Head of Site Safety, Health and Environmental Compliance

Merck Group • $83K — $124K *
Kankakee, IL 60901In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Health & Safety, or Chemical Engineering.
  • 3+ years of experience in EHSS roles.
  • 1+ years managing ISO 14001 and/or ISO 45001 systems.
  • 1+ years in OSHA PSM and/or EPA RMP program management.
  • Preferred: Master's degree in relevant field; CSP, CHMM, ISO Lead Auditor, or PSP certifications.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain ISO 14001 Environmental Management System compliance.
  • Lead internal audits and report on environmental aspects and targets.
  • Oversee ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety Management System efforts.
  • Conduct risk assessments and drive employee safety culture.
  • Manage contracted security officer performance and develop security protocols.
  • Coordinate emergency response planning and conduct training for staff.
  • Stay updated on EHS regulations and mentor junior team members.

Benefits

  • Health insurance coverage available.
  • Paid time off (PTO) for work-life balance.
  • Retirement contributions to support long-term savings.
  • Additional employee perks provided.
Full Job Description
Your Role:

The site Head of Environmental, Health, Safety & Security (EHSS) is a key leadership role responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining comprehensive EHS and security programs across the organization. This position ensures regulatory compliance, drives a culture of continuous improvement in safety and environmental stewardship, and oversees contracted security operations. The Head of EHSS will demonstrate expertise in management system standards, process safety, and physical security program oversight.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Environmental Management
    • Oversee and maintain the organization's ISO 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS), ensuring ongoing conformance and continuous improvement.
    • Lead internal audits, management reviews, and third-party certification audits related to ISO 14001.
    • Identify and manage significant environmental aspects and impacts; develop and monitor environmental objectives and targets.
    • Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal environmental regulations.
    • Maintain environmental permits and manage reporting obligations (e.g., air, water, waste).
  • Health & Safety Management
    • Oversee and maintain the organization's ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety Management System (OHSMS), driving conformance and continual improvement.
    • Lead incident investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) processes.
    • Develop and deliver EHS training programs for employees at all levels.
    • Conduct and facilitate risk assessments, job hazard analyses (JHAs), and safety inspections.
    • Monitor leading and lagging safety performance indicators and report to management.
    • Champion a proactive safety culture through employee engagement and behavioral safety initiatives.
  • Process Safety Management (PSM)
    • Oversee the facility's Process Safety Management (PSM) program in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements (e.g., OSHA PSM standard 29 CFR 1910.119 and/or EPA RMP).
    • Coordinate and manage PSM elements including Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), Management of Change (MOC), Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSRs), Mechanical Integrity, and Operating Procedures.
    • Ensure PSM documentation is current, accurate, and audit-ready.
    • Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to identify and mitigate process safety risks.
    • Track and close PSM action items and recommendations in a timely manner.
  • Security Program Management
    • Oversee the day-to-day performance of contracted security officers, ensuring service delivery aligns with contractual obligations and site requirements.
    • Serve as the primary liaison between the organization and the contracted security provider.
    • Conduct regular performance reviews of the security contractor; escalate performance gaps and drive corrective actions.
    • Develop and maintain site security plans, access control procedures, and emergency response protocols.
    • Conduct security risk assessments and recommend improvements to physical security infrastructure and procedures.
    • Coordinate with local law enforcement and emergency response agencies as needed.
  • General EHSS Leadership
    • Serve as a subject matter expert and internal consultant on all EHSS matters.
    • Participate in and support emergency response planning, drills, and actual emergency events.
    • Maintain accurate EHSS records, metrics, and reports; present findings to senior management.
    • Stay current with evolving regulations, industry standards, and best practices.
    • Mentor and coach junior EHSS staff and cross-functional team members.
    • Primarily on-site role with regular presence on the plant/facility floor.
    • Reports directly to the Site Manager with dotted line reporting into regional EHS leadership.
    • May involve occasional off-hours availability for emergency response or security incidents.
    • May involve some travel for audits, training, or multi-site support.


Who You Are

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Health & Safety, Chemical Engineering, or other EHS field.
  • 3+ years of experience in environmental, health, safety, and/or security roles.
  • 1+ years of experience managing ISO 14001 and/or ISO 45001 management systems through certification and surveillance audits.
  • 1+ years of experience with OSHA PSM and/or EPA RMP program management.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Environmental Science or Occupational Health & Safety.
  • Experience overseeing contracted security services.
  • Certified Safety Professional (CSP).
  • Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM).
  • ISO 14001 and/or ISO 45001 Lead Auditor certification.
  • Physical Security Professional (PSP) certification.
  • In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local EHS regulations (OSHA, EPA, DOT, etc.).
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present complex topics to varied audiences.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
  • Proficiency in EHS management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence without direct authority.


Pay Range for this position: $83,300 - $124,900/year.

The offer range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base pay compensation for this position. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses. Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites. For more information click here.

RSREMD

About Merck Group

Merck Group Careers

There has never been a more opportune time to join Merck Group, a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science, and performance materials. Merck Group offers a plethora of job opportunities that cater to a variety of skills and professional aspirations, making it an ideal environment for both seasoned experts and those at the start of their career journey.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck Group, every team member contributes to breakthrough innovations in healthcare, life sciences, and electronics. The company's commitment to diversity and innovation fuels its leadership in various sectors, driving growth and transformation globally. Merck Group’s career paths are diverse, offering positions that challenge individuals to use their skills in new ways every day, supported by robust training programs and development opportunities.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Merck Group is not just about jobs; it's about building a career. With a vast array of positions, from research and development to marketing and sales, the company is keen on hiring and nurturing talent to lead industry transformation. Merck Group’s dedication to professional growth is evident in its comprehensive benefits package and performance management processes that aim to maximize individual potential.

Internship Programs

Starting with an internship at Merck Group can be a pivotal step in securing a prosperous career. Interns gain invaluable industry experience, working alongside seasoned professionals and engaging in projects that offer real-world applications of their studies. Internships often lead to full-time employment opportunities, providing a seamless transition from education to professional employment.

Inclusive Culture and Leadership

Merck Group is proud of its inclusive culture that embraces diversity and fosters an environment where all employees can thrive. The company’s leadership is committed to creating a workplace where diverse ideas lead to innovative outcomes. Merck Group also offers diversity training to ensure all team members are equipped to contribute to the company’s inclusive goals.

Networking and Professional Development

Employees at Merck Group are encouraged to engage in networking and professional development activities that enhance their career trajectories. The company hosts various networking events, workshops, and seminars that are designed to hone skills and foster connections within the industry. Leadership development programs are also a cornerstone, preparing employees for future roles of increased responsibility.

Stay Connected with Merck Group Careers

Interested candidates can explore open positions that match their skills and interests through the Merck Group careers page. The company values curious, creative, and solution-driven team players who are eager to make an impact.

Keep Up to Date

Stay informed with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights from Merck Group professionals. These resources are invaluable for those looking to advance their careers and stay ahead in a competitive job market.

Job Alert Emails

Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences from Merck Group. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await.

SEARCH MERCK GROUP JOBS

READ CAREERS BLOG

Merck Group is continuously looking for individuals who are ready to drive innovation and lead in the global marketplace. Whether through full-time positions, internships, or leadership roles, Merck Group offers a career path filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and leadership.
Learn more about Merck Group
Industry
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
* Ladders Estimates

Similar Jobs

Ad banner background

Get Ready For Your
Next Interview

More Jobs at Merck Group

More Manufacturing & Automotive Jobs

Find similar Head of Site Safety, Health and Environmental Compliance jobs:

NationwideKankakee, IL