QEHS Manager

Company Description

Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a globally leading position in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protection in the building sector and industrial manufacturing. Sika has subsidiaries in 102 countries around the world and, in over 400 factories, produces innovative technologies for customers worldwide. In doing so, it plays a crucial role in enabling the transformation of the construction and transportation sector toward greater environmental compatibility. With more than 34,000 employees, the company generated sales of CHF 11.76 billion in 2024.

Job Description

Quality Management Systems

• Lead the implementation, maintenance and continual improvement of the Integrated Management System (IMS) across all manufacturing plants.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 50001 and IATF 16949 requirements.
• Plan, coordinate and lead internal audits, external audits, customer audits and certification audits.
• Facilitate Management Review meetings and drive closure of corrective and preventive actions.
• Monitor quality performance indicators and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with customer-specific requirements and corporate quality standards.

Environment, Health & Safety Management

• Develop and implement QEHS policies, procedures and standards in alignment with corporate and regional requirements.
• Ensure compliance with all occupational health, safety and environmental regulations applicable to company operations.
• Lead risk assessments, environmental aspect evaluations, hazard identification and control programs.
• Investigate incidents, accidents, near misses and environmental events, ensuring effective corrective actions are implemented.
• Oversee emergency response, business continuity and crisis management programs, including periodic drills and testing.
• Promote a proactive safety culture through employee engagement and operational leadership.

Product Stewardship & Regulatory Compliance

• Manage Product Stewardship activities to ensure compliance with local and regional chemical and product regulations (For Trading Products).
• Oversee Safety Data Sheet (SDS) management, chemical inventory control and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Support product compliance initiatives and customer product stewardship inquiries.
• Monitor legal and regulatory changes and ensure timely implementation of compliance actions.

Government & External Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary representative with government authorities and regulatory agencies regarding Quality, Environment, Health and Safety matters.
• Ensure all permits, licenses and statutory registrations are obtained, maintained and renewed as required.
• Coordinate environmental monitoring activities and regulatory reporting submissions.
• Maintain positive relationships with regulatory bodies, customers, auditors and external stakeholders.

Regional & Corporate Coordination

• Coordinate with Regional QEHS teams regarding company performance reporting, KPI management and strategic initiatives.
• Prepare and submit monthly, quarterly and annual reports relating to Quality, Environment, Health, Safety, Energy and Product Stewardship.
• Ensure implementation of regional and corporate QEHS policies, standards and best practices.
• Support regional projects, audits, assessments and improvement programs.

Training & Competency Development

• Establish annual QEHS training plans and competency development programs.
• Conduct and coordinate mandatory training programs including:
  • QEHS Orientation
  • ISO/IATF Awareness
  • Risk Assessment
  • Emergency Response
  • Fire Fighting and Fire Drills
  • Environmental Awareness
  • Contractor Safety Management
  • Regulatory Compliance Training
• Monitor training effectiveness and compliance with legal and corporate requirements.

Budget & Resource Management

• Develop, manage and control the annual QEHS departmental budget.
• Plan and manage expenditures related to:
  • PPE
  • Safety Programs
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Emergency Response Equipment
  • Fire Drills
  • Training Activities
  • Product Stewardship Programs
  • Regulatory Compliance Activities
  • Certification and Surveillance Audits
  • CSR / Sustainability Activities
• Monitor spending performance and identify opportunities for cost optimization.

Multi-Site QEHS Leadership

• Provide QEHS leadership and governance across three manufacturing plants.
• Standardize QEHS systems, procedures and best practices across all sites.
• Conduct regular site visits, inspections and management reviews to ensure compliance and consistent implementation.
• Monitor site performance through KPIs and drive corrective actions where required.
• Support plant management teams in achieving QEHS objectives and continuous improvement targets.
• Travel regularly between plant locations to provide leadership, support and operational oversight.

People Management

• Lead, coach and develop QEHS personnel.
• Set departmental objectives, KPIs and development plans.
• Conduct performance evaluations and succession planning activities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and teamwork.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Occupational Health & Safety, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering or related discipline.
• Master's Degree is an advantage.
• Lead Auditor certification for ISO Management Systems is preferred.
• Professional certifications in Safety, Environment or Quality Management are an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of experience in manufacturing operations, preferably in chemical, automotive or related industries.
• Minimum 5 years in a managerial QEHS leadership role.
• Strong working knowledge of:
  • ISO 9001
  • ISO 14001
  • ISO 45001
  • ISO 50001
  • IATF 16949
  • Product Stewardship requirements
• Experience managing multi-site manufacturing operations.
• Experience dealing with government authorities, external auditors and certification bodies.
• Proven experience in budget management and strategic planning.
• Experience working within a regional or multinational organization.

Technical Competencies

• Integrated Management Systems (IMS)
• Quality Management & Continuous Improvement
• Environmental Management & Sustainability
• Occupational Health & Safety Management
• Product Stewardship & Chemical Compliance
• Regulatory Affairs & Government Liaison
• Risk Assessment & Incident Investigation
• Energy Management Systems
• Audit Management
• Budget Planning & Cost Management

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Leadership & People Development
• Change Management
• Stakeholder Management
• Project Management
• Communication & Influencing Skills
• Decision Making & Problem Solving

Multi-Site Operations Leadership

Additional Information

We offer competitive salaries, aligned with local market benchmarks and the specific scope and responsibilities of each role. Compensation is determined based skills relevant to the position, education and/or training. We are committed to fair and equitable pay practices in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.