner

Sarens Nass Middle East Wll
Bahrain
Dr. Iain Gardner
1
Certification
25
years of professional experience

I am an extremely confident and experienced professional in Occupational Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality with hands on and strategical experience within the Middle East, India, Africa, Europe the UK and globally covering various industry sectors including logistics, heavy lifting and Port services, major construction, Hyperscale data centres, highways maintenance, civil engineering and commercial office construction as well as rail, port and industrial projects. I have worked in many countries globally including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, UAE, India, Sierra Leone, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Netherlands and the United Kingdom. I have strong management skills and lead by example; allowing individuals to excel through giving them the confidence to make their own decisions and utilize and develop their own experience. I am currently Regional Executive Manager of SHEQ covering the GCC region of the middle east overseeing 32 SHEQ Officers 2 SHEQ Coordinators, 1 environmental Officer and 1 Quality Manager. I am instrumental in the reviewing and redrafting of procedures and policies as well as the ongoing review of risk assessments. The organization has a strong Integrated Management System of which I am the senior guardian with Certification to ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 in each of the operating countries across the middle east. I have a proven track record of being capable of building teams that work together to achieve goals, teaching by utilizing the strengths brought to the team by individual members and developing the team in areas of weakness. I have experience in working on large-scale projects both on tier structure and IPD model delivery. I am a Chartered Fellow of IOSH and I hold a Masters in Business Administration for Occupational Health and Safety Leadership. I have achieved my OCR NEBOSH NVQ5 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety and hold my NEBOSH General and Construction certificates.

Work History

IPAF Council representative

7 Months
IPAF | 01.2026 - Current

Regional Executive Manager - Safety, Health, Environmental and Quality, Company Lead for Environment, Social & Governance and Head of Learning Development

5 Years 2 Months
Sarens Nass Middle East Wll | 06.2021 - Current
  • Championed Safety, Health, Environmental, and Quality (SHE-Q) standards and promoted a Zero-Incident Safety Culture across Business Units (BUs) in GCC region, enhancing overall safety performance. Developed strong relationships with functional and business leaders while leading a team of over 30 SHEQ professionals to drive safety initiatives. Ensured compliance with SHE-Q regulations and laws across operational countries, aligning local practices with company standards. Leads the ESG Strategy plan for the company and chairs the ESG committee.
  • Led cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.
  • Developed strategic initiatives to align organizational goals with market opportunities.
  • Managed budgeting processes, ensuring financial compliance and resource allocation.

European Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality Officer

4 Months
Dornan Engineering | 01.2021 - 05.2021
  • Led HSEQ initiatives for hyperscale data centre project in Denmark, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
  • Led team in implementing efficient engineering processes to enhance project delivery timelines.
  • Developed training programs to improve staff proficiency in engineering best practices and safety protocols.
  • Oversaw quality control measures, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.

European Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality Officer

7 Months
Crown Roofing and Cladding | 06.2020 - 01.2021
  • Led HSEQ initiatives on projects across Europe, ensuring compliance with standards and best practices.
  • Oversaw project execution, ensuring adherence to safety standards and operational efficiency.
  • Managed cross-functional teams to streamline workflows and enhance productivity across engineering projects.
  • Developed training programs for new hires, fostering skill development and promoting workplace safety compliance.

Senior Health and Safety Adviser

3 Months
Kirby Engineering and Construction Group | 01.2020 - 04.2020
  • Provided leadership and coordinated EHS requirements with the Project Management Team(s) and reported all EHS matters constructively.
  • Led comprehensive health and safety audits to identify risks and ensure compliance with industry standards.
  • Developed and implemented safety training programs, enhancing staff knowledge and adherence to protocols.
  • Collaborated with project teams to integrate safety measures into engineering processes, promoting proactive risk management.

Regional European Health and Safety Manager International Construction

9 Months
ISG Construction Group - Interior Services Group BV | 03.2019 - 12.2019
  • Advised and guided site health and safety management teams on various projects throughout Europe, ensuring alignment with legal and company standards. Reporting directly to the Head of Health and Safety, you will operate collaboratively within the ISGES business, ensuring legal compliance and compliance with ISG policies and procedures, providing corporate governance to ensure that all operational and reputational risks are mitigated. Implement and maintain the aims and objectives of the Company Health and Safety Policy and Health and Safety Management System taking account of changes in legislation, best practice and Codes of Practice, EU legislation and local codes and standards. Acting in a governance capacity for the ISGES business, to ensure that strategic decisions do not put ISG, ISG Staff, reputation and contractors at risk and that processes and local H&S legislation is complied with. Reviewed and monitored company management systems to enhance compliance and operational effectiveness. Prepare and compile data for the annual company management review of Health & Safety. Wrote and implemented new procedures. Assessment of the supply chain by auditing and monitoring against set Key Performance Indicators. Developed and wrote documentation for tender submissions, contributing to clear communication of health and safety protocols.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive health and safety policies to ensure compliance with regulations.
  • Conducted regular site inspections to identify hazards and enforce safety protocols across projects.
  • Trained employees on safety practices, enhancing overall awareness and adherence to procedures.

Senior Health and Safety Manager International Construction / Data Centre Campus Campus Health and Safety Lead

2 Years 7 Months
Mace Construction Group - Mace Technology Denmark APS | 08.2016 - 03.2019
  • Advised site management teams and contractors on health and safety compliance and best practices. Act as Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator in accordance with Danish Working Environment Act. Line management of Health and Safety Team. Advocate and enforce Mace group safety standards. Coordinate between contractors and site management on all health and safety matters. Coordinate and chair all Health and Safety meetings with managers and representatives. Deliver Safety First Second Nature Module 4 to supply chain. Provided mental health support and assistance to team members.. Trainer in SFSN 4, Yellow Jacket database, RA/MS delivery. Member of Senior Leadership Team. Carry out site safety inspections. Manage and control Yellow Jacket Inspections, Observations and Audits. Coordinated safety in design process to align with project specifications and regulatory standards. Monitor all safety actions to completion onsite. Monitored adherence to statutory and legislative requirements across all construction and fit-out activities. Construction and fit out. Managed multiple contractors across various construction phases. from steel / foundation to finishing. Attending and providing input to DABS. Review of RAMS for safety critical operations.
  • Developed and implemented health and safety policies to ensure compliance with industry regulations.
  • Conducted regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards and mitigate risks effectively.
  • Facilitated training sessions for staff on safety protocols and emergency response procedures.

Health and Safety Manager Commercial Offices

5 Months
Mace Construction Group | 03.2016 - 08.2016
  • Advised site management teams and contractors on health and safety compliance and best practices. Advocate and enforce Mace group safety standards. Coordinate between contractors and site management on all health and safety matters. Ensured compliance with CDM2015 across all construction and fit-out activities. Carry out site safety inspections. Coordinate the safety in design process. Monitored completion of all safety actions onsite, ensuring adherence to safety protocols. Ensure all statutory and legislative requirements are met. Executed construction and fit-out projects at various sites.. Multicontractors from steel / foundation to finishing. Attending and providing input to DABS (Daily Activity Briefings). Review of RAMS for safety critical operations.
  • Developed and implemented health and safety policies to ensure compliance with local regulations.
  • Conducted regular site inspections to identify hazards and enforce safety protocols.
  • Led training sessions for staff on safety practices and emergency response procedures.

Director of Health & Safety

1 Year 2 Months
GSS Health & Safety Consultancy Ltd | 02.2015 - 04.2016
  • CDM and HSE Consultant to Veolia Water at Cameron Bridge Distillery Bio Energy Plant, Windygates Glenrothes. Carry out roles and responsibilities of CDM Coordinator. Bio Gas and dewatering processing. Construction of new buildings and refurbishment of existing plant. Pre Construction Phase collation and F10 application and management. Ensure H&S Management systems are aligned to client and project specific requirements. Coordinated safety in design process to ensure alignment with project requirements. Controller of Management of Change. Facilitated Hazop and Hazid sessions. Managed transition from CDM 2007 to CDM 2015, ensuring compliance with updated regulations. Prepare project for transition from OSHAS 18001 to ISO 45001. Area Environmental lead on monitoring of statutory and compliant requirements working to ISO14001. Lead Auditor to OSHAS18001. Project HSE liaison with Principle Contractor and Client. Managed compliance of contractors and subcontractors with CDM and HSE standards. Carryout Safety Inspections and monitor best practice. Attend daily meetings and address on HSE Matters. Chair Safety Representative and contractor weekly Health and Safety meetings. Chair site senior management health and safety meeting.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive health and safety programs to ensure regulatory compliance.
  • Conducted risk assessments, identifying hazards and recommending mitigation strategies for workplace safety.
  • Led training sessions on safety protocols, enhancing employee awareness and adherence to best practices.

Senior SHE Officer / SHE Adviser

1 Year 7 Months
Hargreaves Surface Mining Ltd | 06.2013 - 01.2015
  • Joined as a SHE Advisor and gained promotion to Senior SHE Advisor. Ensure H&S Management systems are aligned to client and project specific requirements. Coordinate the safety in design process. Led SHE Officers and Environmental Officers in implementing the company Safety Management System. Provide advice and inspection of all development sites currently unmanned and available for redevelopment. Manage and review SHE Department budgets on an annual basis. Create monthly reporting back to the divisional SHE Manager to allow compilation of the monthly board report. Compile and review all Safety Management System policies and procedures. Ensure all Health and Safety records are maintained on site in accordance with the statutory project requirements. Conducted audits, inspections, and incident investigations, developing corrective actions to enhance compliance. Manage Environmental monitoring of dust, noise and water sampling. Advised on improvements to site-specific areas, enhancing Health and Safety for employees and contractors. Performed alcohol and drug screenings following company procedures. Collate all information and company processes to qualify for OSHAS 18001. Company CDM Coordinator for related projects. Area Environmental lead on monitoring of statutory and compliant requirements working to ISO14001.
  • Oversaw daily operations ensuring compliance with safety regulations and operational standards.
  • Developed and implemented training programs for new staff, enhancing team efficiency and performance.
  • Streamlined workflow processes, resulting in improved productivity across multiple projects.

HSE Adviser

5 Months
African Minerals Ltd | 01.2013 - 06.2013
  • Aligned H&S management systems with client and project specific requirements to enhance compliance. Coordinate the safety in design process. Assess JHA/JSA and issue permits covering Hot works, WAH, Excavation, Confined Space, Lifting. Ensure all Health and Safety records are maintained on site in accordance with the statutory project requirements. Submit weekly reports to Lead Adviser and statistical information to the site management team for review and approval. Conducted audits, inspections, and incident investigations, developing corrective actions to mitigate risks. Advised on site specific improvements to enhance health and safety for employees and contractors. Carry out inspection and management of fall arrest equipment and register. Control of Scaffold register and inspection regime. Conducted alcohol and drug screening under company procedure.
  • Led strategic initiatives to optimize operational workflows and improve overall efficiency.
  • Developed training programs for staff to enhance skills and ensure compliance with industry standards.
  • Analyzed market trends to inform decision-making and direct resource allocation effectively.

Regional Business Manager and HSE Manager

5 Years 10 Months
Nu Phalt Contracting Ltd | 03.2007 - 01.2013
  • Managed full business operations of the northern division of a national highways contracting company. Compliance with all UK road and street works laws and legislation. Responsible for general H&S and compliance with all company H&S management systems and operating procedures. Responsible for compliance of civil engineering requirements and local authority regulations. Carry out site Risk assessments and compile Method Statements for site specific operations. Ensure compliance for CoSHH and MSDS/SDS of plant and materials. Implementation and management of all HSE legislation. Fire Extinguisher inspection. PAT testing and inspection. LOLER compliance of lifting equipment. GASTEC / CRE monitoring of fumes and compliance. Budget and target responsibilities as well as HR, client liaison and business development.

India agent liaison responsible for training nationals in India and demonstrating the company process to delegates and prospective clients in India

3 Years
Texmaco India | 01.2007 - 01.2010
  • Responsible for all HSE training and practical demonstration of Nuphalt Process. General fault finding and display of process.

HS&E Adviser (Secondment part time)

2 Years
Colorado Group UK | 01.2007 - 01.2009
  • Providing as and when required Health Safety and Environmental advice and guidance on various house building and refurbishment projects in the East of Scotland. Projects also included major construction projects in the Distilling Industry. Reviewing of Risk assessments and Method Statements, compliance with all statutory regulations and carrying out the role of CDMC as and when required.

Safety Advisor & HVAC fitter / Test engineer

1 Year 8 Months
BG Vent LTD | 04.2005 - 12.2006

Traffic, Safety Advisor/Surfacing Engineer

2 Years 7 Months
Ennstone Thistle Ltd | 09.2002 - 04.2005

Safety Advisor/Competence Assessor

1 Year 3 Months
Salamis Industrial and Marine | 06.2001 - 09.2002

Education

PhD - Environmental Health and Safety Compliance

American Management University | Dubai | 01-2026

MBA - Occupational health and Safety Leadership

University of Catalonia | 12-2023

NVQ Level 6 - OH&S

City and Guilds | 11-2015

NEBOSH - GC1, GC2, CC1, CC2, CC3

Lauder College | 10-2010

Skills

Regulatory compliance
Risk assessment
Incident investigation
Audit management
Environmental compliance
Crisis management
Data analysis
Operations management
Subcontractor oversight
Training development
Stakeholder engagement

Affiliations

  • Freemason
  • IOSH
  • IIRSM
  • ISRMP

Certification

ISRM

Level 3 AET

CFIOSH

FIIRSM

Advanced Lead Auditor

Assoc ISEP

NEBOSH HSE Leadership Excellence

IOSH Train the Trainer

Timeline

IPAF Council representative

IPAF
01.2026 - CurrentRead More

Regional Executive Manager - Safety, Health, Environmental and Quality, Company Lead for Environment, Social & Governance and Head of Learning Development

Sarens Nass Middle East Wll
06.2021 - CurrentRead More

European Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality Officer

Dornan Engineering
01.2021 - 05.2021Read More

European Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality Officer

Crown Roofing and Cladding
06.2020 - 01.2021Read More

Senior Health and Safety Adviser

Kirby Engineering and Construction Group
01.2020 - 04.2020Read More

Regional European Health and Safety Manager International Construction

ISG Construction Group - Interior Services Group BV
03.2019 - 12.2019Read More

Senior Health and Safety Manager International Construction / Data Centre Campus Campus Health and Safety Lead

Mace Construction Group - Mace Technology Denmark APS
08.2016 - 03.2019Read More

Health and Safety Manager Commercial Offices

Mace Construction Group
03.2016 - 08.2016Read More

Director of Health & Safety

GSS Health & Safety Consultancy Ltd
02.2015 - 04.2016Read More

Senior SHE Officer / SHE Adviser

Hargreaves Surface Mining Ltd
06.2013 - 01.2015Read More

HSE Adviser

African Minerals Ltd
01.2013 - 06.2013Read More

Regional Business Manager and HSE Manager

Nu Phalt Contracting Ltd
03.2007 - 01.2013Read More

India agent liaison responsible for training nationals in India and demonstrating the company process to delegates and prospective clients in India

Texmaco India
01.2007 - 01.2010Read More

HS&E Adviser (Secondment part time)

Colorado Group UK
01.2007 - 01.2009Read More

Safety Advisor & HVAC fitter / Test engineer

BG Vent LTD
04.2005 - 12.2006Read More

Traffic, Safety Advisor/Surfacing Engineer

Ennstone Thistle Ltd
09.2002 - 04.2005Read More

Safety Advisor/Competence Assessor

Salamis Industrial and Marine
06.2001 - 09.2002Read More

Lauder College

NEBOSH from GC1, GC2, CC1, CC2, CC3
Read More

City and Guilds

NVQ Level 6 from OH&S
Read More

University of Catalonia

MBA from Occupational health and Safety Leadership
Read More

American Management University

PhD from Environmental Health and Safety Compliance
Read More
Dr. Iain Gardner