Role Overview

The Deputy Manager EH&S will be responsible for driving end-to-end Process Safety Management (PSM) implementation, regulatory compliance, and organizational safety leadership in line with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119 and global safety standards (NFPA, API, IEC 61511). This role demands a proven leader who can integrate risk management, engineering controls, safety audits, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure operational excellence, zero incidents, and a proactive safety culture.

Key Responsibilities

Process Safety Management (PSM) & Risk Control

- Lead the implementation, auditing, and continuous improvement of PSM elements across the organization.

- Conduct advanced Process Hazard Analyses (PHA) including HAZOP, FMEA, What-If, and LOPA methodologies.

- Ensure timely risk mitigation and closure of PHA recommendations with accountability tracking.

- Drive mechanical integrity programs for critical equipment ensuring operational reliability and safety.

- Lead root cause investigations for process-related incidents (fires, chemical releases, near misses, and explosions).

Safety Engineering & Technical Governance

- Review P&IDs, equipment layouts, and process flow diagrams (PFDs) to identify safety risks and recommend inherently safer designs.

- Oversee chemical process safety testing (DSC, RC, TSu, powder safety studies) and integrate findings into risk assessments.

- Develop and enforce engineering controls for hazardous materials handling and chemical storage.

- Provide technical leadership in implementing fire and explosion prevention strategies.

Leadership, Compliance & Audits

- Act as second-in-command to the EHS Corporate Head, ensuring alignment with corporate safety strategy and compliance goals.

- Facilitate internal & external PSM/EHS audits, risk assessments, and inspections to meet regulatory and international safety standards.

- Lead EHS awareness and competency-building programs, including structured PSM training for employees and contractors.

- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Engineering, R&D, Manufacturing, QA/QC, Maintenance) to ensure EHS integration in projects and scale-ups.

- Support regulatory compliance audits and ensure documentation readiness for inspections.

Strategic Safety Management

- Champion a risk-based decision-making culture across business units.

- Drive continuous improvement initiatives in safety management systems (SMS).

- Provide management reports and dashboards to senior leadership on EHS KPIs, leading/lagging indicators, and risk trends.

- Influence design and project teams to adopt inherently safer design and sustainable practices.

Qualifications & Skills

Education:

- Bachelors / Masters degree in Chemical Engineering (mandatory).

- MBA from a top college is a plus

Certifications (preferred):

- Certified Safety Professional (CSP) / OSHA 30-Hour / PSM certification / Post Diploma in Industrial Safety (PDIS).

Experience:

- Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical / chemical / process industries, with deep exposure to PSM and EHS frameworks.

- Demonstrated expertise in process chemistry, hazardous chemical management, fire & explosion prevention strategies.

Core Competencies:

- Strong command over international safety standards (OSHA, NFPA, API, IEC 61511).

- Proficiency in safety analysis tools (PHA software, incident investigation tools).

- Exceptional leadership, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.

- Ability to translate technical risk data into strategic business decisions.

- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making ability.