Process Safety Expert

Merck Life Science; Carrigtwohill; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck Life Science is seeking a Process Safety Expert to support Cork and Arklow manufacturing sites, embedding process safety across projects and operations. You will translate corporate requirements into practical programmes and drive measurable actions with site stakeholders.

You will lead hazard analyses, risk assessments, and compliance activities while partnering with the Life Science Process Safety Center of Excellence to advance standards, tools, and training.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (Level 8) in Health and Safety, Science, Engineering or related discipline.
• Significant experience in regulated manufacturing, preferably chemical or pharmaceutical.
• Experience implementing process safety programmes and leading HAZOP studies.
• Working knowledge of Irish and EU process safety legislation and standards (Seveso III, COMAH, ATEX).
• Technical capability in risk assessment, chemical reactivity, fire protection systems or mechanical integrity.
• Strong leadership, planning and organisational skills with ability to influence at all levels.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills for complex technical information.

Responsibilities

• Develop compliance programs and site Operating Plans to implement process safety requirements.
• Maintain a comprehensive list of process safety-related actions.
• Prepare process safety deliverables for CapEx projects including HAZOP and Pre-Startup Safety Reviews.
• Facilitate Process Hazard Analysis.
• Conduct or request consequence modeling.
• Provide technical expertise in risk assessment, chemical reactivity, fire protection systems or mechanical integrity.
• Liaise with the Life Science Process Safety Center of Excellence by leading meetings, contributing to program development, and delivering training and CoE initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder influence

Communication skills

Planning

Education

Bachelor's degree (Level 8) in Health and Safety, Science, Engineering or related

Tools

HAZOP methodology

Consequence modeling

Risk assessment frameworks

Job description

Work Your Magic with us!

Ready to explore, break barriers, and discover more? We know you’ve got big plans – so do we! Our colleagues across the globe love innovating with science and technology to enrich people’s lives with our solutions in Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics. Together, we dream big and are passionate about caring for our rich mix of people, customers, patients, and planet. That's why we are always looking for curious minds that see themselves imagining the unimaginable with us.

As Process Safety Expert, you will play a key role in supporting the safe, compliant and reliable operation of our Cork and Arklow manufacturing sites. You will help embed process safety principles into day-to-day site activities, capital projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

Working closely with site stakeholders and the Life Science Process Safety Center of Excellence, you will help translate corporate process safety requirements into practical programmes, operating plans and measurable actions. You will also provide expert guidance across process hazard analysis, risk assessment and other specialist areas that protect our people, our facilities and the continuity of our operations.

This is an opportunity to combine technical expertise with visible leadership and collaboration across a regulated manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop compliance programs and site Operating Plans to implement process safety requirements
• Maintain a comprehensive list of process safety-related actions.
• Prepare process safety deliverables for CapEx projects as outlined in the corporate program, including conducting Process Hazard Reviews using HAZOP methodology and facilitating Pre-Startup Safety Reviews.
• Facilitate Process Hazard Analysis.
• Conduct or request consequence modeling.
• Provide technical expertise in one or more of the following areas:
  • Risk Assessment
  • Chemical Reactivity
  • Fire Protection System
  • Mechanical Integrity
• Liaise with the Life Science Process Safety Center of Excellence by:
  • Participating in CoE meetings
  • Actively contributing to the development of the Business Process Safety program (standards, tools)
  • Attending and leading training sessions
  • Leading site process safety initiatives developed by the CoE

Who You Are

• A Bachelor's degree (Level 8) in Health and Safety, Science, Engineering or a related discipline.
• Significant experience in a regulated manufacturing environment, preferably within the chemical or pharmaceutical industry.
• Demonstrated experience implementing process safety programmes and leading HAZOP studies and other Process Hazard Analyses.
• Working knowledge of Irish and EU process safety legislation and standards, including the Seveso III Directive, COMAH Regulations and ATEX Directives.
• Experience applying process safety principles to manufacturing operations, engineering projects and process changes.
• Technical capability in one or more of the following areas: risk assessment, chemical reactivity, fire protection systems or mechanical integrity.
• Strong leadership, planning and organisational skills, with the ability to influence and motivate colleagues at all levels.
• A proactive approach, sound judgement and the adaptability to manage changing priorities.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical information clearly.

What we offer:

We are curious minds that come from a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. We believe that this variety drives excellence and innovation, strengthening our ability to lead in science and technology. We are committed to creating access and opportunities for all to develop and grow at your own pace. Join us in building a culture of inclusion and belonging that impacts millions and empowers everyone to work their magic and champion human progress!