Director, Safety, Health & Environment

AstraZeneca; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A global healthcare company in Hamilton, Ontario, seeks a SHE lead to oversee the SHE Management System and ensure effective risk management in laboratories and manufacturing. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of SHE leadership experience, regulatory knowledge, and strong communication skills. This role offers an opportunity to influence safety culture and compliance within a high-science environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive SHE leadership experience in R&D or GMP environments.
• Regulatory knowledge of Canadian SHE regulations including CNSC, OHSA, and MECP.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Improve the site SHE Management System and ensure compliance.
• Advise on SHE risks and regulatory decisions.
• Partner with site leaders on risk-based assurance programs.

Skills

Risk identification

Regulatory compliance

Incident investigation

Cross-functional leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety or related field

Job description

Overview

The Hamiltons site SHE Lead owns the deployment of the SHE Management System, ensuring effective risk identification, assessment, and control across laboratories and GMP clinical manufacturing. The role advises the business on SHE strategy and risk decisions and partners with site leaders to provide independent assurance on SHE management effectiveness and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Implement and continuously improve the site SHE Management System aligned to AstraZeneca standards, ensuring robust processes for hazard identification, risk assessment, risk control, legal compliance, and management review.
• Works with leadership to establish annual SHE objectives and track progress.
• Establish and maintain systematic risk processes that deliver effective controls for radiation, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and process safety risks; verify effectiveness through monitoring, inspections, and testing.
• Serve as the site’s principal advisor to R&D and clinical manufacturing leadership on SHE risks, regulatory obligations, and design/operational decisions; translate complex risks into practical options and investment priorities.
• Partner with site leaders to plan and execute a risk-based assurance program (inspections, audits, self‑assessments, leadership walks, compliance reviews), provide clear findings and actions, and confirm closure and sustained effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with CNSC, Ontario OHSA, MECP, and TDG partnering closely with McMaster University for biosafety and radiation safety; manage permits, licenses, and inspections; ensure timely reporting and corrective actions.
• Co‑chair the site Joint Health & Safety Committee’s per Ontario OHSA, ensuring certified representation, monthly inspections, meeting cadence, recommendation tracking, consultation on changes, and effective worker participation. Align programs with CCOHS guidance and deliver statutory training for members and supervisors.
• Embed process safety within the management system.
• Drive environmental compliance, minimization and performance improvement in line with regulatory requirements, AZ standards and AZ’s environmental sustainability ambition.
• Define SHE competency needs, deliver or arrange delivery of role‑based training, and verify effectiveness.
• Ensure effective incident reporting, investigation, and root cause analysis; promote learning through near‑miss management and communication.
• Maintain integrated emergency plans (fire, spill, radiation, medical, severe weather), conduct drills, and coordinate with local authorities; ensure readiness reviews and post‑exercise learning.
• Provide SHE design and risk input to facilities and equipment as part of capital projects and lead or assure SHE management of change for research and manufacturing changes.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science/Engineering, Industrial Hygiene, Health Physics, or a related field.
• Experience: 10+ years of progressive SHE leadership in R&D or GMP clinical manufacturing or similar environments, with substantial exposure to radiation protection, biosafety, or laboratory safety.
• Regulatory Expertise: Demonstrated knowledge of Canadian SHE regulations including CNSC licensing, Ontario OHSA, MECP environmental requirements, TDG, and relevant CSA/ISO standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Certification: CRSP (Canadian Registered Safety Professional) or CSP (Certified Safety Professional), Certified Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) (CNSC‑recognized) or equivalent; Certified Industrial Hygienist, EP (Environmental Professional).
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams, influence senior stakeholders, and drive culture change in high‑science, high‑compliance settings.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills; effective training delivery and incident reporting; ability to translate complex technical risks into actionable priorities.

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry‑leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non‑discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.