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. --- Questions: -

Are you at least 18 years old?

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Are you legally authorized to work in the country(ies) in which this role is based?

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Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa/work permit status?

Note: Avantor asks these questions for the purpose of compliance with federal export control laws and regulations. Avantor may provide immigration support and sponsorship where you and the role are eligible. Your answers to the immigrations sponsorship questions will not automatically disqualify you from the job application process. If you indicated you require, or will require, immigration support, your response may be shared with Avantor’s immigration review services. In such cases, this information will not be used for any other purposes.

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Have you ever used any other name(s) which is (are) necessary for us to know in order for us to verify your employment or educational record?

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Are you related to or in a close personal relationship with anyone now employed at Avantor or its related companies or affiliates?

Note: An answer of “Yes” will not automatically disqualify you from the position for which you are applying.

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Have you signed an employment agreement or any kind of restrictive covenant, covenant not to compete, or a contract of any kind that might restrict your ability to perform duties for this company?

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What is your desired compensation?

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By submitting this application, you understand the following:

• Indiana Applicants: It is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a prospective employee on the basis of status as a veteran by refusing to employ an applicant on the basis that they are a veteran of the armed forces of the United States, a member of the Indiana National Guard or a member of a reserve component

• Maryland Applicants: I understand that under Maryland Law, an employer may not require or demand, as a condition of employment, prospective employment or continued employment, that any individual submit to or take a polygraph or similar test. An employer who violates this law is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine not exceeding $100.

• Massachusetts Applicants: I understand that it is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

• Montana Applicants: If hired, the employment relationship is governed by the Wrongful Discharge from Employment Act. Mont. Code Ann. Section 39-2-901

• Rhode Island Applicants: The Company is subject to Chapters 29-38 of Title 28 of the General Laws of Rhode Island, and is therefore covered by the state’s workers’ compensation law. If you willfully provide false information about your ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, you may be barred from filing a claim under the provisions of the Workers’ Compensation Act of the State of Rhode Island if the false information is directly related to the personal injury that is the basis for the new claim for compensation. The Company complies fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

I understand that nothing contained in this employment application or interview process is intended to create an employment contract between Avantor or its related companies or affiliates and me and that no representation or promise regarding the duration or the termination of employment with Avantor or its related companies or affiliates is authorized or binding unless contained in a written document signed by an officer of Avantor.

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