Health, Safety & Environment Lead

Job Introduction

Job Introduction

Thanks for checking out our vacancy, we're delighted you want to learn more about Dechra!

Dechra are a growing, global specialist within the world of veterinary pharmaceuticals. Our expertise is in the development, manufacture, marketing and sales of high quality products exclusively for veterinarians worldwide.

Here at Dechra, our values are embedded within our culture and thrive within our family of almost 3000 colleagues globally. From manufacturing to marketing, (D)edication, (E)njoyment, (C)ourage, (H)onesty, (R)elationships and (A)mbition are at the heart of our everyday operations and the way we do business.

The Opportunity

At Dechra, we're passionate about supporting animal health through the development, manufacture and supply of veterinary pharmaceuticals. We're looking for an experienced Site Health, Safety & Sustainability Lead to champion our safety culture and drive meaningful sustainability outcomes at our Somersby manufacturing site.

This is a high-impact role where you'll lead all aspects of health, safety, environmental compliance and sustainability, helping create a workplace where our people thrive and operations are conducted safely, responsibly and sustainably.

As the Site Health, Safety & Sustainability Lead, you'll provide leadership and operational oversight across all HSS activities for our Somersby facility. You'll partner closely with site leaders, employees and global stakeholders to ensure compliance, drive continuous improvement and embed a culture of Zero Harm.

You'll also play a key role in advancing Dechra's sustainability agenda through initiatives that reduce environmental impact and improve resource efficiency.

Main Responsibilities

So, what will you be doing? This role has a broad and varied remit and the successful candidate will have responsibility for duties including:

• Lead and promote a proactive safety culture across the site.

• Ensure compliance with Australian WHS legislation, regulations, codes of practice and relevant standards.

• Implement and maintain Dechra's global Health, Safety and Sustainability standards and policies.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance workplace safety and environmental performance.

• Lead incident investigations, identify root causes and ensure effective corrective and preventive actions are implemented.

• Manage regulatory reporting and notifications, including engagement with SafeWork NSW where required.

• Oversee chemical management processes, ensuring safe handling, storage and compliance.

• Lead waste management and environmental compliance programs, including management of pharmaceutical and hazardous waste streams.

• Drive sustainability initiatives focused on carbon reduction, waste minimisation, energy efficiency and water conservation.

• Support audits, inspections and regulatory requirements within a GMP-regulated manufacturing environment.

• Monitor HSS performance through reporting, analysis and the development of meaningful site KPIs.

Ideal Candidate

You'll be a hands-on safety professional who enjoys influencing stakeholders, driving change and building strong relationships across all levels of an organisation.

We're particularly keen to hear from those who have:

• Degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline (highly regarded)

• Diploma in Work Health & Safety (minimum requirement).

• Significant HSE leadership experience within a manufacturing, pharmaceutical, FMCG or similarly regulated environment.

• Strong knowledge of Australian and NSW WHS legislation and environmental compliance requirements.

• Experience leading incident investigations, risk management programs and compliance activities.

• Demonstrated success influencing leaders and employees to improve safety performance and culture.

• Strong stakeholder management, communication and problem-solving skills.

• Certification as an OHS Professional through AIHS or equivalent (highly regarded)

• Experience within GMP, pharmaceutical, biotechnology or healthcare manufacturing environments (highly regarded)

• Exposure to sustainability programs and environmental reporting initiatives (highly regarded)

The Benefits

At Dechra we pride ourselves on diversity and inclusion and this role provides the right candidate with the opportunity to work as part of a highly engaged and passionate team of people.

We offer:

• A competitive remuneration (based on experience)

• Employee assistance program

• Wellbeing & product benefits

• Sustainability & Community initiatives

• 9 day fortnight for all full time employees

About Your Application

All applications received are reviewed by our internal talent acquisition team and we will get in touch if your skills and experience match what we’re looking for.