Associate Director Environmental Health & Safety

Perrigo; Eau Claire (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Perrigo is seeking an Associate Director, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) to lead development and implementation of EHS programs across manufacturing operations, ensuring compliance with FDA, OSHA, and EPA standards while fostering a culture of safety and environmental stewardship.

You will partner with Operations, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Regulatory Affairs, and Site Leadership to manage risk, lead regulatory inspections, and advance continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Health & Safety or related field.
• At least 10+ years of progressive EHS leadership in regulated manufacturing.
• At least 5 years leading EHS programs and personnel.
• Experience in infant formula, pharmaceutical, or food manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of FDA GMP requirements.
• Extensive OSHA, EPA, and environmental compliance knowledge.
• Experience leading regulatory inspections and agency interactions.
• Ability to influence at all levels and drive culture change.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute enterprise and site-level EHS strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Lead design and continuous improvement of EHS management systems.
• Establish metrics, dashboards, and accountability programs for safety and environment.
• Champion proactive safety culture through leadership and engagement.
• Advise senior leadership on EHS risks, trends, and mitigation.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Risk management

Cross-functional collaboration

Safety culture

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Health & Safety, Occupational Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, Industrial Hygiene, or related field

Master's degree in related discipline (preferred)

Job description

At Perrigo, we are driven by our mission to Makes Lives Better Through Trusted Health and Wellness Solutions, Accessible to All. We are proud to be a Top 10 player in the European Consumer Self-Care market and the largest U.S. store brand provider of over the counter and infant formula. Dedicated to providing The Best Self-Care for Everyone, we are the people behind the brands you trust. We are Opill®, Compeed®, Solpadeine®, NiQuitin®, and many more. We Are Perrigo. We are committed to enhancing the wellbeing of our colleagues and consumers alike. We pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive, collaborative culture where each person can experience a sense of belonging.

Join us on our One Perrigo journey as we evolve to win in self-care.

Description Overview

The Associate Director, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of EHS programs across manufacturing operations. This role ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations while fostering a culture of safety, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence. This role reports into the Vice President of Operations for the Nutrition Network and sits on the Network Leadership team.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in highly regulated manufacturing environments, including infant formula, pharmaceutical, medical nutrition, or food production facilities, with significant experience supporting FDA-regulated operations. This leader partners closely with Operations, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Regulatory Affairs, and Site Leadership to proactively manage risk, ensure compliance, and drive sustainable EHS performance.

Scope of the Role

EHS Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute enterprise and site-level EHS strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of EHS management systems.
• Establish performance metrics, dashboards, and accountability programs to achieve safety and environmental goals.
• Champion a proactive safety culture through visible leadership, coaching, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on EHS risks, trends, and mitigation strategies.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and standards, including:
  • FDA requirements applicable to infant formula, pharmaceutical, and food manufacturing
  • OSHA
  • EPA
  • DOT
  • State and local environmental regulations
  • ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 principles where applicable
• Lead regulatory inspections, agency interactions, and responses to findings.
• Monitor evolving regulatory requirements and implement compliance strategies accordingly.
• Provide guidance regarding EHS implications of manufacturing changes, expansions, and new product introductions.

Risk Management & Incident Prevention

• Lead site and enterprise risk assessments, job hazard analyses, and process safety evaluations.
• Drive corrective and preventive actions resulting from incidents, audits, inspections, and near misses.
• Conduct root-cause investigations and ensure sustained closure of identified risks.
• Oversee emergency preparedness, crisis management, and business continuity planning.

Environmental Stewardship

• Manage environmental compliance programs, permits, reporting, and sustainability initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste, emissions, water consumption, and environmental impact.
• Ensure proper management of hazardous materials and waste streams.

Manufacturing & Operational Excellence

• Partner with Operations, Engineering, and Maintenance to integrate EHS principles into manufacturing processes.
• Support capital projects and facility expansions through EHS design reviews and risk assessments.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
• Ensure contractor and third-party compliance with company EHS requirements.

Team Leadership

• Lead, develop, and mentor EHS professionals across one or multiple manufacturing sites.
• Build organizational capability through coaching, training, succession planning, and performance management.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration and accountability for EHS excellence.

Experience Required

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Health & Safety, Occupational Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, Industrial Hygiene, or related field.
• Minimum 10+ years of progressive EHS leadership experience in regulated manufacturing environments.
• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience managing EHS programs and personnel.
• Demonstrated experience within one or more of the following industries:
  • Infant Formula Manufacturing
  • Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
  • Food Manufacturing
  • Nutritional Products Manufacturing
• Strong knowledge of FDA-regulated manufacturing environments, including GMP requirements.
• Extensive knowledge of OSHA, EPA, and environmental compliance regulations.
• Experience leading regulatory inspections and managing agency interactions.
• Proven ability to influence at all organizational levels and drive culture change.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Management, Engineering, Public Health, or related discipline.
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP).
• Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).
• Lean Six Sigma certification.
• Experience supporting infant formula manufacturing under FDA requirements and food safety regulations.
• Experience with global EHS management systems.

Benefits
We believe our people are our greatest asset. Alongside competitive compensation, we offer benefits tailored to supporting you and your family, as well as career development opportunities to ensure you feel valued and supported, both professionally and personally.

Find out more aboutTotal Rewards at Perrigo.

We are proud to be included in the Forbes list of "America's Best Employers by State 2024". Find out morehere

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other characteristics protected by law. #weareperrigo