Senior Director, Process Safety

📋 Description

• Spearhead the continuous improvement of our global Process Safety Management (PSM) and Major Hazard Risk initiatives.

• Develop an enterprise-wide process safety strategy that fosters a proactive and prevention-oriented culture.

• Collaborate closely with Executive Leadership, Operations, Engineering, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, and EHS teams.

• Safeguard our employees, customers, communities, and brand while facilitating compliant growth and operational excellence.

• Define and implement Avantor’s global process safety vision, strategy, and governance model.

• Ensure consistent application of PSM standards across manufacturing, laboratory, and distribution settings.

• Actively identify and mitigate significant risks to people, products, and the environment.

• Enhance the process safety culture through leadership engagement, training, and accountability measures.

• Function as a trusted advisor to senior leaders regarding risk tolerance, compliance status, and investment choices.

• Promote organizational learning through thorough incident investigations and knowledge dissemination.

⛳️ Requirements

• 12–15+ years of progressive expertise in process safety, chemical engineering, or hazardous operations management.

• 7+ years in senior leadership positions within life sciences, specialty chemicals, advanced materials, pharmaceuticals, or industrial manufacturing.

• Demonstrated leadership of enterprise or multi-site PSM initiatives that comply with OSHA PSM, EPA RMP, CCPS, and international standards.

• Practical experience supporting capital projects, new process implementations, and site expansions.

• Direct involvement in leading high-stakes incident investigations and regulatory inspections.

• In-depth knowledge of PSM frameworks and standards, including OSHA PSM, EPA RMP, CCPS RBPS, and EU SEVESO (preferred).

• Advanced proficiency in hazard identification and risk analysis methodologies (HAZOP, LOPA, What-If, Bowtie, SIL).

• Strong comprehension of chemical processing, batch operations, formulation, scale-up, and material handling risks.

• Capability to convert complex technical and regulatory requirements into actionable, business-aligned solutions.

• Outstanding executive communication, influence, and change leadership abilities.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Wellness initiatives.

• Health savings and flexible spending accounts.

• 401(k) plan with company match.

• Employee stock purchase program.

• 11 paid holidays.

• 18 PTO days per year.

• Volunteer time off.

• 6 weeks of fully paid parental leave (except in states offering paid family leave).