Startup and Validation EHS Team Lead (Field Based)

ERM is hiring an experienced Startup and Validation EHS Team Lead for onsite support of our client’s new greenfield pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Lebanon, IN. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership, technical EHS expertise, and a proven ability to manage health, safety, and environmental programs through system startup and validation activities. In this role, you will lead the EHS Startup and Validation Team, ensuring consistent practices across all manufacturing areas, alignment with client standards, and readiness for operational handover. This is a full-time (40 hours per week) limited-term role, with a duration of 36 months.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the on-site lead for EHS during system startup and equipment validation activities.
• Develop and implement consistent safety strategies and procedures across all manufacturing areas.
• Oversee Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) strategies, training, and audits for startup operations.
• Lead and mentor area-based EHS Managers and Specialists supporting startup and validation phases.
• Review and approve EHS-related documentation, including JHAs/JSAs, PSERs, PFTSRs, and PSSRs.
• Conduct audits and inspections to ensure compliance with client and regulatory standards.
• Track and report EHS performance metrics, including incident trends and corrective actions.
• Lead incident investigations and develop root-cause analysis and preventive recommendations.
• Coordinate environmental permit preparation and reporting in collaboration with the site’s environmental team.
• Interface regularly with project management, engineering, and contractor teams to maintain safe startup execution.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Safety, Occupational Health, Environmental Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of EHS experience in manufacturing startup and commissioning projects, pharmaceutical projects preferred.
• OSHA 30-hour Construction or General Industry certification required; CSP, CIH, or equivalent preferred.
• First Aid/CPR/AED certification preferred.
• Strong understanding of process safety management (PSM), startup readiness, and validation safety requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary EHS teams and standardize practices across complex operations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage all levels of stakeholders.