Associate Director Environmental Health & Safety

Description Overview

The Associate Director, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of EHS programs across manufacturing operations. This role ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations while fostering a culture of safety, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence.  This role reports into the Vice President of Operations for the Nutrition Network and sits on the Network Leadership team.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in highly regulated manufacturing environments, including infant formula, pharmaceutical, medical nutrition, or food production facilities, with significant experience supporting FDA-regulated operations. This leader partners closely with Operations, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Regulatory Affairs, and Site Leadership to proactively manage risk, ensure compliance, and drive sustainable EHS performance.

Scope of the Role

EHS Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute enterprise and site-level EHS strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of EHS management systems.
• Establish performance metrics, dashboards, and accountability programs to achieve safety and environmental goals.
• Champion a proactive safety culture through visible leadership, coaching, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on EHS risks, trends, and mitigation strategies.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and standards, including:
• FDA requirements applicable to infant formula, pharmaceutical, and food manufacturing
• OSHA
• EPA
• DOT
• State and local environmental regulations
• ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 principles where applicable
• Lead regulatory inspections, agency interactions, and responses to findings.
• Monitor evolving regulatory requirements and implement compliance strategies accordingly.
• Provide guidance regarding EHS implications of manufacturing changes, expansions, and new product introductions.

Risk Management & Incident Prevention

• Lead site and enterprise risk assessments, job hazard analyses, and process safety evaluations.
• Drive corrective and preventive actions resulting from incidents, audits, inspections, and near misses.
• Conduct root-cause investigations and ensure sustained closure of identified risks.
• Oversee emergency preparedness, crisis management, and business continuity planning.

Environmental Stewardship

• Manage environmental compliance programs, permits, reporting, and sustainability initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste, emissions, water consumption, and environmental impact.
• Ensure proper management of hazardous materials and waste streams.

Manufacturing & Operational Excellence

• Partner with Operations, Engineering, and Maintenance to integrate EHS principles into manufacturing processes.
• Support capital projects and facility expansions through EHS design reviews and risk assessments.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
• Ensure contractor and third-party compliance with company EHS requirements.

Team Leadership

• Lead, develop, and mentor EHS professionals across one or multiple manufacturing sites.
• Build organizational capability through coaching, training, succession planning, and performance management.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration and accountability for EHS excellence.

Experience Required

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Health & Safety, Occupational Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, Industrial Hygiene, or related field.
• Minimum 10+ years of progressive EHS leadership experience in regulated manufacturing environments.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience managing EHS programs and personnel.
• Demonstrated experience within one or more of the following industries:
• Infant Formula Manufacturing
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
• Food Manufacturing
• Nutritional Products Manufacturing
• Strong knowledge of FDA-regulated manufacturing environments, including GMP requirements.
• Extensive knowledge of OSHA, EPA, and environmental compliance regulations.
• Experience leading regulatory inspections and managing agency interactions.
• Proven ability to influence at all organizational levels and drive culture change.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Management, Engineering, Public Health, or related discipline.
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP).
• Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).
• Lean Six Sigma certification.
• Experience supporting infant formula manufacturing under FDA requirements and food safety regulations.
• Experience with global EHS management systems.