Associate Director, SHE (Safety, Health, Environmental)

AstraZeneca•Coppell, TX

About The Position

In this role, you will manage environmental programs and permits (e.g., RCRA, CAA, DOT), set leading safety metrics, build and deliver site-wide training, lead audits and corrective actions, and coordinate emergency preparedness. You’ll recruit, develop, and inspire a small team, influence cross-functional partners, and represent AZ on SHE matters with regulators and corporate stakeholders—advancing a culture of no hurt, harm, or alarm while enabling reliable, compliant supply of life-changing medicines. At AstraZeneca, you’ll shape a values-led culture that puts people, patients, and the planet first—turning bold science into real-world impact while growing your career with world‑class learning, wellbeing support, and inclusive teams. In Safety, Health & Environment, your expertise becomes a force multiplier: you protect colleagues, elevate operational excellence, and drive sustainability at scale so lifesaving medicines reach patients safely and responsibly.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Business, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
10+ years of relevant SHE experience
Proven leadership of SHE programs in complex industrial settings, including machinery/equipment risk assessments and implementation of effective controls
Resilient crisis management skills; able to lead through adverse events
Excellent written and verbal communication, strong presentation capability, and attentive listening across all levels
Sound judgment on escalation and stakeholder communication; track record of regulatory and corporate standards compliance, audits, and corrective actions
Experience designing and delivering SHE training for diverse site populations

Nice To Haves

Pharmaceutical and/or GMP manufacturing experience
Advanced degree and/or professional certifications (e.g., PE, REA, CHMM) or accredited certificate programs; 10 years total experience with 5+ in pharma
Experience presenting to regulators, senior leaders, and audit committees
Familiarity with air, water, and waste program management and permitting
Proficiency with digital EHS tools and data (e.g., Enablon, Velocity EHS, IH databases, Power BI/Tableau)
Experience leading culture change and employee engagement (safety committees, investigations, audits)

Responsibilities

Develop and track leading safety metrics to proactively identify potential safety improvements prior to incident occurrence.
Design, implement, and manage comprehensive SHE training programs for all personnel, including orientation sessions for new hires.
Ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements and AZ SHE standards by providing direct support to facility staff on relevant policies, procedures, work instructions, and training initiatives.
Manage all environmental programs related to air, water, and waste; oversee the acquisition and maintenance of required regulatory permits and licenses (e.g., RCRA, CAA, DEP, DOT, DNREC).
Supervise site SHE audits and ensure timely completion of corrective actions according to established deadlines.
Lead and coordinate emergency response functions, including strategy development, evacuation drills, and other preparedness measures.
Organize, lead, and participate in employee engagement activities supporting the SHE program, such as safety committees, accident investigation teams, and inspection/audit groups.