Site HSE Specialist

Novartis; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 89,600 - 166,400; Full time

Job summary

Novartis in Durham is expanding its campus to include Aseptic Drug Product operations. This role will develop, implement, and track HSE deliverables and readiness prior to start-up, ensuring robust systems, controls, and regulatory compliance across construction and operations.

As Program Lead, you’ll drive safety programs, partner with internal teams and external providers, and foster a high-performance safety culture.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of HSE program development/management experience in manufacturing or lab settings.
• BS degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Professional HSE certifications (e.g., CSP, CIH) preferred.
• Experience supporting design/startup of new ADP/LMO facilities and operations is desirable.
• Strong ability to influence and build relationships within a matrixed organization.
• Excellent communication and technical writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of HSE programs and controls for safe startup of ADP production.
• Integrate ADP HSE requirements into site-wide systems, processes and training.
• Partner with external providers and internal teams for safety performance.
• Develop and improve critical programs (Process Safety, Electrical Safety, Fire Protection, Emergency Response).
• Embed HSE practices to support production and research operations.
• Provide expert guidance for new equipment, processes, and tech transfers.
• Lead HSE impact assessments and manage changes for compliance and risk mitigation.
• Lead complex investigations and root-cause analyses.

Skills

HSE program management

Safety leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Communication skills

CGMP knowledge

Professional certifications (CSP/CIH)

Education

BS in Occupational Health & Safety or related field

Job description

Summary

This role is responsible for supporting the expansion of the Durham campus to include Aseptic Drug Product operations. This vital position will develop, implement, and track completion of HSE deliverables and needs (e.g., design input, construction safety, HSE operational readiness prior to the start of operations). The role will support overall project success, as well as ensure robust implementation of HSE systems, programs, and controls prior to start of operations.

About The Role

This role is a Program Lead for designated occupational safety programs across the Durham campus. This role will support implementation of robust HSE programs to ensure the protection of associates and the environment, as well as adherence to all external regulations and internal HSE standards/policies. In addition, this role will contribute to a strong, proactive, and enabling HSE culture for the campus’s overall GTx/LMO/ADP operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of robust HSE programs and controls to enable safe and compliant start-up of ADP production operations.
• Integrate ADP-specific HSE requirements into site-wide systems, processes, and training frameworks.
• Partner with external providers and internal teams to deliver world-class safety performance across construction and operations.
• Drive Occupational Safety excellence by developing and continuously improving critical programs (e.g., Process Safety, Electrical Safety, Fire Protection, Emergency Response).
• Collaborate cross-functionally to embed HSE practices that support reliable commercial production and research operations.
• Provide expert HSE guidance for new equipment, processes, and technology transfers, ensuring safe and efficient implementation.
• Lead HSE impact assessments and manage change to ensure compliance and risk mitigation across site operations.
• Act as a trusted technical expert, leading complex investigations and ensuring effective root cause analysis and resolution.
• Leverage HSE data, metrics, and insights to drive continuous improvement and deliver strong business outcomes.
• Champion a high-performance safety culture through training, governance, audits, regulatory engagement, and strong stakeholder collaboration.

Essential Requirements

• 5+ years of HSE program development/management experience in a manufacturing/laboratory environment (preferably within the biopharmaceutical industry). Strong technical knowledge across HSE disciplines.
• BS degree or higher in Occupational Health & Safety, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Professional HSE certifications (e.g., CSP, CIH) or desire to attain them is strongly preferred.
• Prior experience supporting the design and startup of new ADP/LMO facilities and manufacturing operations (e.g., PHAs, P&ID/design documentation review, HSE operational readiness) highly desired.
• Strong influencer with the ability to work effectively and build relationships across a matrixed organization.
• Excellent communication and technical writing skills.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills for collaboration, creativity in problem solving, and ability to plan/perform multiple tasks with high quality as part of a high-paced work environment.
• Knowledge of cGMP manufacturing regulations and requirements in conjunction with the delivery of effective EHS programs.

Novartis Compensation And Benefit Summary

The salary for this position is expected to range between $89,600.00 and $166,400.00 annually.

The final salary offered is determined based on factors like, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience, and upon joining Novartis will be reviewed periodically. Novartis may change the published salary range based on company and market factors.

Your compensation will include a performance-based cash incentive and, depending on the level of the role, eligibility to be considered for annual equity awards.

US-based eligible employees will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, life and disability benefits, a 401(k) with company contribution and match, and a variety of other benefits. In addition, employees are eligible for a generous time off package including vacation, personal days, holidays and other leaves.

EEO Statement

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. We strive to create an inclusive workplace that cultivates bold innovation through collaboration and empowers our people to unleash their full potential.

Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [e-mail] call [phone] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

https://www.novartis.com/careers/careers-research/notice-all-applicants-us-job-openings

EEO Statement

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Accessibility and reasonable accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [e-mail] or call [phone] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.

Why Novartis:

Helping people with disease and their families takes more than innovative science. It takes a community of smart, passionate people like you. Collaborating, supporting and inspiring each other. Combining to achieve breakthroughs that change patients’ lives. Ready to create a brighter future together? https://www.novartis.com/about/strategy/people-and-culture

Benefits and Rewards:

Learn about all the ways we’ll help you thrive personally and professionally.

Read our handbook (PDF 30 MB)

EEO Statement

The Novartis Group of Companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Accessibility & Reasonable Accommodations

The Novartis Group of Companies are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call [phone] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Please include the job requisition number in your message.