Head of ESHA & IGSM (Chemicals)

Location: Pratteln, Canton of Basel-Landschaft, Switzerland. Hybrid work model.

Company

Swiss-based global specialty chemicals company focused on Care Chemicals, Catalysts, and Adsorbents & Additives, with an emphasis on sustainability and high-performance chemical solutions.

What you will do

• Define and implement QESH strategy, mandatory global policies, standards, and improvement programs across approximately 70 production sites worldwide.
• Own and continuously improve the Integrated Management System, including certification strategy and global Management Review processes.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 50001, using risk-based audits, corrective action management, document control, and competence standards.
• Lead occupational health and safety, process safety, environmental management, emergency preparedness, environmental liability, and remediation programs.
• Govern insurance risk engineering across an approximately CHF 5.7 billion asset portfolio, including property damage and business interruption assessments.
• Lead the global ESHA & IGSM organization, develop subject matter expert networks, drive capability building and digital transformation, and represent the organization before certification bodies, insurers, regulators, and industry associations.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in chemical engineering, Environmental Science, Occupational Health & Safety, or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of progressive ESHA experience, including significant leadership responsibility in a global or multi-site environment within the chemical or process industry.
• In-depth knowledge of ISO-based management systems, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 50001, as well as international auditing practices.
• Demonstrated experience in risk engineering, property damage and business interruption assessments, and insurance management.
• Hands-on experience with ESHA data management and digital platforms.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire large, internationally dispersed teams and build high-performing organizations.
• Strong ability to influence across functions and organizational levels and manage relationships with external authorities and industry partners.
• Track record of driving culture change, transformation programs, and capability development in complex organizations.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to translate ESHA objectives into business value and manage significant financial responsibilities.
• Fluent English.

Nice to have

• Proficiency in additional languages.

Culture & Benefits

• Global leadership scope across a worldwide network of production sites.
• Direct access to senior leadership through reporting to the Chief Strategy & Technology Officer.
• Environment focused on sustainability, digital transformation, safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• International and collaborative team of experts.
• Purpose centered on sustainable chemistry and value creation for stakeholders.
• Competitive compensation appropriate to the seniority and global scope of the role.