Environmental & Sustainability Compliance Lead (Pharmaceutical Manufacturing)

Location: Richmond, Virginia, United States

Company

hirify.global provides sustainable technology, advisory, engineering, energy transition, design, and asset optimization solutions across the full asset life cycle.

What you will do

• Develop and implement the environmental and sustainability strategy for a multi-billion-dollar greenfield pharmaceutical manufacturing project, aligning project objectives with corporate ESG commitments and regulatory requirements.
• Lead environmental compliance activities across site development, construction, commissioning, startup, and operational readiness, ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local regulations.
• Coordinate environmental permitting support with permitting, engineering, and regulatory teams, incorporating permit conditions and environmental commitments into project execution.
• Establish and monitor sustainability metrics covering energy, water, waste, greenhouse gas emissions, material use, and resource efficiency.
• Collaborate with engineering and design teams on energy-efficient systems, renewable energy, water conservation, low-carbon construction, and other sustainable design solutions.
• Develop environmental management plans, conduct assessments, report compliance and ESG performance, and support training, contractor engagement, stakeholder communications, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, Chemical Engineering, Natural Resources, or a related discipline.
• At least 10 years of experience in environmental management, sustainability, EHS, or environmental compliance on large industrial, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or advanced manufacturing projects.
• Experience supporting large capital projects exceeding $500 million in total installed cost.
• Strong knowledge of environmental regulations, permitting processes, environmental management systems, and sustainability frameworks.
• Experience developing and implementing sustainability strategies and environmental performance programs.
• Excellent leadership, communication, stakeholder management, and project coordination skills.
• Ability to analyze environmental performance data and develop practical improvement strategies.
• Familiarity with EPC/EPCM project delivery models and large construction programs.

Nice to have

• Experience supporting pharmaceutical, biotechnology, life sciences, or other GMP-regulated facilities.
• Owner’s Representative or PMC experience on major capital projects exceeding $1 billion in total installed cost.
• LEED, Envision, ISO 14001, or similar environmental and sustainability certification programs.
• Experience with FDA-regulated, GMP-compliant manufacturing facilities.
• Experience with water stewardship, waste minimization, circular economy, and renewable energy projects.
• Experience supporting corporate ESG reporting and sustainability objectives.

Culture & Benefits

• Zero Harm and People First culture focused on belonging, connection, growth, and collaborative delivery.
• Benefits may include a 401(k) plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability coverage, and paid time off.
• Flexible work schedule may be available.
• Professional training and development opportunities support career advancement.