Sr Director, Environmental, Health, Safety, Security & Quality

Sumitomo Chemical Group Companies of America • Libertyville, IL

31d • $210,000 - $260,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Director of Environmental, Health, Safety, Security, and Quality (EHSSQ) for Sumitomo Biorational Company LLC, provides strategic leadership and oversight for all programs under the intent of Responsible Care thus related to environmental stewardship, employee health and safety, regulatory compliance, and product quality across the company’s biological and chemical research, development, and manufacturing operations. This executive will establish and drive the company’s EHSSQ vision to ensure compliance with global regulatory standards supporting the Sumitomo Responsible Care management system while promoting a culture of safety, quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Environmental Science, Industrial Hygiene, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline (Master’s or Ph.D. preferred).
• Minimum 20 years of progressive experience in EHSS and Quality roles within biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or life sciences industries.
• At least 5 years of executive or senior leadership experience managing multi-site EHSSQ functions.
• Demonstrated success managing GMP-compliant manufacturing and biosafety programs.
• Deep understanding of FDA, EMA, ISO 9001/14001/45001, and other global regulatory frameworks.
• Strong knowledge of biological and chemical hazard management, biosafety levels, and containment controls.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence at all organizational levels.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with digital EHSSQ management systems and data analytics preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the company’s EHSSQ strategy aligned with corporate objectives and growth plans.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and leader for reporting to executive leadership on EHSSQ risks, opportunities, and regulatory trends within the biorational group.
• Accountable and responsible for the company to be in full alignment with Sumitomo Chemical Company’s (parent company) responsible care strategy, including the parent company's responsible care audit program.
• Integrate EHSSQ principles into all stages of product lifecycle, from R&D through manufacturing and commercialization.
• Champion the implementation of environmental and occupational health programs that comply with federal, state, and international regulations (e.g., OSHA, EPA, CDC, NIH, and local biosafety guidelines).
• Ensure robust biosafety and biosecurity programs for all laboratory and manufacturing operations, including compliance with BSL-1 to BSL-2 containment requirements as applicable.
• Champion initiatives to reduce environmental impact, including waste minimization, water conservation, and sustainable energy use.
• Promote a proactive safety culture through leadership visibility, employee engagement, and targeted training programs.
• Ensure the adequacy of programs related to risk assessments, incident investigations, and corrective action implementation.
• Provide strategic oversight of Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) programs to ensure compliance with GMP, GLP, GCP, and ISO standards.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product consistency, reliability, and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure the adequacy of programs related to internal and external audits, including those by the FDA, EMA, ISO registrars, and other regulatory bodies.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to ensure quality integration across all business processes.
• Maintain oversight of supplier quality and qualification programs to ensure integrity of raw materials and components.
• Ensure company-wide compliance with applicable EHSSQ laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Ensure the preparation and submission of all required environmental and regulatory reports.
• Champion emergency preparedness, business continuity, and crisis management programs.
• Accountable for data collection, reporting, and performance metrics to monitor EHSSQ effectiveness and continuous improvement.
• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary EHSSQ team across multiple research and production sites.
• Build an organization-wide culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous learning.
• Foster collaboration between quality, operations, supply chain, research, regulatory affairs, and commercial teams.

Benefits

• High-quality healthcare coverage starting on day one, with options for medical (HSA/HRA), vision, and dental plans
• 5% company contribution to your 401(k), plus a quarterly discretionary bonus
• Immediate 100% vesting of all retirement contributions
• Financial assistance programs to support your goals
• Life and disability insurance for added security
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and volunteer days
• Flexible work arrangements available

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees