HSE Specialist (Occupational Health)

Location: Durham, North Carolina, United States

About the Role

As the HSE Specialist, you will develop and continuously improve critical programs such as chemical hygiene, hazard communication, respiratory protection, ergonomics, hearing conservation, confined space, and occupational medical. You will collaborate across site departments, provide technical HSE expertise for changing operations and equipment, support regulatory compliance and inspection readiness, and help ensure the successful implementation of Novartis Health, Safety, and Environment standards across the site.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, manage, and continuously improve Occupational Health programs, including Chemical Hygiene, Hazard Communication, Respiratory Protection, Ergonomics, Hearing Conservation, Confined Space, and Occupational Medical programs.
• Serve as the Chemical Hygiene Officer, overseeing chemical inventory management, risk assessments, control implementation, and employee training.
• Partner with manufacturing, laboratory, warehouse, facilities, and support functions to develop and continuously improve HSE programs and services.
• Provide HSE technical expertise for new equipment, changing operations, product transfers, and site change management activities.
• Support the development and delivery of HSE training programs while promoting a strong, proactive, and enabling safety culture across the site.
• Lead inspections, investigations, audits, and regulatory activities, ensuring effective corrective actions, audit readiness, and compliance with HSE requirements.
• Analyze HSE performance trends and drive continuous improvement initiatives that advance site HSE excellence and business performance.
• Assist with implementation of emergency preparedness and response activities.

Essential Requirements

• BS degree or higher in Occupational Health & Safety, Chemical Engineering, or related field, with 5+ years of HSE program development and management experience in a manufacturing or laboratory environment, preferably within the biopharmaceutical industry.
• Strong technical knowledge across Health, Safety, and Environment disciplines, including occupational health programs and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated proficiency in chemical and biological risk assessments, including development and management of