Construction Safety Lead - Pharmaceutical Capital Projects

Job Description

Job Description

Visium Resources has been asked to identify qualified candidates for this Construction Safety Lead - Pharmaceutical Capital Projects position. This position is a direct hire opportunity which is expected to be on-site in Kankakee, IL.

Summary

The client project team is looking to source an experienced Construction Safety Manager. The Construction Safety Manager will be a fully on site position that supports all aspect of the project execution, with a focus on Design, Construction, and Future Operation Safety

Construction Safety Lead - Roles & Responsibilities:

The Construction Safety Lead is responsible for ensuring that all construction activities within a major biopharmaceutical facility capital project are executed in compliance with Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) regulations, industry best practices, and company policies. This role plays a critical part in protecting workers, contractors, and the surrounding environment by enforcing safety protocols, mitigating risks, and fostering a strong safety culture throughout the construction phase.

Key Responsibilities of the Construction Safety Lead

1. Safety Strategy & Compliance Oversight

• Develop and implement the construction safety plan, ensuring alignment with local, national, and international safety regulations (e.g., OSHA, EPA, ISO 45001, and corporate EHS policies).
• Ensure that all construction activities comply with Good Construction Practices (GCP), permit-to-work systems, and site-specific safety standards.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies, auditors, and safety inspectors.

2. Risk Assessment & Hazard Management

• Conduct safety risk assessments (e.g., Job Hazard Analysis, Hazard and Operability Studies - HAZOP, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis - FMEA) for all construction activities.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate potential safety hazards, such as working at heights, confined spaces, hazardous materials, and heavy equipment operations.
• Establish and enforce Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and Energy Isolation procedures to prevent accidents during construction.

3. Contractor Safety Management

• Review and approve contractor EHS plans, training programs, and risk mitigation strategies before site mobilization.
• Conduct contractor safety orientations to ensure all workers understand site-specific safety protocols.
• Monitor contractor compliance through regular inspections, audits, and safety performance tracking.
• Enforce penalties or stop-work orders for non-compliance with safety policies.

4. Site Safety Inspections & Audits

• Conduct daily, weekly, and random safety inspections of the construction site to identify and correct unsafe conditions.
• Lead safety audits and work closely with project leadership to implement corrective actions.
• Ensure that all safety incidents, near misses, and violations are reported, investigated, and addressed through root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA).

5. Emergency Preparedness & Incident Response

• Develop and implement emergency response plans for fire, chemical spills, structural failures, and medical emergencies.
• Conduct emergency drills and coordinate with site security, medical teams, and local emergency responders.
• Ensure proper documentation and reporting of all incidents, including OSHA recordkeeping and company-specific reporting requirements.

6. Safety Training & Culture Development

• Develop and deliver safety training programs for construction workers, supervisors, and project managers.
• Promote a zero-incident safety culture by leading toolbox talks, safety stand-downs, and awareness campaigns.
• Encourage proactive reporting of hazards and implement worker feedback mechanisms to improve site safety.

7. Environmental & Occupational Health Oversight

• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, including waste disposal, air quality, water management, and hazardous material handling.
• Implement industrial hygiene programs to monitor noise, air quality, and exposure to hazardous substances.
• Work with the broader EHS team to integrate construction safety with overall site environmental and health policies.

8. Project Handover & Safety Lessons Learned

• Ensure that as-built safety documentation, risk assessments, and incident reports are compiled for project closeout.
• Conduct post-construction safety reviews to evaluate lessons learned and apply improvements for future projects.
• Support the transition from construction safety protocols to operational safety procedures as the facility moves into commissioning and startup phases.

Ideal Candidate Background

Industries

Strong preference for candidates from:

• Pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Biotechnology
• Life sciences

Experience

• 10+ years EHS experience
• 5+ years construction safety leadership
• Capital project experience exceeding $25M
• Contractor safety management
• Incident investigation and root cause analysis
• Permit-to-work administration
• Fall protection programs
• Emergency response planning

Certifications

Required or strongly preferred:

• OSHA 30 Construction
• OSHA 500 or 510
• CHST (Construction Health & Safety Technician)
• CSP (Certified Safety Professional)
• ASP (Associate Safety Professional)
• First Aid / CPR

Preferred Education

• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety, Safety Engineering, Environmental Health & Safety, or Engineering.

Visium Resources is an award-winning employment firm with a mission to match talented individuals with highly successful organizations. At Visium, our company’s success is based on your success. When you work with us, you are never “just a number”. You are our most important asset. Here, you will know us by name through our regular visits to client sites and even occasional luncheons. We will always be there when you need assistance and will always go the extra mile to ensure that you are as successful as possible. Whether you're looking for contract, contract-to-hire or permanent opportunities, we firmly believe there is no employment agency that will work harder for you than Visium. Visium Resources is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit and business need.

Company Description

Visium Resources is an award-winning employment firm with a mission to match talented individuals with highly successful organizations. At Visium, our company’s success is based on your success. When you work with us, you are never “just a number”. You are our most important asset. Here, you will know us by name through our regular visits to client sites and even occasional luncheons. We will always be there when you need assistance and will always go the extra mile to ensure that you are as successful as possible. Whether you're looking for contract, contract-to-hire or permanent opportunities, we firmly believe there is no employment agency that will work harder for you than Visium. Visium Resources is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit and business need.