Job Title:
Associate Director - Environmental Health & Safety (EHS)
Location: North Carolina (site-based, e.g. Holly Springs/Durham area)
Position Summary
The Associate Director, EHS will lead the implementation and continuous improvement of world-class environmental, health, safety, and sustainability programs at a fast‑growing biomanufacturing site. Acting as the operational EHS lead, this role maintains a proactive, high‑reliability safety culture, while ensuring full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Key Responsibilities
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Program Leadership & Strategy
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Develop, deploy, and manage EHS and sustainability strategies, policies, and procedures aligned to organizational goals.
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Act as site lead for EHS compliance and sustainability roadmap.
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Regulatory Compliance
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Oversee adherence to EPA, OSHA, DOT, NFPA, NEC, and other applicable requirements.
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Conduct regulatory impact assessments and ensure timely implementation of corrective actions.
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Safety Culture & Training
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Foster a culture of safety and well‑being throughout operations.
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Design and deliver EHS training programs across all levels of staff.
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Audit & Risk Management
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Lead internal and external audits, site inspections, risk assessments, and corrective/preventive action plans.
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Identify hazards, manage hazardous waste programs, and participate in emergency response planning.
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Team Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
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Serve as liaison with site leadership, operations, engineering, and regulatory agencies.
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Work closely with cross‑functional partners on construction safety, new facility launches, and engineering safety initiatives.
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Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field (advanced degree preferred)
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Minimum of ~5-10 years of progressive experience in EHS leadership roles (pharmaceutical, biotech, chemical manufacturing environments preferred)
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In-depth working knowledge of regulatory frameworks including OSHA, EPA, DOT, NFPA, and NEC
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Relevant certifications (e.g. CSP, CIH, NEBOSH) highly desirable
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Proven experience planning and executing EHS audits, training programs, and culture-building initiatives
Working Conditions & Environment
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On-site role supporting manufacturing and laboratory operations
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Occasional travel to other company facilities or regulatory agency meetings may be required
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May involve shift support or extended hours during launch or audit periods
Ideal Candidate Profile
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Strategic yet hands-on leader who excels in fast-paced, regulated environments
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Strong communicator and influencer able to engage operational teams and regulators alike
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Passionate about creating sustainable safety cultures that promote compliance, risk reduction, and continuous improvement
Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.
Asha Longman