Project EHS Lead (PSDP/PSCS)

Summary:
An EHS Project Lead is required for a biopharma company in Waterford. The successful candidate will lead and maintain the EHS Management System within the Project Engineering function, ensuring compliance with corporate standards and legal obligations.

Responsibilities:

•  Lead and maintain the EHS Management System within the Project Engineering function, ensuring compliance with corporate standards and legal obligations.
• Support implementation of safety systems across all project phases.
• Oversee contractor EHS performance and ensure all works comply with PSCS/PSDP requirements.
• Coordinate EHS event management, CAPA tracking, inspections, and compliance reporting.
• Develop and deliver safety training, inductions, and toolbox talks for employees and contractors.
• Monitor and report EHS performance indicators (TRIR, audit closure rates), ensuring timely submission of data.
• Foster a proactive safety culture through engagement, leadership, and behavioural safety initiatives.
•  Report regularly on progress, SORs, Health and Safety alerts and activities on site.
• Lead all HSE related investigations on any project, applying root cause analysis to prevent recurrence.
• Support audits on site on any issue regarding Health & Safety.
•  Ensure the company’s role as a “Client in Construction” is adhered to across all projects in deployment.
• Administer the requirements and responsibilities of the roles of PSCS and PSDP (HSA Guidelines) on behalf of the company within the projects group for small and medium-sized projects.
•  Conduct internal auditing of contractors’ activities and close out findings with the project team.
•  Chair regular meetings with all PSCS supervisors on site to ensure an overarching deployment plan of activities.
• Attend internal HSE meetings and ensure relevant issues are reviewed and closed.
• Ensure compliance with HSA and statutory obligations, corporate policies and procedures, and continuous improvement for all elements of Health & Safety within the Project Engineering group.
•  Ensure that all project-related HSE documentation (deliverables list, global HSE checklists, registers, etc.) is accurate and up to date.
• Track and raise all HSE SORs and CAPAs for the Capital Projects group.
•  Review all project RAMS for capital projects tasks and ensure compliance with company standards.
•  Manage and assess all onsite subcontractors, including reviewing RAMS.
•  Communicate toolbox talks and safety issues with contractors as required.
•  Issue weekly H&S progress reports and present safety performance to the team.
• Lead and conduct risk assessments, safety reviews (HAZOP, HAZID), and process safety evaluations.
• Support integration of ATEX, machinery safety, and electrical safety controls into project design and execution.
• Oversee implementation of all site standard safety control procedures.
• Support FAT visits to vendor sites for the installation of new equipment, which may involve international travel.
•  Retain clear records and logs of all relevant inductions, training, RAMS, audits, safety meetings, and walkdowns.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Third-level qualification in Occupational Safety/Health, Environmental Science, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of five years’ health and safety advisory experience, ideally within a PSCS role in construction.
•  Extensive experience in Process Safety, PSCS/PSDP coordination, and high-risk industrial operations.
•  Proficient in EHS software platforms and digital reporting tools, with strong IT skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Data literacy with the ability to analyse and present EHS performance metrics.
•  Strong communication and leadership skills; proven ability to lead cross-functional and contractor teams in a regulated environment.
•  Skilled in influencing and embedding a proactive safety culture across multidisciplinary teams.
•  Demonstrated success in developing and implementing safety improvement initiatives, including Behavioural Based Safety Programmes.
• CIF PSCS Training or similar certification.
•  FETAC Manual Handling Instructor and Occupational First Aider qualifications are an advantage.