EHS Specialist

Abbott Laboratories; Ireland; On-site; EUR 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global healthcare leader in Ireland is seeking an EHS Specialist for its Engineering Department to ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety legislation. Responsibilities include developing and managing EHS programs, conducting risk assessments, and promoting safety culture across the site. The ideal candidate should hold a degree in Environmental Science, Health & Safety, or Chemical Engineering, with 1-5 years of experience in a regulated environment. Strong communication skills and knowledge of EHS legislation are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year, ideally 3–5 years of EHS experience in regulated manufacturing.
• Experience with ISO 45001 and ISO 14001.
• Proven ability to produce clear and inclusive technical documentation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee EHS programs to ensure compliance.
• Design and maintain inclusive EHS training programs.
• Conduct EHS risk assessments and recommend hazard controls.

Skills

Knowledge of EHS legislation

Strong communication skills

Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Education

Degree in Environmental Science, Health & Safety, or Chemical Engineering

Job description

About Abbott

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals, and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Abbott serves the Irish market with a diverse range of healthcare products including diagnostics, medical devices, and nutritionals. In Ireland, Abbott employs over 6,000 people across ten sites. We have six manufacturing facilities located in Clonmel, Cootehill, Donegal, Longford, and Sligo, and a third-party manufacturing management operation in Sligo. Abbott also has commercial, support operations, and shared services in Dublin and Galway. We have been operating in Ireland since 1946.

Abbott Ireland Diagnostic Division – Longford

The Longford facility plays a key role in helping Abbott meet the increasing global demand for diagnostic testing in areas such as infectious disease, cancer, thyroid, and cardiovascular diseases.

Longford is located in the heart of Ireland’s midlands, surrounded by natural beauty including the River Shannon, Lough Ree, and the Royal Canal. The county offers a vibrant mix of communities, rich history, and a wide range of amenities, festivals, cultural events, sports, retail, and dining options.

We currently have an exciting role for an EHS Specialist in our Engineering Department and this position will involve the following:

Primary Function

The EHS Specialist plays a key role in ensuring compliance with all relevant environmental, health, and safety (EHS) legislation. This position supports the development and implementation of inclusive systems and procedures that enhance AIDD’s EHS performance. The role promotes awareness across the site and fosters a culture of continuous improvement, aligned with Abbott’s global EHS management standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and oversee EHS programs to ensure compliance with applicable legislation, company standards, and values.
• Design and maintain inclusive EHS training programs, including onboarding for new team members and refresher sessions for existing colleagues.
• Deliver EHS-related training across all levels of the organization.
• Maintain and audit the Environmental and Health & Safety Management System.
• Lead the incident management process, including root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and resolution.
• Conduct EHS risk assessments (e.g., biological, chemical, ergonomic, equipment, task-based) and recommend hazard controls.
• Coordinate and perform internal EHS audits and inspections, ensuring timely follow-up and closure of actions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in environmental management, including energy, water, and waste reduction.
• Implement and monitor the site’s waste management strategy to minimize environmental impact.
• Actively participate in EHS committees such as safety, waste, energy, and DGSA.
• Ensure contractor management complies with legislation and company standards.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with site-specific training requirements.

Education & Experience

• A degree in Environmental Science, Health & Safety, or Chemical Engineering with a minimum of 1 year, ideally 3–5 years, of experience in an EHS role, preferably within a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Experience working as an EHS Specialist or Subject Matter Expert (SME) within a pharmaceutical, chemical, or medical device manufacturing environment.
• Experience with ISO management systems, including ISO 45001 and ISO 14001.
• Strong knowledge of EHS legislation applicable to facilities operating in Ireland and Europe.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to produce clear and inclusive technical documentation.

Accountability

• Responsible for ensuring uninterrupted operation of facilities and utilities equipment across all areas of the plant.