HSE Specialist (Occupational Health)

About the role

Novartis is looking for an HSE Specialist (Occupational Health) to serve as Lead for the Occupational Health Program at its manufacturing and laboratory campus in Durham, North Carolina. The role protects associates and strengthens a proactive safety culture by developing and improving programs such as chemical hygiene, hazard communication, respiratory protection, ergonomics, hearing conservation, confined space and occupational medical. It is an on-site position.

Key responsibilities

• Develop, manage and continuously improve Occupational Health programs, including chemical hygiene, hazard communication, respiratory protection, ergonomics, hearing conservation, confined space and occupational medical.
• Serve as Chemical Hygiene Officer, overseeing chemical inventory management, risk assessments, control implementation and employee training.
• Partner with manufacturing, laboratory, warehouse, facilities and support functions to improve HSE programs and services.
• Provide HSE technical expertise for new equipment, changing operations, product transfers and site change management.
• Support HSE training programs and promote a strong, proactive safety culture.
• Lead inspections, investigations, audits and regulatory activities, ensuring corrective actions and audit readiness.
• Analyze HSE performance trends and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist with emergency preparedness and response activities.

Required profile

• BS degree or higher in Occupational Health and Safety, Chemical Engineering or a related field.
• 5+ years of HSE program development and management experience in a manufacturing or laboratory environment, preferably in the biopharmaceutical industry.
• Experience supporting regulatory inspections, audits and compliance in a regulated manufacturing or laboratory setting.
• Strong influencing, collaboration and relationship-building skills in a matrixed organization.
• Excellent communication and technical writing skills, able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Required skills

• Chemical and biological risk assessment and risk control programs.
• Occupational health programs and regulatory compliance.
• Desirable: CIH or CSP certification, or a desire to obtain one.
• Desirable: experience with biopharmaceutical manufacturing and laboratory environments.

What we offer

• Expected salary range of $89,600 to $166,400 per year, depending on skills and experience.
• Performance-based cash incentive and possible eligibility for annual equity awards.
• Health, life and disability benefits, 401(k) with company contribution and match.
• Vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.