The Process Safety Manager – Europe serves as the regional subject matter expert and leader for process safety, major accident prevention, and hazardous materials risk management across European operations. This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving process safety programs that protect employees, contractors, communities, company assets, and the environment while ensuring compliance with applicable European, local country, and company requirements.
The role provides technical leadership and governance for process safety management (PSM), risk assessment, management of change (MOC), major hazard prevention programs, fire and explosion prevention, hazardous materials management, emergency preparedness, and process safety performance improvement initiatives. The Process Safety Manager partners closely with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, Regulatory Affairs, and site leadership teams to identify, assess, and mitigate process safety risks.
As a key member of the global EHS organization, the Process Safety Manager ensures alignment with corporate process safety standards while supporting country-specific regulatory obligations including Seveso III Directive requirements and other European major accident prevention regulations. The position requires approximately 35% travel to support audits, risk assessments, incident investigations, project reviews, emergency preparedness exercises, and facility engagement activities across Europe.
MAJOR JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (List in order of importance)
Process Safety Leadership & Governance
- Provide strategic leadership for process safety management programs across European operations.
- Develop and implement regional process safety strategies aligned with corporate standards and business objectives.
- Establish and maintain process safety governance systems, expectations, and performance metrics.
- Promote a strong process safety culture through leadership engagement, employee involvement, and continuous improvement.
Regulatory Compliance & Major Accident Prevention
- Ensure compliance with applicable European, national, and local process safety and hazardous materials regulations.
- Provide technical expertise regarding Seveso III requirements and other major accident prevention regulations.
- Support facility compliance programs related to hazardous substances, fire protection, explosion prevention, and emergency planning.
- Interface with regulatory agencies and support inspections, audits, permitting activities, and regulatory submissions.
Process Hazard Analysis & Risk Management
- Lead and facilitate Process Hazard Analyses (PHA) utilizing methodologies such as HAZOP, What-If, FMEA, Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA), and other recognized risk assessment techniques.
- Ensure timely completion and revalidation of hazard assessments.
- Develop risk reduction recommendations and monitor implementation of corrective actions.
- Evaluate process safety risks associated with existing and new operations.
Management of Change (MOC)
- Lead and oversee Management of Change processes for equipment, technology, process, organizational, and procedural changes.
- Evaluate proposed modifications for process safety risks and compliance impacts.
- Ensure appropriate technical review, approval, and documentation of changes.
- Verify implementation of risk mitigation actions before startup.
Engineering & Capital Project Support
- Provide process safety oversight for capital projects, facility expansions, equipment upgrades, and new process introductions.
- Participate in design reviews, hazard evaluations, pre-startup safety reviews, and commissioning activities.
- Ensure process safety requirements are incorporated into project design and execution.
- Support safe integration of new technologies and operational processes.
Incident Investigation & Organizational Learning
- Lead investigations of significant process safety incidents, near misses, fires, explosions, chemical releases, and high-potential events.
- Apply structured root cause analysis methodologies to identify systemic causes.
- Develop corrective and preventive actions and monitor effectiveness.
- Share lessons learned across sites to strengthen organizational learning and risk reduction.
Fire, Explosion & Hazardous Materials Risk Management
- Oversee programs related to combustible dusts, flammable liquids, reactive chemicals, compressed gases, and hazardous materials storage.
- Evaluate facility safeguards related to fire prevention, explosion protection, loss prevention, and emergency response.
- Support process safety requirements related to chemical handling, storage, segregation, and transportation.
Audit, Assurance & Continuous Improvement
- Develop and execute process safety audit programs for European facilities.
- Conduct site assessments to verify compliance with corporate and regulatory requirements.
- Track audit findings and facilitate closure of corrective actions.
- Benchmark industry best practices and recommend opportunities for performance improvement.
Mechanical Integrity & Operational Excellence
- Support development and oversight of mechanical integrity programs for critical process equipment.
- Collaborate with Maintenance and Engineering teams to improve asset reliability and risk management.
- Review inspection, testing, preventive maintenance, and integrity management practices.
- Monitor performance indicators to identify emerging risks and opportunities.
Training & Workforce Development
- Develop and deliver process safety training programs for employees, contractors, engineers, supervisors, and site leaders.
- Coach facility teams on process safety principles, risk assessment methodologies, and regulatory requirements.
- Serve as a technical resource for process safety-related questions and problem solving.
Emergency Preparedness & Business Continuity
- Support emergency response planning and major incident preparedness activities.
- Participate in emergency drills, exercises, and crisis management initiatives.
- Evaluate emergency response capabilities related to hazardous material incidents and process upsets.
- Assist facilities in strengthening resilience and business continuity planning.
QUALIFICATIONS (Education/Training, Experience and/or Certifications)
Education / Training
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Process Engineering, Occupational Safety, or a related technical discipline.
Preferred
- Master's degree in Engineering, Process Safety, Risk Management, Safety Management, or a related field.
Experience
Required
- Minimum 8–10 years of progressive experience in process safety, EHS, engineering, manufacturing, chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, specialty materials, energy, or industrial operations.
- Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and managing Process Safety Management programs.
- Experience facilitating Process Hazard Analyses and risk assessments.
- Experience leading incident investigations and Management of Change programs.
- Proven success working with cross-functional operational and engineering teams across multiple locations.
Preferred
- Experience supporting European manufacturing operations.
- Experience with Seveso-regulated facilities or major accident hazard programs.
- Experience supporting capital projects, facility expansions, and new process introductions.
- Experience working within multinational organizations.
Certifications
Preferred
- Certified Process Safety Professional (CCPSC)
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
- Chartered Engineer (CEng) or equivalent engineering registration
- NEBOSH Diploma or equivalent professional safety qualification
- Functional Safety or Risk Management certification
- OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Certification
- Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (Those necessary to perform the job competently)
- Extensive knowledge of process safety principles, risk management systems, and major accident prevention programs.
- Strong understanding of Seveso III Directive requirements and European process safety regulations.
- Knowledge of OSHA PSM, EPA RMP, CCPS Risk-Based Process Safety principles, NFPA standards, and related industry frameworks.
- Expertise in hazard identification and risk assessment methodologies including HAZOP, LOPA, FMEA, Bow-Tie Analysis, and What-If reviews.
- Strong knowledge of Management of Change, Mechanical Integrity, Incident Investigation, and Emergency Response systems.
- Ability to evaluate fire, explosion, chemical release, and process upset hazards.
- Strong analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
- Ability to effectively influence leaders and stakeholders without direct authority.
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities across geographically dispersed operations.
- Skilled in technical report writing, performance metrics development, and audit management.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and EHS management systems.
- Ability to interpret complex technical and regulatory requirements and translate them into practical operational solutions.
- Strong business acumen and decision-making capability in high-risk operational environments.
ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL EFFORT (Under Typical Positions)
- Environmental Working Conditions & Physical Effort
- Position is primarily remote/home-office based with regular travel to manufacturing, distribution, laboratory, warehouse, and processing facilities throughout Europe.
- Approximately 35% travel is required, including domestic and international travel, overnight stays, and occasional short-notice site visits.
- Exposure to manufacturing and industrial environments involving chemicals, hazardous materials, machinery, elevated work platforms, confined spaces, construction activities, and process equipment.
- Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hard hats, hearing protection, safety footwear, and respiratory protection where required.
- Frequent walking through industrial facilities, climbing stairs and ladders, and conducting field inspections.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally.
- Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, and work on a computer for extended periods.
- Must be capable of responding to emergency situations, participating in audits and investigations, and accessing operational areas as needed.
- Ability to travel internationally and maintain flexibility to support business needs across multiple countries and time zones.
#LI-REMOTE
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.
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