EHS & Facilities Operations Lead

Actalent (Greenville SC, USA) Follow 8 hours ago

Apply Now

EHS & Facilities Operations Lead

The EHS & Facilities Operations Lead manages day-to-day facilities operations for an R&D site while leading the Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) program. This role executes site-specific targets and objectives aligned with broader EHS strategies to maintain a safe, compliant, and highly functional environment that supports scientific innovation and technical development. The position requires hands-on facilities expertise, strong coordination skills, and experience supporting laboratory environments, with a focus on reliability, compliance, and proactive risk management.

Responsibilities

Lead daily facilities operations for R&D laboratories, utilities, and office space to ensure a safe and efficient working environment.
Ensure reliable operation of critical building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, water systems, compressed gases, laboratory utilities, janitorial services, and building security.
Coordinate and manage preventive maintenance, repairs, and upgrades to facilities and laboratory equipment to minimize downtime and operational risk.
Serve as the first point of contact for facilities-related issues impacting R&D activities and manage the certificate of insurance process for all contractors.
Track project scope, schedules, and budgets, ensuring that work is completed safely, on time, within budget, and to specification.
Assist with onboarding new equipment from a facilities and EHS readiness perspective, and support implementation of new equipment or procedures using the Management of Change process.
Track and manage on-site inventory, place purchase orders, and coordinate shipping and receiving to support uninterrupted site operations.
Support onboarding of new suppliers, ensuring they meet site requirements and contribute to reliable operations.
Provide after-hours on-call support as needed to address urgent facilities or EHS issues.
Utilize the EHS framework to support site compliance with EHS, biosafety, and regulatory requirements applicable to R&D operations, the location, and employees.
Maintain the site-specific EHS compliance calendar and EHS action tracker to ensure timely completion of EHS-related compliance, training, and preventive maintenance obligations.
Use risk assessment tools to identify exposures to health and safety hazards or environmental aspects that could result in harm to people, property, or the environment.
Conduct data collection and documentation required to demonstrate compliance with environmental regulatory requirements.
Partner with global EHS and R&D leadership to maintain safe laboratory environments, including proper chemical storage, waste handling, and emergency preparedness.
Conduct employee EHS training as outlined in the EHS compliance calendar and maintain accurate records of staff training, including internal HR courses, trade licenses, and certifications.
Manage scheduling and coordination of chemical and biohazard waste pickups, ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
Coordinate programs for first aid, AED, CPR, and Code Blue safety supplies, including training and record maintenance for the first responder team.
Collaborate cross-functionally with vendors, scientists, and global EHS partners to address operational and safety needs.
Demonstrate ownership of the role by independently leading initiatives, making informed decisions, and wearing multiple hats as required by the dynamic nature of the position.

Essential Skills

Bachelor's degree.
Minimum 3 years of working experience in a facility operations role or EHS-focused role.
Experience working with building systems, laboratory utilities, and/or maintenance environments.
Experience managing contractors and service vendors in a facilities or EHS context.
DOT/RCRA training and demonstrated ability to apply this knowledge in practice.
Strong EHS foundation in biopharmaceutical or related laboratory settings, with emphasis on environmental safety and health.
Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities in a dynamic R&D environment.
Strong cross-functional communication skills to work effectively with global EHS teams, vendors, and scientists.
Ability to independently lead and own the position with a suitable level of authority, demonstrating flexibility and leadership while handling multiple responsibilities.
Solid organizational and problem-solving skills to manage complex operational and compliance requirements.
Ability to positively influence and interact with others without direct line authority.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

35 years of EHS experience, ideally in a biopharma, life sciences, or regulated R&D environment.
Experience in biopharma, life sciences, or other regulated research and development settings.
Facilities management and EHS certifications are a plus.
Strong ability to work both as part of a team and independently, providing excellent internal customer service.
Experience with environmental safety programs, laboratory safety, and quality frameworks such as ISO 9001.
Familiarity with health and safety practices in laboratory and pharmaceutical or related industries.
Proficiency with digital tools such as SharePoint Online and other collaboration or EHS-related software (preferred).
Experience coordinating first aid, AED, CPR, and related safety programs is beneficial.
Demonstrated ability to support Management of Change processes for new equipment or procedures.
Willingness to travel occasionally, generally less than 5% of the time.

Work Environment

This role supports an R&D site environment that includes laboratories, utilities, and office spaces, with a focus on biopharmaceutical or life sciences operations. The work involves regular interaction with building systems such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, water systems, compressed gases, laboratory utilities, janitorial services, and building security. The position requires close collaboration with scientists, global EHS teams, vendors, and contractors in a regulated research setting that emphasizes environmental safety, health, and compliance. The role may require occasional after-hours on-call support to address urgent facilities or EHS issues. Work is primarily on-site in a laboratory and office environment, with occasional travel generally under 5%. The culture encourages proactive problem-solving, strong communication, and flexible leadership to support scientific innovation and safe, continuous operations.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Greenville, SC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $38.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: