AbbVie

EHS System Lead

AbbVie$110K — $130K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in EHS or Engineering with relevant experience (5+ or 3+ years respectively)
  • Experience implementing EHS regulations and conducting incident investigations
  • Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams and lead projects
  • Skills in developing measurable project goals, action plans, and resource identification
  • Strong relationship-building and conflict resolution skills
  • Experience in creating standards and policies aligned with business objectives

Responsibilities

  • Lead and improve the North Chicago Manufacturing EHS Management System
  • Ensure alignment of EHS programs with global standards and regulatory expectations
  • Establish a governance framework for monitoring EHS program performance
  • Coordinate a network of EHS Program Leads across various departments
  • Define accountability and responsibilities for EHS program ownership
  • Facilitate collaboration for consistent implementation of EHS programs
  • Coach personnel and integrate EHS into operational practices

Benefits

  • Comprehensive package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k)
  • Participation in short-term incentive programs
Full Job Description
Job Description

EHS Systems Lead

Reports To: Associate Director, Environment, Health & Safety

Position Summary

The EHS System Lead is responsible for leading the deployment, maturity, integration, and continuous improvement of the North Chicago Manufacturing (NCM) EHS Management System. The role provides governance and oversight for EHS programs aligned to Global EHS Management and Technical Standards while developing a network of EHS Program Leads embedded across the site.

Working collaboratively with business leaders, functional experts, and operational teams, the EHS System Lead drives a structured and sustainable approach to EHS program ownership, ensuring clear accountability, effective implementation, and continual advancement of site EHS performance. The role serves as a coach, facilitator, and strategic partner to strengthen EHS capabilities throughout the organization and enable long-term readiness for internal and external assurance activities.

Key Responsibilities

EHS Management System Leadership
  • Lead the ongoing development, deployment, and continuous improvement of the NCM EHS Management System.
  • Ensure EHS programs are aligned with applicable Global EHS Management Standards, Technical Standards, corporate requirements, and regulatory expectations.
  • Establish and maintain a structured governance framework for monitoring program health, maturity, effectiveness, and performance.
  • Promote a systems-based approach to EHS program ownership across the organization.

Program Ownership Network Leadership
  • Lead and coordinate a network of EHS Program Leads from multiple departments and operational functions across the site.
  • Define and communicate roles, responsibilities, and accountability expectations for EHS program owners and process owners.
  • Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to drive consistent implementation and sustainment of EHS programs.
  • Establish communities of practice that encourage shared learning, standardization, and continuous improvement.

Coaching and Capability Development
  • Coach EHS Program Leads, managers, supervisors, and functional leaders on their responsibilities within the EHS Management System.
  • Translate corporate EHS standards into practical operational expectations that can be effectively implemented in day-to-day activities.
  • Build organizational capability through mentoring, training, workshops, and structured development plans.
  • Support leaders in integrating EHS requirements into business processes, decision-making, and operational routines.

Program Maturity and Strategic Improvement
  • Develop and maintain the site EHS Program Maturity Roadmap.
  • Manage and coordinate project plans associated with closing gaps against Global EHS Standards and audit findings.
  • Track program maturity, key milestones, actions, and performance indicators to ensure sustained progress.
  • Identify improvement opportunities and implement systematic solutions that strengthen EHS performance and resilience.

Stakeholder Engagement and Influence
  • Partner with operational leaders to embed EHS ownership into daily management systems.
  • Facilitate leadership reviews and governance forums to communicate program status, risks, priorities, and resource needs.
  • Maintain strong working relationships across all levels of the organization to drive engagement, ownership, and accountability.
  • Influence positive organizational change through collaboration, leadership, and effective communication.

Assurance, Audit and Compliance Support
  • Support site readiness activities for internal and external EHS audits and assessments.
  • Monitor program effectiveness through management reviews, self-assessments, audits, inspections, and performance reviews.
  • Ensure corrective actions, improvement actions, and strategic initiatives are effectively tracked and completed.
  • Provide leadership support during audit preparation, execution, and post-audit improvement activities.

Key Competencies
  • Strategic EHS Leadership
  • Change Management
  • Influencing Without Direct Authority
  • Program and Project Management
  • Coaching and Talent Development
  • Systems Thinking
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Organizational Capability Building
  • Data-Driven Decision Making
  • Communication and Facilitation Skills

Success Measures

The EHS System Lead will be successful when:
  • EHS programs progressively mature toward full conformance with Global EHS Management and Technical Standards.
  • Program ownership is clearly established and sustained within operational departments.
  • Leaders understand and effectively execute their EHS responsibilities.
  • Audit readiness improves, and significant findings are reduced.
  • Program health metrics demonstrate continuous improvement.
  • The site develops a sustainable culture of ownership, accountability, and engagement for EHS excellence.
  • EHS requirements are embedded into routine business processes and operational decision-making.

#LI-AL1

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree (EHS related, Engineering) plus 5+ years of EHS related experience or Master's Degree (EHS related, Engineering) plus 3 years of EHS related experience. EHS or Engineering professional certification is preferred, but not required.
  • Working experience in implementing EHS regulations, conducting incident investigations, interacting with regulatory agencies and external organizations and managing cross functional teams
  • Ability to establish measurable project goals and implementation plans, balance conflicting work demands, and develop action plans including the identification of resource requirements.
  • Ability to develop standards and/or policies that meet business objectives.
  • Ability to actively listen, build and maintain effective working relationships with internal/ external colleagues and stakeholders, and resolve conflict constructively.
  • Ability to successfully manage project and programs.


Additional Information

Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law:
  • The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.
  • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
  • This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentive programs.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company's sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.

About AbbVie

AbbVie develops pharmaceuticals and medical devices. They provide products and services to therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health, and gastroenterology.

AbbVie Careers

Joining AbbVie means becoming part of a global team dedicated to making a remarkable impact on patients' lives. At AbbVie, our employees are united in the pursuit of groundbreaking innovation and are committed to transforming the future of healthcare with leading-edge science.

Work You’ll Do

At AbbVie, you’ll collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry to solve challenging problems that have a high impact on society. Our culture fosters growth and embraces leadership and diversity training, ensuring that every team member can thrive.

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AbbVie offers a wide range of job opportunities and career paths, providing a platform where professionals can propel their careers forward. From research and development to marketing and sales, the potential to make a significant impact is limitless.

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Kickstart your career with an AbbVie internship. Our programs provide invaluable industry experience and a chance to develop essential skills in a real-world setting. Interns at AbbVie are considered integral members of the team and are given tasks that are both challenging and rewarding.

Professional Growth and Development

We believe in nurturing our team's professional growth through comprehensive training programs, leadership development opportunities, and continuous learning. Our commitment to your career growth is reflected in our robust offerings that enhance your skills and knowledge.

Benefits and Culture

AbbVie is dedicated to supporting our employees' well-being both inside and outside of work. Our benefits package includes health, financial, and social benefits that are designed to support the diverse needs of our employees. Our inclusive culture encourages collaboration and innovation, fostering a workplace where all can excel.

Hiring Process

Our hiring process is designed to ensure a match that will be beneficial both for the company and for your career aspirations. From resume submission to interview, each step is an opportunity to showcase your skills and fit with the AbbVie team.

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Learn more about AbbVie
Size
50,000 employees
Market Cap
$288.5 billion
Industry
Net Income
$4.6 billion
Founded
2013
5 Year Trend
+17%
Revenue
$45.8 billion
NASDAQ

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