US EHS Regional Leader

About Us

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials, and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard work through a competitive compensation program.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive EHS strategic plan aligned with the organization's goals and objectives.
• Identify emerging EHS issues and trends and develop proactive strategies to address them.
• Provide guidance and recommendations to senior management regarding EHS-related risks and opportunities.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of EHS policies, programs, and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with applicable local, state, federal, and international EHS regulations.
• Conduct regular audits and inspections to identify areas for improvement and ensure adherence to EHS standards.
• Establish and maintain effective systems for incident reporting, investigation, and corrective action.
• Manage and mentor a team of EHS professionals, providing guidance and support in their daily activities.
• Foster a culture of safety and environmental responsibility across the organization.
• Provide training and educational resources to employees to enhance their EHS knowledge and awareness.
• Stay updated on industry trends and advancements in EHS practices and technologies.
• Collaborate with internal departments (operations, human resources, engineering, and facilities) to integrate EHS considerations into their activities.
• Liaise with external stakeholders, such as regulatory agencies, community organizations, and industry groups.
• Represent the organization in EHS-related meetings, conferences, and industry forums.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop strategies to identify, evaluate, and mitigate EHS hazards.
• Implement processes to monitor and manage EHS-related risks, including emergency response planning and business continuity initiatives.
• Analyze data and metrics to identify trends, areas of improvement, and opportunities for proactive interventions.
• Maintain compliance with Federal, State, and Local environmental regulations.
• Study, understand, and communicate new standards, regulatory updates, and customer requirements.
• Develop and maintain the budget for environmental and regulatory operations.
• Maintain an Environmental Management System compliant with ISO 14001 standards.
• Ensure reporting requirements are met on time.
• Manage and maintain compliance for hazardous and non-hazardous waste, including:
  • Chemical and waste handling definitions and classifications
  • Waste minimization and recycling
  • Packaging, labeling, and manifesting waste shipments
  • Disposal management
  • Generator categories and corresponding regulations
  • Waste accumulation and corresponding requirements
  • Container and tank management
• Manage and maintain air quality compliance, including:
  • Air quality permits and facilities emissions
  • Permit by rule exemptions
• Review and approve process impact on all new product development (PDP) and continuous improvement projects.
• Work with Process Engineering to define process requirements and develop operating procedures.
• Ensure all company environmental policies and procedures are in place and current.
• Develop and deliver training as required.
• Serve as an Internal Auditor to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, international standards, customer requirements, company policy, procedures, and practices.
• Oversee the Employee Safety Program, including:
  • Development, implementation, and maintenance of safety policies and procedures to ensure employee health and safety at all locations
  • Development and delivery of training materials per OSHA requirements
• Oversee the Emergency Coordinator Program, including:
  • Maintenance of all Emergency Operations and equipment in good operating condition
  • Fire suppression systems
  • Building security
  • Emergency eye wash and shower stations
  • First aid cabinets
  • Spill response media
  • Ensuring all company emergency policies and procedures are in place, current, and facility personnel are trained
  • Emergency Evacuation, Tornado Alert, Chemical Spill, and Security Contingency Plans
  • Staffing and training of Emergency Response Teams
  • Ensuring Contingency Plans are in place and current
  • Authorizing activation of response and notification of proper authorities
• Manage Workers Compensation in cooperation with Human Resources, including:
  • Timely injury reporting to insurance carrier and State agencies
  • Ensuring all injured employees receive authorized satisfactory medical care
  • Conducting prompt accident investigations and making timely recommendations
  • Ensuring injured employees who incur lost time return to work in a timely manner
  • Ensuring all injured employees with work restrictions return to regular work in a timely manner
  • Maintaining employee medical records properly
• Participate in training opportunities to learn other skills related to processing and characterization of materials.
• Conduct annual Management Review to identify Environmental Aspects and establish objectives and targets to prevent negative impact.
• Develop, pursue, and achieve personal and business goals.
• Update reports and indices on time.
• Document and communicate suggestions for continuous improvement.
• Use problem-solving and GAP analysis to identify root causes and effective solutions.
• Maintain timely and consistent communication with coworkers and department teams.
• Maintain Quality Work Environment housekeeping standards for own work area and community areas.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Health and Safety, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred.
• Proven experience in progressively responsible EHS roles, with a minimum of 10 years in a managerial capacity.
• In-depth knowledge of EHS regulations, standards, and best practices.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.
• Experience in managing EHS programs in high technology manufacturing.
• Professional certifications in EHS (e.g., Certified Safety Professional [CSP], Certified Industrial Hygienist [CIH]) are highly desirable.
• Proficiency in using EHS management systems and software.
• Experience maintaining ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 compliance.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Skills

• Able to balance financial, safety, and environmental objectives.
• Audit experience in safety and environmental areas.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to comprehend and communicate at a high level with Senior Regional Leaders, customers, distributors, and regulatory agencies.
• Ability to anticipate and handle multiple priorities and complex/abstract issues involving external and internal priorities.
• Ability to excel in a cross-organizational, cross-cultural, global team environment.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate people.
• Handle special assignments promptly and professionally.
• Set a high standard of ethics, professionalism, leadership, and competency.

Working Conditions

Manufacturing Environment; possible environmental hazards depending on the location.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to reach, bend, stoop, push, pull, and lift 50 lbs.

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Quality & Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on the location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of ISO 9000, 9001, 14001, 45001, and/or other applicable standards relevant to the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent, Corp.:

• Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust
• Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
• Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome
• Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone
• Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work