As a senior leader on the Site Leadership Team (SLT) the EHS & Utilitie Site Lead will drive a culture of Safety, Sustainability, and Regulatory excellence.

This role demands strategic vision, operational integration, and cross-functional collaboration to embed Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) into every aspect of site operations.

For the purposes of external advertising we have called this role EHS & Utilities Site Lead. However please note that the internal job title the successful candidate will be EHS Systems & Processes Assoc Manager.

Strategic Leadership & Site Stewardship

• Provide full oversight of all EHS activities across the site, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and regulatory expectations.
• Lead the site EHS team (4 EHS professionals) and the site Utilities team (6 frontline staff). Responsible for Site Utilities operations including Wastewater Treatment, Reverse Osmosis Water.
• Champion the site’s COMAH stewardship, ensuring full compliance with Upper-Tier COMAH directives through robust Management of Change processes.
• Drive the water efficiency agenda, leading projects to achieve 2030 water reduction targets and embedding sustainable practices across operations.
• Implement and inspire a culture-based safety program (Courage to Care), fostering personal accountability and proactive safety behaviours.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Influence

• Collaborate with stakeholders across departments internally and at corporate level to embed EHS into business planning and operational decision-making.
• Liaise with the Process Safety Engineer to build and maintain a robust Process Safety Management system.
• Partner with Occupational Health and HR on absence management, rehabilitation, health surveillance, and wellness programs.
• Work with Corporate Communications to develop external messaging strategies for impacted neighbours and the local community.
• Engage with external emergency services to coordinate and maintain the External Emergency Plan.

Performance, Compliance & Documentation

• Monitor, analyse, and report key EHS metrics, using data to drive continuous improvement and policy development.
• Ensure compliance with Irish H&S legislation, COMAH directives, and environmental regulations, maintaining communication with HSA, EPA, IAA, and PGCS EHS Director.
• Maintain all Health & Safety documentation and ensure notification and reporting procedures are up to date.
• Ensure compliance with internal and external audit standards, including PepsiCo GEHSMS.
• Oversee the implementation of the Oil/Chemical Spill Response Plan and ensure readiness for emergency scenarios.
• Support site Air security programme to ensure compliance.

Governance, Training & Capability Building

• Establish and maintain high-performing management structures for EHS and Process Safety.
• Evaluate and deliver Health & Safety training programs tailored to site needs.
• Organise effective Safety Committees and maintain accessible health and safety resources for consultation.
• Investigate accidents and near misses, ensuring root cause analysis and effective corrective/preventative actions are put in place.
• Mentor and coach teams through GEHSMS audits, fostering ownership and continuous improvement.

Emergency Preparedness & Process Safety

• Ensure robust evacuation and emergency response arrangements for internal and external scenarios.
• Lead development of site Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Incident Control Team (ICT) programs.
• Implement and sustain a Process Safety Management system and culture, including training and awareness.
• Lead the Significant Modification Assessment process as part of Management of Change controls.
• Maintain and test the site’s External Emergency Plan and ensure compliance with all safety reports issued to external authorities.

Sustainability & Resource Management

• Drive sustainability initiatives including climate resilience, resource conservation, and environmental stewardship.
• Lead site Green Teams and pep+ efforts focused on energy, waste, and water management.
• Champion continuous improvement in waste stream management and environmental performance.

Key Qualifications & Competencies

• Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Occupational Health & Safety, or a related discipline.
• Experience: 5–8 years in a senior EHS leadership role desirable, including a minimum of 5 years in FMCG safety management and 3+ years working within a COMAH-regulated environment or holding a Process Safety qualification.
• Technical Expertise: In-depth knowledge of Irish Health & Safety legislation, COMAH directives, environmental regulatory frameworks, and proficiency in GEHSMS auditing standards.
• Utilities Operations: Desirable experience in Utilities Unit Operations, including Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP), Reverse Osmosis Water systems, and purified water processes.
• Leadership: Proven track record of leading high-performing teams and cultivating a strong safety culture. Skilled in influencing without direct authority, fostering collaboration, and aligning diverse stakeholders around shared EHS objectives.
• Collaboration & Influence: Outstanding interpersonal and motivational skills, with the ability to engage and inspire stakeholders across all levels of the organisation. Adept at building cross-functional partnerships and leveraging networks to drive strategic alignment and operational excellence.
• Coaching & Mentoring: Demonstrated ability to coach, support, and empower individuals and teams in proactively understanding and fulfilling EHS responsibilities. Committed to developing capability, fostering ownership, and delivering results through inclusive, people-focused leadership.