R&D SHE Specialist

R&D SHE Specialist (WL 1C)

Role Overview

We have a Safety, Health, and Environmental role, managing all aspects of the S.H.E. Program in the Trumbull, Connecticut R&D facility. The qualified individual will be responsible for:  building and managing the SHE Management System and developing the in-depth knowledge of the team on the regulatory requirements established by OSHA, EPA & Unilever, as applicable to the activities conducted at the site.  

Reporting to the Associate Director, R&D Facilities Operations & Workplace Design, the SHE Specialist will work within the Trumbull Site Operations Team with responsibility for managing SHE improvement activities to achieve the highest SHE standards at site level for an R&D facility. 

The role is a 5-day per week on site position. 

You will work with a large number of Site category and project teams to develop the local strategy and improvement plans in order to achieve sustainable solutions by reducing injuries, illnesses and environmental impacts as measured in the core KPI’s. 

They will have experience in the application of the requirements in a research and development organization, supporting the transfer to commercial operations, including environmental permitting and construction safety. The individual must have excellent leadership and communication skills, and interpersonal skills to work within a fast-paced team environment that requires the ability to handle multiple demands and demonstrate effective communication with stakeholders at all levels. The role has a strong emphasis on technical documentation and communication, generating comprehensive cross technique technical reports, making clear recommendations which are implemented in the business. 

Main Job Purpose

R&D leader for health and safety management. Driving the leadership team to embed safety performance culture and awareness within Trumbull R&D Site. Auditing safety management systems to ensure full compliance with relevant legislation and Unilever standards. Autonomously managing day to day safety activities, ensuring safe systems of work, identifying hazards and risks, advising on safety matters, and driving promotional and continuous improvement activities.  

Responsible for coordinating the wider safety network (Safety Champions, First Aiders, Area Owners, and more) across Trumbull R&D for effective SHE management in individual teams, best practice sharing and a one team approach. 

Key Challenges

• Ensuring all R&D procedures and safe systems of work are up to date and compliant with Unilever standards and Health & Safety legislation   

• Reacting quickly to safety matters, implementing actions and identifying route causes.   

• Primary contact for safety within R&D and non-R&D groups at Trumbull R&D Site.   

• Facilitating employee empowerment on safety issues. 

Job Responsibilities

Lead the SHE programs, holding self and others accountable for ensuring compliance with applicable elements of OSHA, EPA, and Unilever regulations for the facility. This includes, but is not limited to: 

• Facilitate the establishment and maintenance of a suitable compliance program and calendar  

• Provide periodic regulatory training 

• Drive a culture of continuous improvement by learning from incidents, trainings and employee consultation. 

• Direct and facilitate investigations as needed for injuries, incidents and near misses 

• Establish appropriate site SHE metrics consistent with business objectives and periodically report progress and effectiveness to management and staff 

• Represent the Trumbull site during SHE regulatory inspections and/or audits, being the primary point of contact for Trumbull during inspections. 

• Participate in / supports SHE risk assessments for ongoing practices and innovations. 

• Prepare and update facility SOP’s 

• Understanding of hazardous and nonhazardous waste management practices to include generating new waste streams, creating new waste profiles, coordinate and oversee waste pickups and sign manifests, and compare reporting to regulatory and permitting requirements 

• Generate, maintain and submit all annual reporting requirements per regulatory agencies and permit requirements 

• Understanding of DOT and monitoring safe shipping/receiving of chemicals onsite 

• Supports changes to existing and new materials suppliers  

• Drives internal audits and subsequent programs to ensure SHE compliance and procedures are followed throughout the site. 

• Approve and monitor chemical SDS management through existing systems 

• Partner with Unilever Senior SHE Management teams to ensure compliance to relevant Unilever and Regulatory standards. 

• Facilitate all regulatory and site required SHE training to all staff and maintain documentation 

• Support environmental permitting and regulations, including WWTP operations and inspections 

• Approve and monitor chemical SDS management through existing systems 

• Support leadership team through continuous improvement of systems, policies, and programs 

Additional Information

• The jobholder will also be expected to attend relevant courses, seminars and exhibitions where appropriate to keep abreast of changing safety legislation and ways of working.  

• Highly developed interpersonal skills, including listening, persuasion, facilitation, influencing and negotiation.   

• Highly motivated with the ability to enthuse others.   

• Tenacious about safety - Courage of own convictions.   

Skill Requirements

• B.S. in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Management, or related field 

• Minimum 6+ years of industry experience as well as demonstrated experience in leading & developing teams

• SMS, EMS, and UMS.  

• Strong working knowledge of OSHA and EPA guidelines 

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite to include the use of Excel spreadsheets (and other statistical software) to trend and track SHE data, including the ability to statistically evaluate the data is required. 

• Excellent communication skills and the interpersonal skills to work within a diverse and rapidly changing work environment, communicating both with senior managers and colleagues to ensure effective implementation and compliance of the SHE program.  

• A proven track record to establish and implement, as well as lead and manage a SHE program is essential. 

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