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Head of ESHA & IGSM

Job ID: 41975  |  Location: Pratteln, Canton of Basel-Landschaft, Switzerland | Work Model: Hybrid 

 

As Head of ESHA & IGSM, you will own and drive Clariant's integrated Environment, Safety, Health & Affairs (ESHA) and Integrated Global Standards Management (IGSM) strategy covering a network of approximately 70 production sites worldwide. Reporting directly to the Chief Strategy & Technology Officer. This is a senior leadership role with global scope, overseeing a team of ~8 direct reports across global and site functions.


Responsibilities

  • Define and implement QESH strategy, mandatory global policies, standards, and improvement programs across all Clariant sites.
  • Own and continuously improve Clariant's Integrated Management System, including certification strategy and global Management Review processes.
  • Ensure compliance with key international standards including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 50001.
  • Steer global performance through risk-based audit planning, corrective action management, document control, and competence standards.
  • Drive a Zero Incident culture by leading occupational health & safety, process safety, environmental management, and emergency preparedness programs.
  • Govern insurance risk engineering across an asset portfolio of approximately CHF 5.7 billion in insurance replacement value, including property damage and business interruption assessments.
  • Manage environmental liabilities and remediation programs to ensure regulatory compliance and risk mitigation.
  • Lead and develop the global ESHA & IGSM organization and subject matter expert networks, driving capability building and digital transformation.
  • Ensure transparent ESHA reporting with auditable data to support management decisions and regulatory requirements.
  • Represent Clariant externally with certification bodies, insurers, regulatory authorities, and industry associations.

 

Requirements

  • Education: Master’s degree in chemical engineering, Environmental Science, Occupational Health & Safety, or a related technical discipline.
  • Experience: 10+ years of progressive ESHA experience, including significant leadership responsibility in a global or multi-site environment within the chemical or process industry.
  • Management Systems Expertise: In-depth knowledge of ISO-based management systems (ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, 50001) and international auditing practices.
  • Risk & Insurance Knowledge: Demonstrated experience in risk engineering, property damage/business interruption assessments, and insurance management.
  • Digital Proficiency: Hands-on experience with ESHA data management and digital platforms.
  • Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead and inspire large, internationally dispersed teams and build high-performing organizations.
  • Stakeholder Management: Strong ability to influence across functions and organizational levels, and to manage relationships with external authorities and industry partners.
  • Change Leadership: Track record of driving culture change, transformation programs, and capability development in complex organizations.
  • Business Acumen: Strategic mindset with the ability to translate ESHA objectives into business value and manage significant financial responsibilities.
  • Languages: Fluent in English; proficiency in additional languages is a distinct advantage.

 

Our Offer

  • Global Leadership Impact - Shape and drive ESHA strategy across Clariant's worldwide network of production sites.
  • High Visibility Role - Direct access to senior leadership as a direct report to the Chief Strategy & Technology Officer.
  • Innovation Driven Environment - Work within a company committed to sustainability, digital transformation, and continuous improvement.
  • Collaborative Culture - Join a diverse, international team of experts with a shared commitment to safety, quality, and environmental responsibility.
  • Sustainable Purpose - Contribute to a company whose mission centers on creating chemistry that drives sustainability and value for all stakeholders.
  • Competitive Compensation - Attractive remuneration package commensurate with the seniority and global scope of the role.

 

 

Your Contact

Wencke Leyens-Wiedau
Talent Acquisition Manager EMEA
Phone: +49 (0)69/305-80667
Germany

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Clariant is a Swiss-based global specialty chemicals company, which is concentrated and developed in three business units: Care Chemicals, Catalysts and Adsorbents & Additives. Our purpose as a company is reflected in our tagline "Greater chemistry - between people and planet", which considers the principles of customer, innovation and people orientation, as well as a focus on creating solutions to foster sustainability in different industries by offering high-value and high-performance chemical specialties.


At Clariant, we believe that diversity, equity and inclusion are essential to our success. We strive to cultivate a workplace where all employees feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. Our diverse workforce allows us to tap into a wealth of perspectives, experiences, and capabilities that drive innovation. We are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for professional growth and advancement across all levels of the organization, based on objective criteria and regardless of gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, protected veteran status, age, disability, sexual orientation or other aspects of diversity in accordance with the relevant governing laws. By bringing together talented individuals with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, we gain the agility to meet the evolving needs of our global customers and communities. Join our team to help advance our mission of fostering a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive. 

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