Role Overview for EHS Manager (Chemical Safety)
Are you a highly experienced and passionate Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) professional with a specialized focus on chemical safety? Do you possess a profound understanding of regulatory compliance, risk management, and fostering a proactive safety culture within complex industrial environments? JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm, is proudly partnering with a global leader in advanced chemical manufacturing to identify and recruit an exceptional EHS Manager (Chemical Safety).
This pivotal role, based in our client’s state-of-the-art facility in Houston, TX, demands a visionary leader capable of developing, implementing, and overseeing comprehensive EHS programs specifically tailored to the unique challenges of chemical operations.
The successful candidate will be instrumental in safeguarding employees, protecting the environment, and ensuring stringent adherence to all federal, state, and local EHS regulations. This is more than just a compliance role; it’s an opportunity to drive continuous improvement, innovate safety practices, and embed a world-class safety culture at every level of the organization.
As the EHS Manager specializing in Chemical Safety, you will serve as the primary subject matter expert, guiding operational teams, collaborating with senior leadership, and empowering employees to embrace safety as a core value. Your expertise will directly impact the well-being of hundreds of employees and the environmental footprint of a critical manufacturing site. If you are a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach, a proven track record in chemical safety leadership, and a commitment to excellence, we invite you to explore this unparalleled career opportunity through JRG Partners.
Key Responsibilities of EHS Manager (Chemical Safety)
Strategic EHS Program Development & Implementation
Design, develop, implement, and continuously improve robust EHS management systems and programs with a strong emphasis on chemical safety, hazardous materials management, and process safety. This includes authoring policies, procedures, and guidelines that align with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
Regulatory Compliance & Reporting
Ensure unwavering compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local EHS regulations, including but not limited to OSHA (especially Process Safety Management – PSM, Hazard Communication), EPA (RCRA, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, SARA), DOT, and NFPA standards. This involves meticulous tracking of regulatory changes, conducting compliance audits, and preparing and submitting all required EHS reports and permits in a timely and accurate manner.
Process Safety Management (PSM) Leadership
Lead and manage all aspects of the facility’s Process Safety Management (PSM) program. This encompasses facilitating and reviewing Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), ensuring the integrity of Mechanical Integrity programs, overseeing Management of Change (MOC) procedures, managing pre-startup safety reviews (PSSRs), and leading incident investigations for process-related events.
Hazard Communication & Risk Assessment
Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive Hazard Communication program, ensuring proper labeling, Safety Data Sheet (SDS) management, and employee training on chemical hazards. Conduct thorough risk assessments, Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), and chemical exposure assessments to identify, evaluate, and control potential hazards associated with chemical processes and materials.
Emergency Preparedness & Response
Develop, update, and manage emergency response plans for chemical spills, fires, explosions, and other potential incidents. Coordinate and lead emergency response drills, ensuring all personnel are adequately trained and equipped to respond effectively to various scenarios. Liaise with external emergency services and regulatory bodies.
EHS Training & Education
Design, develop, and deliver engaging and effective EHS training programs for all levels of employees, contractors, and visitors. Training topics will include chemical handling, spill prevention, lockout/tagout, confined space entry, hot work, personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency procedures. Ensure training records are meticulously maintained.
Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis
Lead and participate in detailed investigations of all EHS incidents, near misses, and chemical excursions. Utilize structured root cause analysis methodologies to identify underlying causes and develop robust corrective and preventive actions to prevent recurrence. Track the implementation and effectiveness of these actions.
EHS Audits & Inspections
Conduct regular, systematic EHS audits, inspections, and walk-throughs of the facility to identify potential hazards, non-compliance issues, and opportunities for improvement. Document findings, assign corrective actions, and track their completion. Participate in corporate and third-party EHS audits.
Environmental Management
Oversee environmental aspects related to chemical manufacturing, including waste management (hazardous and non-hazardous), air emissions permitting and monitoring, wastewater discharge compliance, and stormwater management. Ensure proper documentation and reporting to environmental agencies.
EHS Culture & Employee Engagement
Champion a strong, proactive safety culture throughout the organization. Promote employee engagement in EHS initiatives, encourage hazard reporting, and foster a collaborative environment where safety is everyone’s responsibility. Lead EHS committees and teams.
Contractor Safety Management
Develop and implement programs to ensure the safety of contractors working on site, particularly those involved in chemical-related activities. Review contractor safety plans, conduct orientations, and monitor their adherence to EHS requirements.
Data Analysis & Performance Reporting
Collect, analyze, and interpret EHS performance data, including incident rates, audit findings, and compliance metrics. Prepare comprehensive EHS reports for site leadership and corporate stakeholders, identifying trends and recommending strategic improvements.
Requirements for the EHS Manager (Chemical Safety)
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health & Safety, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Safety, or a closely related scientific or engineering discipline from an accredited institution. A Master’s degree in a relevant field is highly preferred and will be considered a significant advantage.
Experience
A minimum of 7-10 years of progressive, hands-on EHS leadership experience within a chemical manufacturing, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, or other heavy industrial environment with complex chemical processes. Demonstrated expertise specifically in chemical safety, hazardous materials management, and Process Safety Management (PSM) is essential.
Certifications
Professional certifications such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), or Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) are highly preferred and will be given strong consideration. Other relevant certifications (e.g., HAZWOPER, DOT Hazmat) are a plus.
Technical Expertise & Knowledge
- In-depth, expert-level knowledge of U.S. federal EHS regulations, including OSHA (29 CFR 1910 General Industry, specifically 1910.119 Process Safety Management, 1910.120 Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response, and 1910.1200 Hazard Communication), EPA (RCRA, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, SARA Title III), and DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations.
- Proven track record in developing, implementing, and managing comprehensive Process Safety Management (PSM) programs, including leading PHAs, managing MOC, and ensuring mechanical integrity.
- Strong understanding of chemical properties, toxicology, reactivity, and their associated hazards. Ability to interpret Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) and chemical inventory data effectively.
- Experience with industrial hygiene principles, monitoring techniques, and control strategies for chemical exposures.
- Familiarity with EHS management systems (e.g., ISO 14001, ISO 45001) and their implementation.
- Proficiency in risk assessment methodologies and the development of effective control measures for high-risk chemical operations.
Leadership & Communication Skills
- Exceptional leadership abilities with a proven capacity to inspire, influence, and motivate employees at all organizational levels towards a common safety vision.
- Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex EHS concepts clearly and concisely to diverse audiences, from shop floor personnel to executive leadership.
- Strong interpersonal skills, capable of building rapport and fostering collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and external partners.
- Demonstrated ability to facilitate training, conduct presentations, and lead meetings effectively.
Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills
- Highly analytical with excellent problem-solving capabilities, particularly in complex EHS incident investigations and hazard identification.
- Ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions to improve EHS performance.
- Proficiency in EHS software, incident management systems, and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Personal Attributes
- High degree of integrity, ethical conduct, and a strong commitment to environmental protection and worker safety.
- Proactive, self-motivated, and results-oriented with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and work under pressure in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Willingness to be on-call for emergencies and work flexible hours as needed.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client values its employees and offers a highly competitive compensation package designed to attract and retain top talent in the EHS field. This includes:
- An attractive base salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Performance-based bonus opportunities that reward exceptional contributions.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans, effective from day one.
- A robust 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match to support your long-term financial goals.
- Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and company-recognized holidays.
- Opportunities for continuous professional development, including funding for certifications (CSP, CIH, CHMM), conferences, and specialized training programs.
- Tuition reimbursement for further education relevant to your career growth.
- Company-paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage.
- Employee assistance programs (EAP) providing confidential support for personal and work-related challenges.
- Relocation assistance may be provided for highly qualified candidates moving to the Houston, TX area.
- A dynamic, collaborative, and safety-first work environment where your contributions are recognized and valued.
- The chance to make a significant and lasting impact on the safety, health, and environmental stewardship of a leading chemical manufacturing organization.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is exclusively retained to find the ideal candidate for this critical EHS Manager (Chemical Safety) role. We are committed to connecting top-tier EHS talent with industry-leading opportunities where they can thrive and make a tangible difference. If you are a highly skilled, experienced, and dedicated EHS professional with a strong background in chemical safety and are ready to take on a challenging yet immensely rewarding leadership position, we encourage you to apply today.
To express your interest, please submit your comprehensive resume and a compelling cover letter detailing your relevant experience, key achievements in chemical safety, and your qualifications for this specific role. Applications can be submitted directly through our secure online portal. Join JRG Partners and let our expertise guide you to your next career milestone. Learn more about our specialized recruitment services in Environmental, Health & Safety by visiting JRG Partners EHS Recruitment.
