Director Process Safety - Americas

AstraZeneca•Gaithersburg, MD

39d•$155,000 - $180,000•Onsite

About The Position

At AstraZeneca, we are driven by our purpose: to deliver life‑changing medicines that improve patient outcomes. Safety is foundational to this mission. In the Americas region, our growing network, including a major new greenfield facility in Virginia, requires visionary leaders who can embed Process Safety excellence into every stage of design, build, and operation. As the Director, Process Safety – Americas, you will play a pivotal role in shaping a proactive, skills-focused PSM culture across diverse Operations environments, ensuring that our science and manufacturing capabilities operate safely, sustainably, and reliably. This role is based in Gaithersburg, MD. When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace, and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world. If you are energized by influencing matrixed organizations, leading in high‑hazard environments, and elevating Process Safety standards across a region, this is the opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or related field, or equivalent process safety experience.
Minimum 7 years of experience in engineering, operations, or process safety with proven delivery of risk reduction in design, commissioning, or operations.
Demonstrated ability in using and facilitating of risk assessment methodologies (e.g., HAZOP, Bow Tie, What‑If).
Demonstrated ability to lead multi-functional risk decisions and drive operational field.
Strong leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.
Ability to travel approximately 25% within the region (domestic + some international).
Demonstrated capability to manage priorities, resources, performance targets, and regional initiatives.

Nice To Haves

12-15 years of experience in engineering, operations or process safety with proven delivery of risk reduction in design, commissioning or operations
Professional certifications (e.g., CSP, PE).
Experience leading, SHE teams in a regional environment.
Skilled at applying HOP principles to operational learning and SIF prevention.
Experience interacting with regulatory bodies.

Responsibilities

Lead Regional Process Safety Management (PSM) Strategy
Introduce sustainable protocols and innovative ways across Operations and Major Capital Projects.
Accelerate Safe Startup of the New Virginia Facility
Drive PSM leadership through design, construction, commissioning, and startup phases of the new Virginia API, formulation, and ADC conjugation facility.
Address biopharmaceutical‑specific hazards including pressure systems, corrosives, solvent/flammable storage, and containment for highly potent compounds.
Advance Regional Standards, Competency, and Culture
Implement PSM‑related One SHE Standards and create supporting regional guidelines, instructions, and training.
Build capability through coaching, training, and empowerment; champion psychological safety and a speak‑up culture in line with AZ values.
Drive Risk Reduction & Hazard Identification
Lead or participate in PSM studies including PHA, HAZOP, LOPA, What‑If, and PSSR across major capital project phases.
Ensure comprehensive and high‑quality risk assessments and Management of Change processes.
Embed Learning & Assurance
Lead rigorous investigations to identify root causes; ensure closure and sustainment of corrective actions.
Conduct audits, GEMBA walks, process confirmations, and readiness‑to‑operate checks to verify PSM effectiveness.
Maintain accurate documentation and performance metrics; support the introduction of advanced analytics and reporting capabilities.
Lead and Influence Across a Matrix
Influence multi-functional leaders across Manufacturing, Engineering, Maintenance, SHE, and Global SHE functions.