Construction EHS Executive [HR-15255]

Shirley Parsons is partnered with an industry-leading client seeking an experienced Construction EHS Executive to lead Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) initiatives for a major pharmaceutical campus construction project.

This role is based in Charlottesville, Virginia, and requires travel to project sites as needed.

The Construction EHS Executive will provide strategic EHS leadership throughout the development, construction, commissioning, and handover of a large-scale pharmaceutical campus. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience overseeing complex capital construction projects, specifically within pharmaceutical or life sciences environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive-level EHS leadership and strategic oversight throughout the development, construction, commissioning, and handover of a pharmaceutical campus.
• Develop and implement comprehensive construction EHS strategies, policies, and procedures aligned with project objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee EHS performance across all phases of the project, from initial design and site development through construction and commissioning.
• Lead contractor and subcontractor safety management, including onboarding, compliance audits, performance evaluations, and corrective actions.
• Oversee high-risk construction activities, including working at heights, electrical safety/LOTO, lifting operations, excavation, confined spaces, and hot work.
• Collaborate with engineering, construction, project management, and contractor leadership to identify risks and implement effective safety controls.
• Lead and develop project EHS teams while promoting a proactive safety culture across the project.
• Monitor regulatory compliance, conduct risk assessments, and drive continuous improvement in construction safety performance.
• Provide strategic EHS guidance to senior project leadership and key stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of construction EHS experience , including leadership responsibilities on large-scale capital construction projects.
• MUST have experience overseeing the development, construction, and commissioning of pharmaceutical campuses or facilities.
• Demonstrated experience managing EHS programs throughout the full lifecycle of complex construction projects.
• Strong knowledge of OSHA 29 CFR 1926, ANSI standards, and construction safety regulations.
• Professional safety certification such as CSP, ASP, CHST, SMS, or equivalent.
• Proven ability to manage contractor safety performance and oversee multiple construction workstreams.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Must be open and willing to travel to project sites as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Environmental Health & Safety, Occupational Safety, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience supporting large-scale pharmaceutical manufacturing, life sciences, or advanced manufacturing capital projects.
• Previous experience leading EHS strategy and execution for major capital construction programs.
• Experience working with executive leadership, engineering teams, and general contractors on complex construction projects.