Senior EHS Specialist

Orion Group Life Sciences are currently recruiting a Senior EHS Specialist on behalf of our Multinational Biopharmaceutical Client based in Galway on an initial 12-month contract with potential to extend.
 
Role is fully onsite.


Position Summary

• Support the design, implementation, maintenance, and review of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) programs.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, corporate, and industry requirements.
• Support ISO 14001:2015 implementation in collaboration with an external vendor, including review and approval of required documentation.
• Act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and advisor on EHS matters across the site.
• Provide specialist expertise in Industrial Hygiene and corporate EHS software systems and data management.

 
Key Responsibilities
EHS Management & ISO Standards

• Implement, maintain, and sustain the ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System for the site.
• Support preparation, implementation, and review of EHS procedures and documentation in line with corporate and ISO requirements.
• Perform quarterly walkdowns, audits, and program reviews to ensure regulatory and corporate compliance.
• Chair and lead bi-monthly EHS Refresh Team meetings to ensure standards compliance and delivery of key actions.
• Create and deliver presentations for EHS Management Reviews.

 
Industrial & Occupational Hygiene

• Oversee the site Industrial Hygiene program and act as site SME.
• Conduct Occupational Hygiene Risk Assessments based on site activities.
• Liaise with Global Health on the review and specification of Similar Exposure Groups (SEGs).
• Coordinate occupational hygiene monitoring with external consultants.

 
Chemical Safety & Management

• Oversee approval of new chemical introductions.
• Maintain and manage the site Chemical Register.
• Ensure accuracy and upkeep of the corporate SDS database.
• Work with stakeholders to safely introduce new chemicals to the site.

 
Risk Management & Incident Support

• Provide technical support for site risk assessments and Job Safety Analysis (JSA) programs.
• Assist in implementing appropriate risk control measures.
• Support Good Saves, incident, and accident investigations.
• Manage closure of CAPAs in the CURVE system.

 
Emergency Response & Contractor Management

• Develop and maintain site Emergency Response Plans aligned to site risk profile.
• Deliver emergency response training as required.
• Manage Contractor Management and Permit to Work processes.

 
Training & Awareness

• Develop and deliver EHS-related training, including:
  • Chemical Awareness
  • Manual Handling
  • EHS Induction
  • Contractor Management
  • Permit to Work
• Act as a Manual Handling Instructor.
• Provide training on the EHS Software System and act as site SME.

 
Reporting & Metrics

• Prepare and submit monthly EHS metrics and reports to Corporate EHS via CURVE.
• Track, trend, and analyze KPIs to support continuous improvement.

 
 
Key Competencies

• Excellent computer skills, including EHS software systems.
• Strong knowledge of chemical safety and chemical management.
• Compliance-focused with high attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong influencing and collaboration abilities.
• Customer-focused, innovative, and results-driven.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Adaptable, flexible, and able to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy in EHS-related matters.
• Willingness and availability to travel as required.

 
Qualifications & Experience
Essential

• Third-level qualification in Science, Engineering, or EHS.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in Environment, Health & Safety.
• Experience within MedTech, Pharma, or similar regulated industry.
• Strong knowledge of EHS legal requirements and best practices.
• Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, and dashboard creation.
• Ability to track and trend KPIs and present clear, actionable reports.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

 
Desirable

• Experience with ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and/or OHSAS 18001.
• Manual Handling Trainer qualification.
• MedTech industry experience.

 
 

Our role in supporting diversity and inclusion
As an international workforce business, we are committed to sourcing personnel that reflects the diversity and values of our client base but also that of Orion Group. We welcome the wide range of experiences and viewpoints that potential workers bring to our business and our clients, including those based on nationality, gender, culture, educational and professional backgrounds, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, and age differences, job classification and religion. In our inclusive workplace, regardless of your employment status as staff or contract, everyone is assured the right of equitable, fair and respectful treatment.