Senior HSE Specialist

Senior HSE Specialist – North America

Our client is seeking a Senior HSE Specialist to support health, safety, and environmental initiatives across North America. This role is focused on ensuring compliance with HSE standards, driving continuous improvement across laboratory and operational environments, and partnering with leadership to maintain a safe and compliant workplace culture. This is a highly visible role that works cross-functionally with internal teams, external partners, and leadership to support both strategic initiatives and day-to-day HSE operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee HSE compliance across North American sites, ensuring alignment with local regulations and internal safety standards
• Lead the deployment, monitoring, and continuous improvement of HSE management systems across laboratories, offices, and subcontracted operations
• Manage laboratory-specific safety processes, including occupational safety documentation, equipment risk assessments, and operating procedures
• Develop and maintain risk assessments and safety procedures related to lab operations, greenhouse and field activities, chemical exposure, and hazardous materials handling
• Support and advise leadership on waste management programs and environmental compliance initiatives
• Coordinate occupational health precautions and workplace safety programs
• Conduct and support risk-based audits, inspections, and emergency exercises while communicating key HSE risks and driving corrective action plans
• Create and implement employee training programs related to HSE topics such as hazardous waste handling, PPE, first aid, respiratory protection, road safety, and mental health awareness
• Lead HSE audits with outsourced manufacturing and distribution partners and ensure timely follow-up on corrective actions
• Coordinate with external HSE service providers, regulatory agencies, and internal stakeholders
• Support leadership in meeting occupational health protection obligations and legal compliance requirements
• Drive the development and implementation of operational HSE measures and continuous improvement initiatives
• Ensure all HSE documentation, reporting, and compliance records are properly maintained and communicated

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Health, Safety, Environmental Sciences, or a related field
• 5+ years of HSE experience, ideally within laboratory or highly regulated operational environments
• Strong understanding of North American HSE regulations and compliance standards
• Proven ability to simplify complex processes and take ownership of implementation efforts
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence across multiple functions and leadership levels
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and project management skills
• Comfortable working in fast-paced environments with changing priorities and ambiguity
• Valid driver’s license required