Senior Director, Process Safety

The Opportunity: Avantor is seeking a visionary and technically exceptional Senior Director of Process Safety to lead and continuously enhance our global Process Safety Management (PSM) and Major Hazard Risk programs. This role is instrumental in ensuring the safe manufacture, handling, storage, and distribution of hazardous materials that support critical industries such as biopharmaceuticals, diagnostics, semiconductors, advanced materials, and healthcare. As a senior leader, you will shape enterprise-wide process safety strategy while embedding a proactive, prevention-focused culture across Avantor’s manufacturing, laboratory, and distribution operations. You will partner closely with Executive Leadership, Operations, Engineering, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, and EHS to protect our people, customers, communities, and brand—while enabling compliant growth and operational excellence. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR: A seasoned process safety leader who combines deep technical expertise with enterprise leadership capability, thrives in highly regulated environments, and is capable of influencing decision-making at the highest levels of the organization. This position will be responsible for 1.) enterprise process safety policies, standards and performance targets 2.) risk management frameworks and risk acceptance criteria 3.) prioritization of risk mitigation investments and capital safety improvements 4.) regulatory compliance strategy, enforcement response and audit readiness and 5.) escalation of critical process safety risks to executive leadership. EXPERIENCE: 12–15+ years of progressive experience in process safety, chemical engineering, or hazardous operations management 7+ years in senior leadership roles within life sciences, specialty chemicals, advanced materials, pharmaceutical, or industrial manufacturing Proven leadership of enterprise or multi-site PSM programs aligned with OSHA PSM, EPA RMP, CCPS, and international equivalents Hands-on experience supporting capital projects, new process introduction, and site expansions Direct experience leading high-consequence incident investigations and regulatory inspections Expert knowledge of PSM frameworks and standards, including OSHA PSM, EPA RMP, CCPS RBPS, and EU SEVESO (preferred) Advanced expertise in hazard identification and risk analysis techniques (HAZOP, LOPA, What-If, Bowtie, SIL) Strong understanding of chemical processing, batch operations, formulation, scale-up, and material handling risks Ability to translate complex technical and regulatory requirements into practical, business-aligned solutions Exceptional executive communication, influence, and change leadership skills PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Global experience supporting sites across North America, Europe, and Asia Background in pharmaceutical, biopharma, diagnostics, or semiconductor materials manufacturing Experience integrating process safety into ESG, sustainability, and corporate risk frameworks Familiarity with digital PSM tools, process safety KPIs, and leading/lagging indicators Demonstrated success building and mentoring high-performing technical teams Certified Process Safety Professional (CCPSC) strongly preferred Professional Engineer (PE) preferred Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or equivalent desirable Lean, Six Sigma, or Operational Excellence certification a plus HOW YOU WILL THRIVE AND CREATE AN IMPACT: Establish and execute Avantor’s global process safety vision, strategy, and governance model Drive consistent implementation of PSM standards across manufacturing, laboratory, and distribution environments Proactively identify and mitigate high-consequence risks to people, products, and the environment Strengthen process safety culture through leadership engagement, training, and accountability Partner with Engineering and Operations to embed safety into design, projects, and operational excellence initiatives Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on risk tolerance, compliance posture, and investment decisions Lead organizational learning through rigorous incident investigation and knowledge sharing ENVIRONMENT Global travel required to support strategic initiatives Work in and around hazardous chemicals, high-energy processes, and controlled environments High-visibility, high-accountability role with material impact on safety, compliance, and business continuity Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Why Avantor? Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science. The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor. We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today! Pay Transparency: The expected pre-tax pay for this position is $167,500.00 - $282,325.00 Actual pay may differ depending on relevant factors such as prior experience and geographic location. EEO Statement: We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the Know Your Rights poster . Privacy Policy: We will use the personal information that you have submitted to us in order to consider your application for the relevant role. Your privacy is important to us. Please click here for our Privacy Policy which explains the purposes for which we will use your personal information and the ways in which we will handle and retain your information. It also explains the rights you have in relation to your information, and how to contact us with any queries or requests. 3rd Party Non-Solicitation Policy: By submitting candidates without having been formally assigned on and contracted for a specific job requisition by Avantor, or by failing to comply with the Avantor recruitment process, you forfeit any fee on the submitted candidates, regardless of your usual terms and conditions. Avantor works with a preferred supplier list and will take the initiative to engage with recruitment agencies based on its needs and will not be accepting any form of solicitation. Avantor offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, wellness programs, health savings and flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with company match, and an employee stock purchase program. Employees also receive 11 paid holidays, accrue 18 PTO days annually, are eligible for volunteer time off and 6 weeks of 100% paid parental leave (except in states that offer paid family leave). These benefits may not apply to employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement or those subject to other eligibility rules.