EHSS Specialist | Construction & Commissioning Safety | Athlone

We're currently recruiting for an EHSS Specialist to support a major pharmaceutical manufacturing expansion project in Athlone.

This is an opportunity to join a significant capital investment program involving the upgrade and retrofit of an established manufacturing facility, with substantial construction, equipment installation and commissioning activities.

The successful candidate will act as an EHSS subject matter expert, working closely with engineering, project management, commissioning teams and contractors to ensure safe execution throughout construction and operational start-up.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide EHSS oversight across construction, equipment installation, commissioning and start-up activities.
• Review contractor Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS).
• Ensure compliance with Irish construction safety legislation and PSDP/PSCS requirements.
• Conduct construction safety inspections, audits and contractor performance reviews.
• Support safe execution of high-risk construction activities.
• Oversee permit-to-work systems and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) controls.
• Review commissioning procedures, safety requirements and readiness plans.
• Support electrical energisation, functional testing and hazardous-energy management.
• Participate in Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSR).
• Support the safe transition from construction into operational manufacturing.

Education & Experience

• Degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Engineering, Environmental Science or a related discipline.
• Recognised Health & Safety qualification.
• Minimum 5 years' EHSS experience within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, chemical or industrial manufacturing.
• Strong construction safety and contractor management experience.
• Demonstrable experience supporting equipment commissioning and start-up.
• Knowledge of Irish construction safety legislation and associated compliance requirements.
• Previous experience supporting pharmaceutical capital projects, CQV programmes or utilities commissioning is highly advantageous.
• ISO 14001/45001 auditing qualifications and PSDP/PSCS awareness training are desirable.

For a confidential discussion, contact Seán McCarthy on +353 (0)87 798 8480 or [email protected].