HSE & Operational excellence manager

Role Summary

HSE & Operational Excellence Manager located in Pearl River, NY. This role leads Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) initiatives and supports Manufacturing Excellence programs to ensure regulatory and internal standards compliance, drive continuous improvement, and foster a culture of safety and operational excellence across the organization.

Responsibilities

• HSE Communications & Culture: Cascade monthly HSE updates, KPIs, audit results, and program changes; share best practices across departments; support site programs in industrial hygiene, biosafety, fire and life safety, occupational safety, process safety, and environmental compliance; attend and contribute to monthly HSE meetings.
• Safety Program Management: Maintain and update JHAs and annual risk maps; coordinate product stewardship activities (e.g., SDS updates, chemical inventory); ensure compliance with medical surveillance and task-based risk assessments; support regulatory compliance activities (e.g., hazardous waste management, spill response, ASTs, energy control/LOTO, contractor safety).
• Incident & Compliance Management: Initiate and manage accident investigations; own and track action plans and link incidents to risk profiles; conduct internal audits and inspections; ensure compliance with regulatory standards; initiate and manage accident/incident investigations ensuring timely root cause analysis and CAPAs.
• Shop Floor Engagement: Lead Gemba walks and Managing for Safety & Value (MSV) schedules; support coactivity planning, permit-to-work processes, and emergency drills; deliver onboarding training for non-GMP areas; maintain and update safety maps and visual management tools.
• Escalation & Continuous Improvement: Act as liaison between area managers, HSE, and maintenance for escalations; identify and escalate improvement ideas; monitor and trend safety and performance data.
• Operational Excellence Responsibilities: Drive site-wide continuous improvement initiatives using structured tools, templates, and internal communications; lead After Action Reviews, cross-functional workshops, and kaizen events; promote a culture of operational excellence and employee engagement.
• KPI Management & Performance Tracking: Manage operational KPIs and facilitate cascaded reviews from shop floor to senior leadership; ensure alignment of metrics with site goals and strategic priorities.
• Data Analytics & Visualization: Ensure data quality for global performance dashboards and reporting systems; utilize Power BI and iObeya to visualize trends and support decision-making.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Engineering, or related field.
• Experience: 3+ years in HSE or manufacturing operations, preferably in a regulated industry.
• Certifications: OSHA 30 hour (general industry or Construction) or similar certifications are preferred.

Skills

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Power BI, iObeya, Qualipso, and EHS Desk; familiarity with MSDS Online, SEDDA, and risk assessment tools; understanding of chemical and biological safety is a plus.
• Soft Skills: Strong communication and coaching abilities; analytical mindset with attention to detail; ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without authority.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Engineering, or related field.

Additional Requirements

• Location: Pearl River, NY (on-site)
• Travel: <5% travel expected