Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Manager
Location: Sawmill & Wood Processing Facility
Reporting To: General Manager
Employees on Site: Approximately 70
Salary : €50k - €60k
Laois Sawmills
. Based on the outskirts of Portlaoise , Laois Sawmills is Sawmill and wood pellet plant , processing 120,000 tonnes of logs annually while producing 30000 tonnes of pellets. Set on a 30 acres site, this is an automated process where the safety of our 70 staff is paramount,. We are currently in the process of sourcing an EHS manager . please see details of role below.
Purpose of the Role
The EHS Manager is responsible for leading and continuously improving all Environmental, Health and Safety activities across the sawmill, wood pellet plant, and fencing production line. The role ensures full compliance with all relevant Irish legislation, EPA licence requirements, company policies and industry best practice while promoting a strong safety culture throughout the business.
The successful candidate will work closely with Operations Manager and employees to reduce risk, prevent accidents, maintain environmental compliance and support operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Health & Safety Management
- Develop, implement and maintain the company's Health & Safety Management System.
- Ensure compliance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act and associated regulations.
- Conduct regular risk assessments and ensure appropriate control measures are implemented.
- Lead accident, incident and near-miss investigations and ensure corrective actions are completed.
- Monitor workplace safety performance through audits, inspections and KPI reporting.
- Manage contractor safety and permit-to-work systems.
- Develop and deliver safety training programmes and toolbox talks.
- Coordinate emergency response procedures, fire safety systems and evacuation drills.
- Chair Safety Committee meetings and drive employee engagement in safety initiatives.
- Ensure machinery guarding, lockout/tagout procedures and safe systems of work are maintained across all departments.
Environmental Management
- Manage compliance with the site's EPA licence and all environmental obligations.
- Ensure compliance with emissions, dust, noise, wastewater, stormwater and waste management requirements.
- Coordinate environmental monitoring, sampling and reporting activities.
- Liaise with the Environmental Protection Agency and other regulatory bodies.
- Maintain environmental records and submit statutory reports within required deadlines.
- Lead environmental improvement initiatives focused on sustainability, waste reduction and energy efficiency.
- Manage spill prevention, containment and environmental incident response programmes.
Operational Support
- Work closely with Production &, Maintenance teams to improve safety and environmental performance.
- Support continuous improvement programmes across the sawmill, pellet plant and fencing line.
- Assist management in achieving operational and sustainability objectives.
Auditing & Compliance
- Develop and implement annual EHS audit programmes.
- Develop and perform tool box talks to ensure all our staff are trained and aware of their surroundings
- Conduct internal compliance audits and coordinate external audits.
- Monitor legal compliance and communicate regulatory changes to management.
- Prepare monthly EHS reports for senior management.
- Maintain all EHS documentation and records.
Key Areas of Responsibility
The EHS Manager will have responsibility for Safety and compliance throughout
- Automated sawmill operations
- Log yard and timber handling areas
- Wood pellet manufacturing plant
- Timber treatment operations
- Fencing production line
- Maintenance workshops
- Vehicle and forklift operations
- Waste and environmental management systems
- EPA licence compliance
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Degree or Diploma in Environmental Health & Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering or related discipline.
- Minimum 5 years' EHS experience in manufacturing, timber processing, heavy industry or a similar industrial environment.
- Strong knowledge of Irish Health & Safety legislation.
- Experience managing environmental compliance programmes.
- Experience conducting accident investigations and risk assessments.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and EHS reporting systems.
Key Competencies
- Strong leadership and influencing skills.
- Hands on and driven
- Excellent organisational ability.
- High attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and drive improvement.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Effective trainer and communicator.
- Ability to engage positively with employees at all levels.
Pay: €50,133.05-€65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Bike to work scheme
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
