Defensive Driving Subject Matter Expert (SME)

The Subject Matter Expert (SME) is the senior technical authority on this contract. You will be the most credible voice on defensive driving and safe journey management inside company and one of the most senior technical voices in Omans road-safety ecosystem. You will lead our team of auditors personally evaluate trainers and assessors in the field sign off every audit report before it reaches OPAL and represent company at executive level.

Be the technical authority on DD and SJM standards

Advise OPAL on every aspect of the OPAL Defensive Driving Training & Assessment Standard (DDTAS) the OPAL Road Safety Standard (including Section 6 on Journey Management) and the OPAL STAR standards for centre recognition course approval and assessment. Track international best practice and propose updates so Omans standards stay world-class. Lead any standard revision and update operational procedures within 10 working days.

Lead the audit programme

Plan and personally lead the annual evaluations and re-evaluations of approved DDTPs DDACs and SJMTPs. Conduct trainer and assessor evaluations across the full range: knowledge interview certificate verification classroom observation in-vehicle observation and feedback skills. Approve every audit report before it is issued.

Report and represent at executive level

Lead the weekly monthly and quarterly reports to OPAL. Attend operational contract and executive meetings as Companys senior technical voice. Make sure every report carries clear authorship and is supported by audit evidence.

Develop people and build national capability

Run the structured CPD programme for trainers assessors and programme managers across the country. Mentor your audit team. Identify and develop a successor inside Company. Help OPAL build a national DD trainer certification standard and develop relationships with Omani universities and colleges.

Modernise the training ecosystem

Lead the annual review of training materials. Bring in interactive scenario-based and simulation-based methods. Help DDTPs integrate IVMS and DFMS data into their content.

Own the operations manual and quality system

Build and maintain the DDSB operations manual SOPs audit checklists and inspection instruments. Update them within 10 working days of any standard revision. Contribute to the Safety Culture digital audit platform.

Protect the integrity of the function

Maintain absolute independence. Comply with the contractual conflict-of-interest restrictions covering Company subsidiaries and affiliated entities both during and after the contract. Show no bias to any provider.

15 years of progressive experience in defensive driving training assessment or standards body work.

5 years in a defensive driving standards body oversight or evaluation role (OPAL or equivalent regulatory framework strongly preferred).

Demonstrable record of leading evaluations of DD training providers assessment centres and trainer / assessor competency.

Hands-on familiarity with OPAL standards (DDTAS OPAL Road Safety Standard STAR Centre Recognition STAR Course Approval).

Working experience with Safe Journey Management JMS audit journey-plan review IVMS monitoring night-driving authorisation.

Audit and quality-assurance track record including managing non-conformances and writing evidence-based reports.

Reporting experience at executive level (weekly monthly quarterly cycles).

RoSPA International Master Trainer (or equivalent recognised international DD trainer accreditation).

RoSPA Diploma in Driving and Coaching (Gold Grade preferred).

OPAL Certified DD Trainer and Manager.

Royal Oman Police (ROP) Approved Driving Instructor.

Safe Journey Management (SJM) certification.

Valid OPAL Defensive Driving Permit (Light Vehicle and Heavy Vehicle).

ISO 9001 Internal Auditor (or equivalent quality-auditing certification).

Recognised qualification in driver training road safety transport management occupational health & safety or a related field. Degree level or equivalent professional certification preferred.

Arabic native or fluent (essential).

English fluent (essential).

Valid Omani licence Light Vehicle minimum Heavy Vehicle preferred.

Prior service as an OPAL SME under any DDSB contract.

Experience with Omans major operators (PDO OXY Petrofac and others) on DD requirements.

Experience designing CPD programmes and training trainers assessors and managers.

Hands-on experience with SafetyCulture iAuditor or similar digital audit platforms.

Experience contributing to national-level training standards or accreditation frameworks.

Academic relationships with universities or colleges on curriculum and trainer pathways.

Behavioural Based Fleet Risk Management Cranfield University or equivalent.

NSC America Driver Training Course or equivalent.

Diamond Advanced Motorist or equivalent advanced driving qualification.

EAL Level 3 Assessor; ISO 9001:2015 or 45001 Lead Auditor; IOSH Managing Safely or NEBOSH IGC.