Head of Safety, Health & Environment

Head of Safety, Health & Environment

Location: This position is based in our Walkersville, MD office. The typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM EST.

• Performance-related bonus.
• Medical, dental and vision insurance.
• 401(k) matching plan.
• Life insurance, as well as short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Employee assistance programs.
• Paid time off (PTO).

Compensation for this role will be determined by the candidate’s qualifications, skills, experience, and relevant knowledge.

We are seeking a strategic and people-focused Head of Safety, Health & Environment (EHS) to lead and evolve our EHS function at our Walkersville site and supporting satellite locations. This role is a key member of the Extended Site Leadership Team and will play a critical role in shaping a proactive, high-performance safety culture within a GMP-regulated manufacturing environment.

As the site EHS leader, you will be responsible for setting the vision, driving execution, and ensuring compliance across all EHS, sustainability, and security programs. You will lead and develop a high-performing team, partner cross-functionally with site leadership, and implement forward-thinking strategies that protect our people, operations, and the environment while enabling business success.

• Provide strategic leadership for all Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS), Sustainability, and Site Security programs across the Walkersville site and satellite locations
• Lead, develop, and manage the EHS team, driving a high-performance culture focused on accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement
• Serve as a key member of the Extended Site Leadership Team, advising on EHS strategy, risk, and initiatives to strengthen site safety culture and performance
• Ensure full compliance with all applicable EHS regulations (OSHA, EPA, local/state) and alignment with GMP requirements in a regulated manufacturing environment
• Develop and implement EHS programs and policies that proactively reduce risk, prevent incidents, and protect employees, the community, and the environment
• Oversee site sustainability and security programs, ensuring effective execution and continuous improvement
• Lead EHS audits, inspections, and regulatory interactions, ensuring inspection readiness and effective response to findings
• Drive risk assessments for new processes, equipment, and operational changes, ensuring appropriate mitigation strategies are implemented
• Establish and monitor EHS metrics and KPIs, using data to drive performance, identify trends, and implement improvements
• Lead cross-functional initiatives and projects to enhance EHS performance and embed a strong safety-first culture across the organization
• Manage departmental budget, resource planning, hiring, and overall team performance

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health & Safety, Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related field (advanced degree preferred)
• 10+ years of progressive EHS experience, with a strong track record in GMP-regulated industries such as biotech, pharmaceutical, or life sciences
• Proven experience leading and developing teams, with the ability to build high-performing organizations and drive accountability at all levels
• Demonstrated success partnering with senior leadership to shape and execute EHS strategy across a site or multi-site environment
• Deep knowledge of EHS regulations and standards, including OSHA, EPA, and applicable local/state requirements
• Strong understanding of EHS within GMP manufacturing environments, including compliance, risk management, and inspection readiness
• Experience leading comprehensive EHS programs, including safety, sustainability, industrial hygiene, and site security
• Data-driven mindset with a track record of using metrics and KPIs to improve performance and drive decision-making
• Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills across all levels of the organization
• Strong project and change management capabilities, with experience leading cross-functional initiatives in complex environments

At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five…