Health and Safety Lead (IE)

About Astellas

Astellas is a global life sciences company committed to turning innovative science into VALUE for patients. We provide transformative therapies in disease areas that include oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology and women's health. Through our research and development programs, we are pioneering new healthcare solutions for diseases with high unmet medical need.  Learn more at Astellas.com .

Are you driven to make a real difference in the lives of patients? 

We're seeking passionate individuals who thrive in dynamic environments, embrace new ideas, and aren't afraid to take intelligent risks. People who act with unwavering integrity and are deeply committed to making a tangible impact.

Working Environment and Location

This position is based in Tralee, Ireland and  will require you to be fully onsite.

Purpose and Scope

The Health & Safety Lead is responsible for establishing, implementing, and continuously improving the site's Health and Safety (H&S) management system to ensure a safe, healthy, and compliant workplace for all employees, contractors, visitors, and stakeholders. The role provides leadership, guidance, and oversight of all health and safety activities, ensuring compliance with applicable legislation, regulatory requirements, company standards, and industry best practices. The Health & Safety Lead promotes a proactive safety culture by driving risk management, incident prevention, workforce engagement, training, and continuous improvement initiatives.

The scope of the role encompasses all site operations, including construction, commissioning, qualification, manufacturing, laboratories, warehousing, utilities, offices, and contractor activities. The Health & Safety Lead is accountable for developing and maintaining safety policies and procedures, conducting risk assessments, managing safety audits and inspections, overseeing incident investigations, monitoring key performance indicators, and supporting emergency preparedness and response programs. The role partners with site leadership and functional teams to integrate safety into all business activities and ensures health and safety considerations are embedded throughout the project lifecycle and routine operations, fostering a culture where safety is a core value and shared responsibility.

Role and Responsibilities

EHS Strategy, Leadership & Culture

Lead the site's health and safety strategy and continuous improvement initiatives.

Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and employee engagement.

Provide expert guidance and support to site leadership and operational teams.

Regulatory Compliance & Management Systems

Maintain compliance with applicable health and safety legislation, regulatory requirements, and company standards.

Develop, implement, and maintain health and safety policies, procedures, and management systems.

Coordinate and support internal and external audits, inspections, and regulatory interactions.

Risk Management & Operational Safety

Lead hazard identification, risk assessment, and control activities.

Support safe execution of manufacturing, laboratory, engineering, warehousing, utility, construction, commissioning, and qualification activities.

Oversee contractor safety management and permit-to-work processes.

Incident Management & Continuous Improvement

Manage incident reporting, investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.

Analyse safety performance trends and implement improvement initiatives.

Ensure lessons learned are effectively communicated and embedded across the site.

Training, Competency & Workforce Engagement

Develop and maintain health and safety training and competency programmes.

Ensure employees and contractors understand and comply with site safety requirements.

Promote active participation in health and safety programmes and initiatives.

Continue:Role and Responsibilities

Emergency Preparedness & Governance

Lead emergency response planning, drills, and preparedness activities.

Monitor and report health and safety performance metrics.

Provide regular updates and recommendations to site leadership on health and safety performance and risks.

Essential Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, or related field.

Extensive relevant H&S experience in pharmaceutical, chemical, or other high-hazard manufacturing settings.

Demonstrated experience with risk assessment, incident investigation, H&S auditing, and implementing safety management systems.

Knowledge of Irish and EU H&S legislation.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in plant start-up/greenfield projects and establishing H&S structures from inception.

Experience delivering H&S training to diverse groups and using safety data management systems.

Project management experience, especially in large-scale manufacturing or capital projects.

Possesses excellent organisational, interpersonal, verbal communication and written communication skills.

Ability to work effectively using own initiative or as a member of a team as required.

Ability to prioritize multiple commitments and technical projects.

Ability to shift priorities according to changes in department/facility needs and be open to different ideas/approaches.

Why Astellas

Global collaboration: Become part of a connected global business of like-minded life science leaders, all dedicated to improving patients' lives worldwide.

Real-world patient impact: Contribute to transformative therapies that reach patients around the world, knowing your work makes a difference every day.

Relentless Innovation: Join a company at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs, where you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of healthcare.

A Culture of Growth: Chart your own course within a supportive environment that values your contributions, champions your development, and empowers you to pursue your passions.

Our Organisational Values and Behaviours

Integrity

Innovation

Impact

One Astellas

Accountability

Courage

Sense of Urgency

Outcome Focus

Skills and Capabilities

Organizational Focus

Benefits

Careers | Astellas

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Beware of recruitment scams impersonating Astellas recruiters or representatives. Authentic communication will only originate from an official Astellas LinkedIn profile or a verified company email address. If you encounter a fake profile or anything suspicious, report it promptly to LinkedIn's support team through LinkedIn Help.

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