EHS Manager

Role overview

This position sits on the Site Leadership Team and is responsible for strengthening a workplace culture built around safety, sustainability, and strong regulatory performance. It requires broad strategic thinking, hands-on operational coordination, and close collaboration across functions so that Environment, Health & Safety is fully integrated into site activities.

Although the role is advertised externally as EHS Manager, the internal title for the successful candidate will be EHS Systems & Processes Associate Manager.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee all environment, health and safety activities on site and make sure they remain aligned with business objectives and legal requirements.
• Lead the site EHS team of 4 professionals and the Utilities team of 6 frontline employees, including responsibility for wastewater treatment and reverse osmosis water operations.
• Own the site’s COMAH stewardship and ensure Upper-Tier COMAH compliance through effective Management of Change controls.
• Drive water-use reduction initiatives and lead projects aimed at meeting the 2030 water-saving targets while supporting more sustainable operations.
• Roll out and promote the Courage to Care, culture-led safety programme to build personal accountability and safer day-to-day behaviours.
• Work with internal and corporate stakeholders to ensure EHS is embedded in planning, decision-making, and operational execution.
• Partner with the Process Safety Engineer to maintain a strong Process Safety Management system.
• Coordinate with Occupational Health and HR on absence management, rehabilitation, health surveillance, and wellness activities.
• Support Corporate Communications with messaging for neighbours and the local community when site activity may have external impact.
• Engage emergency services and help maintain the External Emergency Plan.
• Track, interpret, and report EHS performance metrics and use the findings to support ongoing improvement and policy development.
• Ensure compliance with Irish health and safety law, COMAH requirements, environmental legislation, and communication obligations with HSA, EPA, IAA, and the PGCS EHS Director.
• Keep health and safety records, notifications, and reporting processes current and complete.
• Maintain compliance with internal and external audit requirements, including PepsiCo GEHSMS standards.
• Oversee the Oil/Chemical Spill Response Plan and ensure preparedness for emergency situations.
• Support the site air security programme so that applicable requirements are met.
• Build and maintain effective management structures for EHS and Process Safety.
• Design, assess, and deliver health and safety training based on site needs.
• Run Safety Committees effectively and ensure health and safety resources are available for consultation.
• Investigate incidents and near misses, identify root causes, and ensure corrective and preventive actions are implemented.
• Coach teams through GEHSMS audits and encourage accountability and continuous improvement.
• Maintain strong evacuation and emergency response readiness for both internal and external scenarios.
• Develop the site Emergency Response Team and Incident Control Team programmes.
• Introduce and sustain a Process Safety Management culture, including related training and awareness activities.
• Lead the Significant Modification Assessment process within Management of Change governance.
• Maintain and test the site External Emergency Plan and comply with all safety reports shared with outside authorities.
• Advance sustainability work covering climate resilience, resource conservation, and environmental stewardship.
• Lead Green Teams and pep+ initiatives focused on energy, waste, and water.
• Improve waste-stream management and overall environmental performance through continuous improvement.

Qualifications and experience

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Occupational Health & Safety, or a closely related field is required.
• 5 to 8 years’ experience in a senior EHS leadership position is preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in FMCG safety management is required.
• More than 3 years’ experience in a COMAH-regulated environment, or possession of a Process Safety qualification, is desirable.
• Strong working knowledge of Irish health and safety legislation, COMAH directives, environmental regulations, and GEHSMS auditing requirements is expected.
• Experience with utilities operations such as wastewater treatment plants, reverse osmosis water systems, and purified water processes is an advantage.
• Proven ability to lead high-performing teams and create a strong safety culture is important.
• The role requires skill in influencing stakeholders without direct authority and in building cooperation across functions.
• Excellent communication, motivation, coaching, and mentoring abilities are needed to develop capability and deliver results through inclusive leadership.

Additional information

This is a full-time onsite role based in Cork, County Cork, Ireland.

No salary, stipend, notice period, start date, or number of openings was specified in the source information.