At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead EHS strategy across EMEA, ensuring compliance and promoting a safe working environment.
- Company: Join Colorcon, a global leader in pharmaceutical solutions with a commitment to safety and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse workplace, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team atmosphere with a focus on continuous improvement and empowerment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety culture in a dynamic, international environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in EHS leadership and knowledge of DSEAR and ATEX regulations required.
Colorcon® is a world leader in the development, supply and technical support of formulated film coating systems, modified release technologies, specialty excipients and functional packaging for the pharmaceutical, nutritional, and animal health industries. Our best-in-class products and technologies are complemented by our extensive formulation experience, application data and value-added services to support all phases of solid oral dose design, development, and manufacture.
Our focus on market issues and technology development has earned Colorcon an international reputation as a pharmaceutical supplier of choice. That reputation is based on superior product quality, unparalleled technical support, extensive regulatory assistance and reliable supply from multiple locations, with our Global Headquarters located in Harleysville, Pennsylvania. Colorcon has 26 technical service laboratories globally and more than 2100 employees exclusively dedicated to its customer base. We are a successful company thanks to our diverse workforce and global reach.
We believe that our operating principles define our culture, values and organizations and are key to achieving our mission and vision, strategies and goals:
- Platinum Rule: We treat others the way they want to be treated
- Empowerment: We trust our colleagues with responsibility and decision-making
- Keep Getting Better: We create an environment for constant improvement, to be the best we can
- Teamwork: We embrace the value of collaboration; work together to exceed what is possible as individuals
- Customer Focus: We put our customers’ needs at the heart of everything we do
- Global Respect: We are citizens of a diverse world and behave with respect for the communities in which we operate
At Colorcon we value diversity. Typically, that means diversity in people. But here, we also appreciate and respect a diversity of possibilities around our professional roles, creative team-oriented solutions, projects and career paths. Along with diversity, we believe in empowerment. We encourage our employees to approach challenges in imaginative and proactive ways. We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities and encourage you to let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.
Reporting to: Operation Director, EMEA
Direct reports: 2 x EHS Advisor, EHS Co-Ordinator – all based in Dartford
Dotted line reports: EHS / CI Leads for Bazainville (FR), Romorantin (FR), Almere (ND)
Position Summary: The Process Safety and EHS Lead is responsible for setting the regional strategy to ensure compliance with local legal requirements and safe working practices in all EMEA locations. The EMEA strategy will integrate and support the global EHS strategy. The post holder will support the regional leadership team (RLT) and all department managers in EMEA with the promotion of effective EHS leadership, and maintenance of a safe working environment for all Colorcon employees, contractors and visitors. This role acts as a strategic business partner to the Site Leadership Teams, operation and engineering managers, as well as the Global EHS function to ensure consistency and embed a strong safety culture and drive continuous risk reduction.
This is a full-time position with primary responsibility for sites in Dartford (UK), Romorantin (FR), Almere (ND), and our regional laboratories located in eg Idstein (DE), Istanbul (TR), and Massy (FR). The position will be based in Dartford, UK, but will require travel to other Colorcon sites in the EMEA region.
Role Purpose: The EMEA EHS Lead provides strategic leadership and technical authority across all process safety and EHS activities within the EMEA region. The role ensures:
- Consistency in compliance with local legal requirements and Colorcon requirements.
- Design and implementation of high‑performing EHS and process safety standards across manufacturing sites and regional laboratories, with particular focus on DSEAR (UK), and ATEX (FR and other EU Countries, as implemented) compliance.
- Prompt communication and implementation of Corrective and Preventative Actions (CAPA).
Key Responsibilities:
- Process Safety, DSEAR & ATEX Leadership: Provide regional leadership and governance for process safety management, ensuring alignment with company standards and regulatory requirements. Act as the EMEA technical authority for DSEAR and ATEX, ensuring compliance with DSEAR regulations, EU ATEX Directives (workplace and equipment) and other local legislations on the topic. Ensure hazardous area classifications, explosion risk assessments, and ignition risk controls are robust, current, and consistently applied across sites. Assist in the selection, installation, inspection, and recommended maintenance of ATEX‑rated equipment, working closely with Engineering and Maintenance teams. Lead and support HAZOPs, risk assessments, and layers of protection analyses for new and existing processes. Ensure effective Change Management processes are in place and rigorously applied.
- EHS Governance and Regulatory Compliance: Lead the implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of EHS management systems across Dartford, France, the Netherlands, and regional laboratories. Lead sites during complex incident investigations, ensuring learnings are shared regionally and / or globally, as required. Ensure compliance with local, national, and EU EHS legislation, ISO 14001 and 45001 standards and occupational health through internal and external audit plans, where appropriate. Support sites during regulatory inspections, audits, and licensing activities, acting as a key technical interface with regulators when required. Develop, monitor, and analyse EHS and process safety performance metrics to drive continual improvement. Prepare regular reports for the RLT and the Global Leadership Team.
- Regional Leadership & Site Partnership: Actively partner with Site Leaders and local EHS teams to strengthen accountability for EHS and process safety performance. Provide expert coaching, challenge, and support to all site leaders and department managers so that an open and robust safety culture is established and maintained. Define and promote strong safety leadership behaviours and set expectations for their implementation. Create and support a proactive reporting and learning culture. Drive harmonisation of EHS and process safety standards across EMEA while ensuring local legal compliance is respected.
- Laboratories Oversight: Provide EHS and process safety oversight for regional laboratories, including chemical and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) handling, flammable atmospheres, storage, waste management, and emergency preparedness. Ensure laboratory risk assessments, DSEAR evaluations, and control measures are suitable and sufficient for laboratory activities. Ensure procedures for local handling of APIs are respected.
- Continuous Improvement & Strategy: Lead EMEA‑wide initiatives to improve process safety maturity and EHS performance. Identify trends from incidents, near misses, audits, and inspections, turning insights into sustainable improvements. Contribute to Global EHS and Process Safety strategy and represent EMEA in global forums and working groups.
Key Relationships:
- Site Leadership Teams (Dartford, France, Netherlands).
- Regional and Global EHS Teams.
- Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, and Project Teams.
- Laboratory Management.
- External regulators, auditors, and specialist consultants.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Essential: Extensive experience in Process Safety and EHS leadership within manufacturing, chemical, pharmaceutical, or similarly high‑hazard industries. Strong, demonstrable knowledge of DSEAR and ATEX requirements, including hazardous area classification and explosion risk control. Proven experience supporting multi‑site, multi‑country EMEA operations. In‑depth understanding of UK and EU EHS legislation. Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive cultural change.
- Desirable: Degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Chemistry, Safety, or a related discipline. Professional qualifications such as NEBOSH, IOSH, IChemE, or equivalent. Experience working with laboratories in an operational or R&D environment.
Personal Attributes:
- Credible and confident technical leader, with strong influencing and communication skills.
- Pragmatic and risk‑based, able to balance operational needs with compliance and safety.
- Resilient, organised, and comfortable working across cultures and geographies.
- Passionate about safety, people development, and continuous improvement.
Location: Flagship House, Victory Way, Crossways, Dartford, DA@ 6QD United Kingdom
EHS Lead - EMEA employer: Colorcon®
Colorcon® is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Dartford, UK, where innovation and safety are at the forefront of our operations. We prioritise employee empowerment and continuous improvement, fostering a culture of collaboration and respect that values diverse perspectives. With extensive growth opportunities and a commitment to professional development, Colorcon is dedicated to supporting our employees' career paths while ensuring a safe and compliant workplace across the EMEA region.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land EHS Lead - EMEA
✨Unlock Networking Opportunities
Dive into industry-specific events like pharmaceutical conferences and seminars, where you can meet hiring managers from companies like Colorcon®. These are goldmines for making connections and learning about job openings before they hit the mainstream job boards.
✨Join Relevant Professional Bodies
Get involved with organisations such as the Royal Pharmaceutical Society or your local pharmaceutical professionals' network. Being an active member can boost your credibility and may even lead to job referrals in top organisations like Colorcon®.
✨Leverage Internships for Full-time Roles
If you can, consider pursuing internships in the pharmaceutical industry, especially with companies like Colorcon®. These opportunities often pave the way for full-time positions and allow you to demonstrate your capabilities firsthand.
✨Tailor Your Approach
When you're applying for roles, don't rush it! Take the time to customise your applications for specific positions, showcasing relevant skills and experiences that align with what Colorcon® is looking for. A tailored application can really make you stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace EHS Lead - EMEA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in the pharmaceutical industry, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Whether that's internships, lab work, or even related coursework, make sure to weave this into your CV and cover letter. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're applying for at Colorcon®!
Emphasise Your Understanding of Regulations:The pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated, so it's important to indicate your familiarity with industry standards and regulations. In your cover letter, mention any training or certifications you've received that are relevant, or discuss projects where you’ve navigated compliance. This will show Colorcon® that you're not just a fit for the job but also a safety-conscious candidate!
Tailor Your CV to Be Result-Driven:Craft your CV to highlight quantifiable achievements, especially if you have previous roles in pharmaceuticals or related fields. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact, such as improved processing times or successful project completions while working on trials. This analytical approach will resonate well with hiring managers at Colorcon®!
Convey Your Passion for the Industry:In your cover letter, express why you are passionate about working in the pharmaceutical sector. Whether it’s your desire to contribute to groundbreaking drug research or improve patient outcomes, let it shine through! At Colorcon®, we value candidates who are truly enthusiastic about their work—you might just stand out from the crowd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Colorcon®
✨Understand the Science
Make sure you brush up on key pharmaceutical concepts and recent developments in the industry. You might get asked some technical questions during the interview at Colorcon® that show your grasp of drug development processes or regulatory requirements, so be ready to discuss them clearly.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
If you have any hands-on experience or internships in a laboratory setting, be sure to highlight these in your responses. Think about the projects you worked on, the methodologies you used, and the impact you made. It's all about telling a story that connects your background to the role you're applying for.
✨Know Their Products
Take some time to familiarise yourself with Colorcon®’s product range and recent breakthroughs. Understanding their portfolio not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also allows you to ask insightful questions that demonstrate your interest in actively contributing to their projects.
✨Be Ready for Regulatory Scenarios
In a full-time pharmaceutical role, understanding the regulatory landscape is crucial. Prepare for situational questions that may test your problem-solving skills concerning compliance and safety standards. You could be asked how you'd handle a hypothetical issue regarding a drug’s market release, so think through your approach.
