Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Specialist

About Hovione

Hovione is an established Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) with over 65 years of experience, dedicated to transforming scientific innovations into effective medicines. Operating globally across Europe, the USA, and Asia, our more than 2,600 diverse professionals bring varied expertise to resolve complex challenges. We emphasize an inclusive environment that fosters respect, empowerment, and collaboration to drive innovation and sustain long-term success.

Role Overview

We are seeking an HSE Specialist who goes beyond maintaining safety systems to actively understanding how work is truly performed and improving safety pragmatically. The person will collaborate closely with teams to bridge gaps between designed processes and actual practices, crafting solutions that are practical, effective, and encourage safe work habits. The role requires a balance of supportive engagement and constructive challenge, ensuring safety commitments are fully implemented and integrated into daily routines.

Key Responsibilities

• Deploy HSE and Sustainability policies and procedures tailored to be practical and applicable on the ground.
• Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and internal standards, blending mandatory requirements with operational feasibility.
• Promote and implement Hovione’s HSE systems including procedures, behavioural rules, and best practices focused on real-world application.
• Contribute to preventing major accidents by fostering effective governance and informed decision-making based on risk assessment.
• Conduct thorough HSE inspections and audits that go beyond mere compliance, considering workplace conditions, behaviors, and pressures.
• Manage audits with external regulators and clients professionally and transparently.
• Oversee corrective and preventive actions with emphasis on ownership, quality, and prompt completion.
• Lead or assist thorough investigations of incidents and accidents focusing on learning and systemic improvements rather than only immediate causes.
• Develop actionable, balanced recommendations that are realistic and implemented effectively.
• Conduct detailed risk assessments reflecting operational complexity involving frontline workers.
• Support construction of risk controls that enable safe work practices rather than mere procedural compliance.
• Maintain and enhance HSE management systems with an emphasis on usability and effectiveness.
• Analyze HSE metrics and reports to identify trends and guide proactive improvements beyond traditional lagging indicators.
• Deliver targeted HSE training and awareness programs that are grounded in actual work scenarios.
• Foster a culture where employees feel supported and encouraged to voice safety concerns and contribute ideas.
• Offer technical HSE guidance to help teams make informed decisions during daily operations.
• Engage in projects to embed HSE considerations early and throughout execution, facilitating safe, efficient, and practical work plans.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives related to processes and operational excellence.
• Play an active role in following up on assigned tasks and ensuring organizational safety commitments are met.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Ability to convert HSE regulations into practical, usable solutions supporting safe work practices.
• Strong sense of accountability with proven capability to ensure commitments are fulfilled timely and thoroughly.
• Curious and insightful approach to understanding real operational challenges and pressures.
• Ability to balance regulatory compliance with pragmatic operational realities.
• Effective influencer and builder of trust across all organizational levels to foster shared HSE responsibility.
• Constructive challenger able to uphold safety standards while maintaining positive workplace relationships.
• Proficient in identifying root causes and leveraging insights to drive meaningful safety advancements.
• Comfortable navigating complex environments and making informed, risk-based decisions beyond rigid procedures.
• Excellent communication skills with adaptability to various audiences and situations.
• Capable of nurturing an inclusive environment where employees feel safe to raise concerns and suggest improvements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail in regulated contexts.
• Advocate for a caring workplace culture emphasizing safety and well-being.

Candidate Profile

• University degree in Health, Safety & Environment, Industrial or Environmental Engineering, Safety, or related scientific discipline (mandatory).
• Professional certification in Environmental Legislation preferred.
• Qualified Manual Handling Instructor (QQI certification) considered an asset.
• 3 to 5 years of relevant experience in HSE within manufacturing or industrial sectors.
• Demonstrated application of HSE standards, policies, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong knowledge of Health, Safety & Environmental principles and the legal frameworks governing them.
• Experience with compliance related to Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) and risk management processes.
• Fluent in English and proficient with Microsoft Office applications.

Equal Opportunity and Inclusivity

Hovione values diversity and inclusion, promoting an equitable recruitment process. We welcome all qualified applicants and are prepared to provide reasonable accommodations during recruitment and interview procedures upon request.

Note to Recruitment Agencies

We do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies or search firms without a formal agreement. Any resumes sent without prior consent become Hovione’s property, and no fees will be paid for candidates hired through unsolicited referrals.