Global EHS Director

Merck & Co.; Marlborough (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/dental/vision insurance

Paid time off

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Merck & Co. is seeking a Global Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) Director to lead EHS strategy across its global operations. This role is vital in ensuring regulatory compliance, reducing risks, and enhancing safety culture.

The successful candidate will have over 10 years of EHS leadership experience in a manufacturing setting and will manage global EHS initiatives while fostering collaboration with diverse teams.

This position offers a salary range of $150,000-$230,000 plus bonus eligibility and competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive EHS leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Deep knowledge of OSHA, EPA, and international EHS regulations.
• Ability to travel (up to 30%) to global manufacturing locations.

Responsibilities

• Establish global EHS strategy and objectives.
• Develop and improve global EHS Management System aligned with standards.
• Oversee compliance and regulatory filings across locations.

Skills

EHS leadership experience

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science or related field

Masters Degree (preferred)

Professional Certification such as CSP, CIH, or CHMM

Tools

ISO 14001

ISO 45001

Job description

The Global Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) Director provides strategic and operational leadership for EHS across all global manufacturing and business locations. This role is accountable for developing, implementing, and sustaining an EHS Management System that ensures regulatory compliance, reduces risk, protects employees and the environment, and supports continuous improvement aligned with business objectives.

The Global EHS Director partners closely with executive leadership, site leaders, Engineering, Facilities, HR, ESG, and Operations to embed a proactive EHS culture throughout the organization. This leader drives consistent global standards while enabling effective local execution. This role is critical to protecting people, supporting sustainable growth, ensuring regulatory compliance, and reinforcing the company’s commitments to EHS.

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Establish and lead the global EHS strategy, annual objectives, and long-range roadmap aligned with business goals.
• Serve as the corporate authority on EHS policy, standards, and governance across all sites and functions.
• Establish corporate EHS objectives, translating into actionable site-level programs while reinforcing global consistency.
• Build strong matrixed relationships with Site Leadership, Engineering, Facilities, HR, Operations, and ESG.

Duties and Responsibilities

EHS Management Systems & Compliance

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve the global EHS Management System aligned with ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards.
• Maintain oversight of environmental, health, and safety regulatory compliance across global locations.
• Own the global compliance calendar and ensure timely regulatory filings, permit management, and reporting.
• Act as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies, customers, and third-party auditors.

Risk Management, Audits & Performance Monitoring

• Lead global EHS audits, inspections, and assessments; track corrective actions to closure.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate EHS risks using data-driven analysis and risk assessment methodologies.
• Develop and maintain EHS performance metrics, dashboards, and visual management tools for leadership review.
• Oversee Business Continuity Management and lead emergency preparedness planning and exercises.

Incident Management & Continuous Improvement

• Oversee incident reporting, investigation, root cause analysis, and corrective/preventive actions.
• Partner with HR and Operations to manage workers’ compensation claims and injury prevention initiatives.
• Drive year-over-year improvements in safety performance, environmental impact, and compliance maturity.
• Promote lean and continuous improvement practices within EHS programs.

Training, Engagement & Culture

• Develop and deploy global EHS training programs, including onboarding, refresher training, and role-based learning.
• Lead and support cross-functional site EHS committees and employee engagement initiatives.
• Foster a strong safety culture through leadership engagement, communication, and visible commitment.

Contractor, Vendor & Site Support

• Implement and maintain a global contractor and vendor EHS compliance program.
• Partner with landlords, facilities teams, and external service providers to address site-specific EHS risks.
• Provide direct EHS leadership, guidance, and coaching to site EHS professionals and leaders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Safety, Industrial Hygiene, or a related field; Masters Degree is preferred.
• Professional Certification such as CSP, CIH, or CHMM.
• Deep knowledge of OSHA, EPA, and international EHS regulations.
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.
• 10+ years of progressive EHS leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading EHS management systems, audits, and regulatory interactions at a global level.
• Demonstrated success overseeing EHS programs across multiple global manufacturing locations.
• Strategic leader with the ability to influence executive and site levels.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Collaborative, partnership-oriented approach.
• Comfortable operating in matrixed, global organizations.
• Lean or continuous improvement background.
• Ability to travel (up to 30%) to global manufacturing locations.
• Able to conduct site walkthroughs, inspections, and audits in manufacturing environments.

What Repligen Offers

Our mission is to inspire advances in bioprocessing as a trusted partner in the production of biologic drugs that improve human health worldwide. Focused on cost and process efficiencies, we deliver innovative technologies and solutions that help set new standards in bioprocessing.

The estimated salary range for this role, based in the United States of America is $150,000-$230,000. Compensation decisions are dependent on several factors including, but not limited to an individual's qualifications, location, internal equity, and alignment with market data. Additionally, employees are eligible to participate in one of our variable cash programs (bonus or commission) and eligible roles may receive equity as part of the compensation package. We offer a wide range of benefits such as paid time off, health/dental/vision, retirement benefits and flexible spending accounts. All compensation and benefits information will be confirmed in writing at the time of offer.