EHS Country Manager

About the role

Provide EHS leadership, management, and development of Primark's environmental health and safety requirements across the US region.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and governance of EHS requirements across the US.
• Implement and sustain a robust compliance management programme that effectively oversees and manages EHS issues to meet and exceed responsibilities and commitments.
• Provide comprehensive advice to management and business units on EHS matters and participate in regular meetings with leadership, regional managers, area managers, and heads of department.
• Assist in developing appropriate EHS support structures within the US and ensure operational management of health and safety compliance.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and roll-out of corporate EHS objectives, policies, and systems.
• Establish effective relationships and work closely with directors, executives, senior managers, the retail team, the group EHS team, and stakeholders such as construction, facilities management, human resources, and legal services.
• Make authoritative recommendations to senior management regarding programmes, systems, and resources; identify and monitor regional EHS KPIs aligned with group retail objectives and targets.
• Respond to critical and high-level environmental, health, and safety issues in a timely manner to protect employees, customers, stakeholders, and reduce business exposure and risk.
• Lead and role model for the EHS team in the US; actively develop the team’s skills and competencies and provide input into performance reviews.
• Develop and maintain constructive relationships with key figures in relevant enforcement authorities.
• Encourage, support, and advise on consultative arrangements ensuring retail and human resources teams are aware of obligations and support this function within stores.
• Liaise with other EHS Country Managers to ensure common standards of best practice across Primark’s operating regions.
• Drive a culture of behavioural safety across the region and lead by example to integrate safety into everyday business.
• Develop and implement workplace risk assessments and reviews in accordance with legislation, determining appropriate action and priorities.
• Undertake investigations into specific incidents and/or accidents, ensuring appropriate records are maintained and recommendations are actioned to reduce recurrence.
• Carry out EHS inspections as required by legislation, company policy, and best practices; identify potential hazards and recommend remedial actions.
• Formulate, provide, and advise on training needs for the business in line with regulatory requirements, business demands, or performance improvement.
• Ensure delivery risk assessments are carried out in stores and provide feedback to store and Transport/Supply Chain teams.
• Analyse results of internal and external EHS audits, report on performance, and assist managers in improving risk management.
• Ensure adequate emergency procedures are in place and support the region with development and roll-out of crisis management procedures and training for business continuity.
• Drive and implement environmental requirements in the region and ensure compliance with local legislation.
• Assist central functions with the roll-out of environmental objectives and requirements in areas such as waste and energy; be aware of EPR and environmental compliance requirements and cost impacts.
• Be a leader and promoter of Primark Cares and environmental initiatives in the US.

Requirements

• Recognised professional qualification in environmental health and safety.
• Primary degree in engineering or science is an advantage but not required.
• A minimum of 5 years of management experience in environmental health and safety.
• Retail or FMCG experience is an advantage.
• Thorough knowledge of, and ability to advise upon, environmental, health & safety matters, risk management, and legislation, with substantial experience managing safety in a diverse, fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation, codes of practice, guidance, and operating procedures; ability to keep abreast of trends and best practices.
• Ability to manage, motivate, and develop colleagues, with excellent team-building skills.
• Effective communicator with the ability to deliver complex messages clearly and appropriately.
• Results-oriented with a strong focus on delivering objectives, including providing creative and innovative solutions based on business requirements.

Ideal Candidate

• Persuasive, enthusiastic, and passionate about the people, commercial, and environmental aspects of EHS, with the ability to drive change.
• Track record of successfully delivering EHS processes, policies, and initiatives resulting in improved standards and behavioural change; adopts a measured approach with strong analytical and tactical skills.
• Background in managing multiple sites is an advantage.
• Willing to travel throughout the US as required to drive a positive EHS culture.

Pay

The pay range for this role is $117,000 - $150,000.

Schedule

Flexible schedule with 3 days in the office (Boston, MA).