Director, Safety & Environmental

MSD

14d•Hybrid

About The Position

Our Company is a trusted global leader in human and veterinary medicine, dedicated to preserving and improving health, well-being and performance. Our Wilmington Biotech facility is a new state-of-the-art high potent biologics manufacturing facility for potent drug substance and drug product, including Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs), partnered closely with our Research & Development Division to commercialize, launch and supply innovative products with speed, agility and innovation. We are seeking a talented, self-directed Environmental Health & Safety Lead to build and lead the EHS function at our new site. As a key member of the Site Leadership Team and Global Safety & Environment (GSE), you will shape the site’s EHS culture, drive compliance, and embed EHS excellence across all operations. This role requires strategic thinking, tactical execution, and strong collaboration within a highly matrixed organization. Role Overview As the EHS Lead, you will bring energy, knowledge, innovation, and leadership to ensure safe and environmentally compliant operations at our site. You will lead an EHS team, provide expert guidance, and drive continuous improvement to support both operational site initiatives and capital projects. You will be a key member of the Site Leadership Team, responsible for delivering EHS priorities aligned with corporate strategy and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

Minimum 10 years of professional EHS experience in chemical, biotechnology, and/or pharmaceutical manufacturing environments.
At least 8 years leading a site and 3 years leading the EHS function in large capital projects.
Experience implementing and managing EHS programs and organizational change.
Demonstrated success in delivering continuous improvement through Lean Production systems.
Proven ability to support multiple projects and liaise with regulatory agencies and corporate functions.
Strong knowledge of high potent drug manufacturing and plant operations for potent drug substance and drug product.
Deep comprehension of project management principles, and labor relations.
Thorough understanding of applicable EHS regulatory requirements (OSHA, EPA, DOT, ISO, NFPA).
Expertise in risk management, assessment, and implementation of appropriate controls.
Experience developing and implementing sustainable EHS operational procedures and training programs.
Proven leadership, team-building skill and problem-solving skills.
Ability to influence senior leaders and adapt quickly to changing situations.
Skilled in managing complex programs balancing strategic and tactical needs.
Experience in strategy development, tactical execution, and organizational change management.
Demonstrated excellence in project management and continuous improvement initiatives.
Models a strong compliance mindset and demonstrates high integrity.
Highly independent with strong foresight to anticipate organizational needs and issues.
Ability to make rapid, disciplined decisions and prioritize multiple assignments effectively.
Commitment to fostering a positive safety culture and continuous improvement.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
Strong written and oral communication skills; capable of presenting complex information clearly at all organizational levels.
Skilled at distilling complex data into clear, actionable messages.
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and lead others effectively.
Adaptability
Adaptability
Communication
Corporate Management
Detail-Oriented
EHS Auditing
EHS Program Management
Emergency Response Preparedness
Environment Health and Safety
Fire Safety Management
Hazard Communications (HazCom)
Health Safety
Incident Investigations
Industrial Hygiene
Investment Risk Management
ISO 45001
Management Process
Mechatronics
Occupational Safety and Health
Oral Communications
Organizational Change Management
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Process Safety Management
Project Management
Regulatory Compliance

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or MBA; relevant professional certifications (e.g., CSP, CIH, NEBOSH, PE, CQA).

Responsibilities

Build strong relationship with Site Leadership and teams to plan, develop, and implement EHS programs compliant with local laws, company standards, and industry best practices to enable potent biologics manufacturing.
Build, lead and nurture EHS team to achieve compliance and high performance.
Set and communicate EHS priorities aligned with site and corporate strategies. Track performance to guide actions.
Support leadership and operational teams in developing and maintaining local EHS programs to achieve compliance. Conduct assessments to monitor program effectiveness and drive improvements.
Champion continuous improvement and innovation to drive sustainable EHS performance.
Advise on safe and environmentally sound operations, ensuring clear communication of regulatory and internal requirements.
Engage with and serve as the primary liaison with local regulatory agencies and insurance carriers on EHS matters.
Oversee EHS reporting to site, divisional, corporate management, and regulatory bodies.
Drive sustainability efforts to meet corporate sustainability goals through effective EHS program management.
Manage budgets and capital resources to support EHS activities, initiatives and projects.
Evaluate and oversee EHS requirements for new projects, process changes, and installations.
Ensure compliance with all site EHS permits and licenses.
Promote positive workplace behaviors by engaging all organizational levels, emphasizing a commitment and ownership of environmental and safety matters to drive positive EHS culture and continuous improvement.