EHS Specialist

About the Role 

As experienced Environment, Health and Safety Specialist you will be responsible for preventing harm to employees, contractors, visitors, and the environment while ensuring site compliance with all applicable Swiss Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) regulations and Takeda company standards. 

Acting as a trusted advisor to the business, this role partners with senior stakeholders, leaders and employees across the site to drive a proactive safety culture, strengthen risk management practices, maintain emergency preparedness, and support continuous improvement of EHS performance. 

This is a highly visible position reporting to the site EHS HEAD with a focus on Construction Safety, Contractor Safety, Fire Protection and Emergency Response planning. It is a site-based role located in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. 

Key Responsibilities 

EHS Leadership & Business Partnership 

• Coach, build capabilities and advise managers and employees at all levels on effective EHS leadership and safe work practices. 

• Partner with operational teams to integrate EHS requirements into daily activities and decision-making. 

• Promote a strong safety culture through engagement, communication, and awareness initiatives. 

• Support management in the achievement of EHS objectives and compliance commitments. 

• Act as a key point of contact for regulators, auditors and senior stakeholders.  

Risk Assessment & Incident Management 

• Lead the identification, assessment, and mitigation of workplace hazards and environmental risks. 

• Conduct and facilitate risk assessments for operations, projects, equipment, and process changes. 

• Investigate EHS incidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions to determine root causes and implement corrective and preventive actions.  

• Monitor safety performance indicators and recommend improvement actions. 

Fire Protection & Emergency Response 

• Act as the site subject matter expert for fire protection and fire prevention programs. 

• Manage fire safety systems, evacuation processes, and emergency preparedness activities. 

• Coordinate the Emergency Response Team and ensure appropriate training, readiness, and effectiveness. 

• Plan and lead emergency drills and exercises while collaborating with external emergency services and authorities as required. 

Construction and Contractor Safety Management 

• Lead Construction and Contractor Safety programme and ensure compliance with site EHS requirements. 

• Review and approve RAMS, construction phase plans and associated EHS projects documentation.  

• Oversee the Permit-to-Work system and ensure effective implementation. 

• Conduct contractor onboarding, inspections, audits, and performance reviews. 

• Ensure contractors understand and comply with all applicable safety requirements. 

Training & Awareness 

• Develop and deliver EHS training programs for employees, contractors, and managers in the area of expertise. 

• Promote EHS awareness through workshops, safety campaigns, and communications. 

EHS Management System & Compliance 

• Contribute to the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the EHS Management System. 

• Support regulatory inspections, internal audits, and external audits. 

• Ensure compliance with applicable EHS legislation, regulations, and company standards. 

• Maintain accurate EHS records, documentation, and reporting systems. 

Qualifications & Experience 

Education 

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Environmental Science, Health & Safety, Engineering, Fire Protection, or related discipline. 

• Professional certifications in occupational safety and health (Specialist STPS) and  fire protection (AEAI) are highly desirable. 

Experience 

• 3 years of experience in an EHS role within a manufacturing, industrial, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemical, or similarly highly regulated environment. 

• Strong experience in risk assessment, incident investigation, and safety program implementation. 

• Experience managing emergency response programs and fire protection activities. 

• Experience overseeing contractor safety and construction safety/permit-to-work systems. 

Technical Skills 

• Strong knowledge of Swiss EHS regulations and best practices. 

• Strong knowledge of contractor management and construction safety practices. 

• Expertise in safety hazard identification, risk assessment, and incident investigation methodologies. 

• Familiarity with EHS management systems and audit processes. 

• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. 

Languages 

• Fluent French and good working knowledge of English. 

Key Competencies 

• Strong leadership and influencing skills 

• Excellent communication and coaching abilities 

• Ability to build effective relationships across all levels of the organization 

• Proactive and solution-oriented mindset 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 

• Ability to remain calm and effective during emergencies and high-pressure situations 

• Resilient and able to work efficiently in complex environments 

• Results-oriented and commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence 

What You'll Bring 

You are a hands-on experienced EHS professional with a passion for protecting people and the environment. You thrive in operational environments, enjoy working closely with managers and employees, and are motivated by driving safety culture, compliance, and continuous improvement across the organization.

Base Salary Range: CHF 105'300 – CHF 144'760 / Jahr

Benefits

• Generous Time Off: 28 paid days off.
• Health & Wellbeing: Sport/Fitness membership contribution, on site cafeteria, medical annual check-ups starting at age 50, financial support and preventive health care insurance support for preventive healthcare.
• Family Support: Paid leave for maternity, paternity, and adoption, along with dedicated spaces for nursing mothers.
• Career Development: Access to a Learning Catalog, language courses, and opportunities for internal and international mobility.
• Transportation & Eco-Benefits: Contributions for public transport, incentives for e-biking, and on-site charging stations for electric vehicles. Regular on-site gardening and massages activities.