Vice President, Global Environmental Health, Safety, Security, and Sustainability (EHS3)

The Vice President, Global Environmental Health, Safety, Security, and Sustainability (EHS3) is an executive leader responsible for shaping and executing a comprehensive global strategy that ensures the health and safety of employees, protects the environment, secures company assets, and advances sustainability initiatives across all operations. This role provides leadership over Operational, Compliance, and Service functions within EHS, driving excellence through proactive risk management, regulatory compliance, and innovative solutions that align with the company's mission and long-term business objectives.

As the global champion for EHS3, the VP will establish a clear vision and roadmap that integrates safety, security, and sustainability into every facet of the organization. This includes developing world-class programs that reduce workplace injuries and environmental impact, ensuring compliance with international regulations, and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. The VP will serve as a trusted advisor to the executive leadership team, influencing strategic decisions and ensuring that EHS3 considerations are embedded in operational and corporate priorities.

This role requires a visionary leader with global experience, capable of navigating complex regulatory environments, managing large-scale risk, and driving transformational change. The VP will lead a high-performing global team, mentor senior leaders, and build organizational capability to deliver measurable results in safety performance, environmental stewardship, and sustainability impact. Additionally, the VP will champion innovation by leveraging emerging technologies, data analytics, and best practices to enhance EHS3 performance and resilience.

The successful candidate will combine strategic foresight with operational execution, ensuring that the company not only meets compliance requirements but also sets industry benchmarks for safety, security, and sustainability. This position demands exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills, as well as the ability to influence across cultures and geographies.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Vision & Leadership

• Define and articulate a global EHS3 vision and strategy that aligns with corporate objectives and positions the company as an industry leader in safety, security, and sustainability.
• Develop and execute a multi-year roadmap for EHS3 excellence, including operational, compliance, and sustainability initiatives for all parts of the organization.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the executive leadership team, influencing strategic decisions and integrating EHS3 priorities into business planning.

Global Governance & Compliance

• Establish and maintain enterprise-wide governance frameworks for EHS3, ensuring compliance with international, federal, and local regulations (OSHA, NFPA, EPA, ISO, PSM, etc.).
• Oversee global audits, inspections, and regulatory reporting; ensure timely resolution of findings and continuous improvement.
• Monitor emerging regulations and proactively adjust policies and practices to maintain compliance and mitigate risk.

Operational Excellence

• Lead global EHS operations across manufacturing, distribution, services, and corporate sites, driving a zero-harm culture and operational resilience.
• Implement and continuously improve Risk Management Systems (RMS) and Framework-Based Safety programs to reduce incidents and enhance safety performance.
• Drive standardization of EHS processes and systems across regions to ensure consistency and efficiency.

Sustainability & ESG Leadership

• Develop and execute the company's sustainability strategy, including carbon reduction, energy efficiency, waste minimization, and resource conservation.
• Oversee ESG reporting and disclosures, ensuring transparency and alignment with global standards.
• Champion initiatives that reduce environmental impact and enhance corporate reputation for sustainability.

Security & Crisis Management

• Establish global security programs to protect people, assets, and intellectual property.
• Develop and maintain crisis management and emergency response plans, ensuring organizational preparedness for natural disasters, security threats, and operational disruptions.

Innovation & Digital Transformation

• Drive adoption of advanced technologies (e.g., predictive analytics, IoT, AI) to enhance EHS3 performance and risk management.
• Foster a culture of innovation by encouraging new ideas, piloting emerging solutions, and leveraging data-driven insights.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Build and lead a high-performing global EHS3 organization, including Operational, Compliance, and Service teams.
• Mentor senior leaders and create succession plans to ensure long-term organizational capability.
• Promote diversity, inclusion, and collaboration within the EHS3 function.

Financial Stewardship

• Develop and manage the global EHS3 budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources to support strategic priorities.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising safety or compliance.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent the company in industry forums, regulatory discussions, and sustainability partnerships.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including regulators, NGOs, and community organizations.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Health & Safety, Engineering, or related field required.
• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) strongly preferred.

Certifications (Preferred):

• Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
• Root Cause Failure Analysis
• HAZWOPER
• Lean Six Sigma

Experience:

• 20+ years of progressive EHS leadership experience, including 10+ years in senior executive roles with global responsibility.
• Proven track record of implementing world-class safety programs and sustainability initiatives in manufacturing, chemical, or pharmaceutical industries.
• Expertise in regulatory compliance, risk management, and crisis response at an enterprise level.
• Experience managing large, complex organizations and budgets.

Executive Competencies:

• Visionary leadership with the ability to influence at the C-suite level.
• Strong financial acumen and ability to manage multi-million-dollar budgets.
• Global mindset with experience navigating diverse regulatory environments.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to lead organizational changes and foster a culture of accountability and innovation.

Travel:

• Up to 40% of global travel is required.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Reduction in workplace incidents and environmental non-compliance.
• Implementation of framework score cards to track and manage progress at local level.
• Achievement of sustainability targets (carbon reduction, waste minimization).
• Successful completion of audits with minimal findings.
• Employee engagement and safety culture metrics.
• Cost savings and efficiency improvements in EHS operations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Culturally aware and knowledgeable of how to operate in diverse global geographies.
• Comfortable working across all levels and functions.
• Superior skills in strategic analysis, planning, organizing, and communication.
• Strong understanding of financial and accounting metrics and tools.
• Superior interpersonal skills.
• Significant background in influencing internal stakeholders in a matrix environment.
• Significant experience in leading large, complex negotiations.
• Able to plan and execute complex projects.

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Why Avantor?

Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.

The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.

We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!

Pay Transparency:

The expected pre-tax pay for this position is

Actual pay may differ depending on relevant factors such as prior experience and geographic location.

EEO Statement:

We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at recruiting@avantorsciences.comand let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the Know Your Rights poster.

3rd Party Non-Solicitation Policy:

By submitting candidates without having been formally assigned on and contracted for a specific job requisition by Avantor, or by failing to comply with the Avantor recruitment process, you forfeit any fee on the submitted candidates, regardless of your usual terms and conditions. Avantor works with a preferred supplier list and will take the initiative to engage with recruitment agencies based on its needs and will not be accepting any form of solicitation.

Avantor offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, wellness programs, health savings and flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with company match, and an employee stock purchase program. Employees also receive 11 paid holidays, accrue 18 PTO days annually, are eligible for volunteer time off and 6 weeks of 100% paid parental leave (except in states that offer paid family leave). These benefits may not apply to employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement or those subject to other eligibility rules.