Overview

As a senior leader on the Site Leadership Team (SLT) the EHS & Utilitie Site Lead will drive a culture of Safety, Sustainability, and Regulatory excellence.

This role demands strategic vision, operational integration, and cross-functional collaboration to embed Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) into every aspect of site operations.

For the purposes of external advertising we have called this role EHS & Utilities Site Lead. However please note that the internal job title the successful candidate will be EHS Systems & Processes Assoc Manager.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Site Stewardship

Provide full oversight of all EHS activities across the site, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and regulatory expectations.
Lead the site EHS team (4 EHS professionals) and the site Utilities team (6 frontline staff). Responsible for Site Utilities operations including Wastewater Treatment, Reverse Osmosis Water.
Champion the site’s COMAH stewardship, ensuring full compliance with Upper-Tier COMAH directives through robust Management of Change processes.
Drive the water efficiency agenda, leading projects to achieve 2030 water reduction targets and embedding sustainable practices across operations.
Implement and inspire a culture-based safety program (Courage to Care), fostering personal accountability and proactive safety behaviours.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Influence

Collaborate with stakeholders across departments internally and at corporate level to embed EHS into business planning and operational decision-making.
Liaise with the Process Safety Engineer to build and maintain a robust Process Safety Management system.
Partner with Occupational Health and HR on absence management, rehabilitation, health surveillance, and wellness programs.
Work with Corporate Communications to develop external messaging strategies for impacted neighbours and the local community.
Engage with external emergency services to coordinate and maintain the External Emergency Plan.

Performance, Compliance & Documentation

Monitor, analyse, and report key EHS metrics, using data to drive continuous improvement and policy development.
Ensure compliance with Irish H&S legislation, COMAH directives, and environmental regulations, maintaining communication with HSA, EPA, IAA, and PGCS EHS Director.
Maintain all Health & Safety documentation and ensure notification and reporting procedures are up to date.
Ensure compliance with internal and external audit standards, including PepsiCo GEHSMS.
Oversee the implementation of the Oil/Chemical Spill Response Plan and ensure readiness for emergency scenarios.
Support site Air security programme to ensure compliance.

Governance, Training & Capability Building

Establish and maintain high-performing management structures for EHS and Process Safety.
Evaluate and deliver Health & Safety training programs tailored to site needs.
Organise effective Safety Committees and maintain accessible health and safety resources for consultation.
Investigate accidents and near misses, ensuring root cause analysis and effective corrective/preventative actions are put in place.
Mentor and coach teams through GEHSMS audits, fostering ownership and continuous improvement.

Emergency Preparedness & Process Safety

Ensure robust evacuation and emergency response arrangements for internal and external scenarios.
Lead development of site Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Incident Control Team (ICT) programs.
Implement and sustain a Process Safety Management system and culture, including training and awareness.
Lead the Significant Modification Assessment process as part of Management of Change controls.
Maintain and test the site’s External Emergency Plan and ensure compliance with all safety reports issued to external authorities.

Sustainability & Resource Management

Drive sustainability initiatives including climate resilience, resource conservation, and environmental stewardship.
Lead site Green Teams and pep+ efforts focused on energy, waste, and water management.
Champion continuous improvement in waste stream management and environmental performance.

Qualifications

Key Qualifications & Competencies

Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Occupational Health & Safety, or a related discipline.
Experience: 5–8 years in a senior EHS leadership role desirable, including a minimum of 5 years in FMCG safety management and 3+ years working within a COMAH-regulated environment or holding a Process Safety qualification.
Technical Expertise: In-depth knowledge of Irish Health & Safety legislation, COMAH directives, environmental regulatory frameworks, and proficiency in GEHSMS auditing standards.
Utilities Operations: Desirable experience in Utilities Unit Operations, including Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP), Reverse Osmosis Water systems, and purified water processes.
Leadership: Proven track record of leading high-performing teams and cultivating a strong safety culture. Skilled in influencing without direct authority, fostering collaboration, and aligning diverse stakeholders around shared EHS objectives.
Collaboration & Influence: Outstanding interpersonal and motivational skills, with the ability to engage and inspire stakeholders across all levels of the organisation. Adept at building cross-functional partnerships and leveraging networks to drive strategic alignment and operational excellence.
Coaching & Mentoring: Demonstrated ability to coach, support, and empower individuals and teams in proactively understanding and fulfilling EHS responsibilities. Committed to developing capability, fostering ownership, and delivering results through inclusive, people-focused leadership.

EHS & Utilities Site Lead

Job Description