Global HSE Director

Next Phase Recruitment; Lisboa; On-site; EUR 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Next Phase Recruitment is seeking an experienced Global HSE leader for a renowned life sciences manufacturer. You will shape and lead global compliance strategy across high-hazard sites, building best-in-class governance frameworks to uphold regulatory integrity and operational excellence.

The role calls for a pharma-background leader with extensive experience in global compliance programs, audits, and regulatory engagements, driving digitalization of monitoring systems and crucial CAPA

Qualifications

• 15+ years of senior HSE experience in pharmaceutical.
• Proven leadership in global or multi-site compliance and audit programs.
• Strong knowledge of international HSE regulations and major accident hazard prevention (e.g., Seveso/COMAH).
• Experience managing regulatory inspections and high-stakes compliance scenarios.
• Exceptional analytical, influencing, and communication capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, governance, and enhancement of global HSE compliance systems.
• Develop and implement global HSE frameworks aligned with evolving legislation.
• Lead audits, inspections, and risk-based governance programs.
• Establish global standards and ensure CAPA effectiveness.
• Serve as liaison with regulatory authorities and industry bodies.
• Drive compliance culture and digitalization of monitoring systems across sites.
• Oversee risk-based auditing and systemic risk analysis.

Skills

Senior HSE experience

Global/multi-site compliance

HSE regulations knowledge

Regulatory inspections experience

Analytical and communication skills

Job description

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced Global Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) leader to join a renowned international life sciences manufacturer. This critical position offers the chance to shape and lead global compliance strategy across multiple high-hazard sites, building best-in-class governance frameworks for a business committed to operational excellence and regulatory integrity. Ideal for an ambitious candidate from a pharma background, this is the perfect step up for someone ready to make a global impact.

Our client is a leading global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) dedicated to advancing scientific innovation and delivering high-quality medicines. With decades of expertise and a strong international footprint across Europe, the USA, and Asia, they are known for combining technological excellence with a genuine commitment to safety, quality, and sustainability. As part of their continued growth, they are investing in world-class HSE leadership to strengthen compliance culture and ensure long-term safety performance across all global operations.

Qualifications & Experience

• 15+ years of senior HSE experience within pharmaceutical.
• Proven leadership in global or multi-site compliance and audit programs.
• Strong knowledge of international HSE regulations and major accident hazard prevention (e.g., Seveso/COMAH).
• Experience managing regulatory inspections and high-stakes compliance scenarios.
• Exceptional analytical, influencing, and communication capabilities.

Responsibilities

In this pivotal role, you will lead the design, governance, and enhancement of global HSE compliance systems:

• Develop and implement a global HSE compliance framework aligned with evolving legislation.
• Lead audits, inspections, and risk-based governance programs.
• Establish global standards and ensure CAPA effectiveness.
• Serve as key liaison with regulatory authorities and industry bodies.
• Drive compliance culture and digitalization of monitoring systems across all sites.
• Compliance governance and enterprise frameworks.
• Risk-based auditing and systemic risk analysis.
• HSE regulations, standards, and policy development.
• Data-driven reporting and KPI dashboards.

Nice to Have:

• Experience in digital transformation of compliance systems.
• Knowledge of regulatory technology tools.
• Advanced influencing and communication at board or executive level.