Lead Construction HSE Manager (Field Based)

ERM is hiring a Lead Construction HSE Manager to provide on-site support for a key pharmaceutical client in Lehigh Valley, PA.

About the role

In this critical role, you will lead a safety team for construction activities, engage with project and construction leaders, and ensure health and safety compliance with applicable regulations and existing company standards. You will be present during all site activities, responsible for all health and safety activities, and delegate duties to other project team members. This is a full-time, limited-term role for a duration of 12 months, renewable, with a work schedule of 40–72 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Site Lead for ERM’s HSE owner’s representative team, working directly with the Client’s Project Leaders.
• Meet with Client Project Lead monthly to review timelines, metrics, and as needed proactive adjustments.
• Guide implementation and continuous improvement of the HSE management system on a pharmaceutical megaproject.
• Act as the primary interface between the Client’s Project Leadership, EPC Project Leadership, and ERM’s PMO.
• Participate in Project Leadership Meetings as the Client’s HSE representative.
• Provide daily direction, prioritization, and coaching to a team of HSE Managers and specialists, coordinating the Client’s Safety Program.
• Continuously monitor and adjust team structure and resource allocation in accordance with project needs and budget constraints.
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations, promoting accountability and collaboration within the Client HSE Team.
• Serve as subject matter expert (SME) for all HSE matters, advising Client and Contractor HSE, Project Managers, and functional heads, ensuring alignment with Client and project requirements.
• Lead comprehensive risk assessments for all phases of the project, including constructability reviews, pre-task planning, and new process introductions.
• Support root cause analyses (RCA) debriefs and feedback sessions with multidisciplinary teams for incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions from the Owner side. Ensure lessons learned are communicated and embedded into procedures.
• Anticipate emerging risks and adapt HSE program and tactics to evolving challenges in a dynamic construction environment.
• Support development and execution of project environmental programs, including SWPPP, SPCC, Hazardous Waste, and Air Emissions.
• Regularly report HSE performance to Client and Contractor, highlighting trends, achievements, and areas for improvement.
• Organize and implement an HSE audit and inspection program that encompasses all project areas, team activities, and subcontractor operations.
• Foster strong relationships with project stakeholders, including Owners, Contractors, Subcontractors, Regulatory Authorities, and the Local Community.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, safety, or occupational health and safety, or a related degree preferred.
• 20 years of on-site experience in construction-specific project health & safety with a minimum of 8 years of management experience.
• Certification in the field: CHST, ASP, and/or CSP are preferred.
• Pharmaceutical or high-tech project experience is highly desired.
• Experience with mega construction project execution.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA General Industry and construction standards.
• Strong commitment to safety, including implementing strict Health and Safety protocols.
• Completed training and certifications for OSHA 30-hour construction, confined space entry training, and fall protection/prevention training preferred.
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite of software (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams).
• Ability to multitask, maintain flexibility, travel, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to provide excellent project delivery and client service, quality on project deliverables, and organizational skills.
• Ability to organize and coordinate field personnel, subcontractors, and vendors.

Schedule

Full-time, 40–72 hours per week.

About ERM

As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world’s leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations. Our diverse team of world-class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk, and social issues. We call this capability our “boots to boardroom” approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level.