Senior EHS Specialist (M/W/D)

This is an excellent opportunity to join the EMEA EHS team, working closely with production, office, and laboratory teams to support and strengthen our EHS standards, drive sustainability, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.

Safety is at the core of our culture. In this role, you will work collaboratively with colleagues at our Dortmund site to promote adherence to Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) standards. Together with key stakeholders, you will help identify priorities, foster an environment where people feel comfortable raising concerns, and support efforts to reduce EHS risks.

You will also contribute to European initiatives that encourage innovation and support high standards of performance.

Tasks

What will you do?

• Act as a key contact supporting the implementation of corporate EHS programs and systems
• Contribute to incident, near-miss, and hazard investigations, supporting root cause analysis and follow-up actions in line with company standards
• Conduct EHS audits and inspections and support the timely implementation of improvement actions
• Support occupational hygiene programs and related policies
• Contribute to the ongoing development and maintenance of EHS management systems (e.g., ISO 14001 and ISO 45001)
• Provide guidance, coaching, and training on EHS topics to support a positive safety culture
• Support the implementation of the corporate EHS online training system
• Assist in coordinating emergency preparedness activities on site
• Collaborate with the Regional EHS Manager, Engineering, Operations, and external partners to manage and reduce risks
• Support Management of Change (MOC) processes in cooperation with Operations and Engineering teams
• Contribute to EHS oversight of construction, demolition, and facility-related projects
• Coordinate external EHS service providers (e.g., audits, measurements, industrial hygiene assessments)
• Engage with regulatory authorities during inspections and support responses to inquiries
• Interpret regulatory requirements and support site leadership in addressing EHS-related topics
• Collaborate with EHS colleagues across the EMEA region, particularly within Germany

Requirements

What are we looking for?

Experience

• Experience in Environment, Health & Safety, ideally within a manufacturing or industrial environment (e.g., chemical, oil & gas, or food industries)

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of certifications, EHS training, and relevant experience
• Additional qualifications (e.g., Fachkraft für Arbeitssicherheit) are an advantage

Technical expertise

• Understanding of regional and national EHS regulations
• Familiarity with EHS standards such as ISO 14001 and ISO 45001
• Knowledge of product safety, chemical regulations, and associated management systems
• Awareness of process risk management practices
• Experience supporting incident analysis and corrective actions
• Ability to work with regulations related to hazardous materials, storage, and safety controls

Languages

• Professional proficiency in German and English (written and spoken)

IT skills

• Comfortable using MS Office, MS Teams, and O365, and open to learning new systems

Location

• Based within commuting distance of Dortmund (NRW)

Key skills and attributes

• Proactive and self-directed approach to work
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Practical and solution-oriented mindset with attention to detail
• Team-oriented approach with a focus on shared success
• Commitment to safety and continuous improvement

Experience

• Experience in Environment, Health & Safety, ideally within a manufacturing or industrial environment (e.g., chemical, oil & gas, or food industries)

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of certifications, EHS training, and relevant experience
• Additional qualifications (e.g., Fachkraft für Arbeitssicherheit) are an advantage

Technical expertise

• Understanding of regional and national EHS regulations
• Familiarity with EHS standards such as ISO 14001 and ISO 45001
• Knowledge of product safety, chemical regulations, and associated management systems
• Awareness of process risk management practices
• Experience supporting incident analysis and corrective actions
• Ability to work with regulations related to hazardous materials, storage, and safety controls

Languages

• Professional proficiency in German and English (written and spoken)

IT skills

• Comfortable using MS Office, MS Teams, and O365, and open to learning new systems

Location

• Based within commuting distance of Dortmund (NRW)

Key skills and attributes

• Proactive and self-directed approach to work
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Practical and solution-oriented mindset with attention to detail
• Team-oriented approach with a focus on shared success
• Commitment to safety and continuous improvement

Benefits

What do we offer?

• Pension scheme
• Company canteen
• “Dress for your day” policy
• Two paid volunteer days per year
• Access to QH University (500+ learning programs) and career development opportunities
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and recognition initiatives, including Women in Manufacturing, Next Gen, and PRIDE employee resource groups, as well as Global Giving and Impact Awards programs

Join a team where proactive initiatives are valued and expected.

Grow where your contributions will matter.

Who are we?

We are the global leader in industrial process fluids present in 40+ countries continually improving and innovating so the world’s steel, aluminum, automotive, aircraft, machinery and industrial parts manufacturers can stay ahead in a changing world. Throughout our 100+ locations, our chemists, engineers and industry experts partner with our customers to continually improve their operations so they can run even more efficiently, even more effectively, whatever comes next.

Our values: Live Safe, Exceed Customer Expectations, Drive Results, Embrace Diversity, Do Great Things Together, Act with Integrity.

Our core values embody who we are as a company, guide our decisions and inspire us. Our commitment to these values, in words and actions, builds a safer, stronger Quaker Houghton. They are the fundamental beliefs that guide our internal conduct and our relationship with the outside world.

Quaker Houghton is committed to equal employment opportunities and a workplace free of discrimination. Applications are welcome from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, gender identity, age, disability, ethnic origin, religion, or sexual orientation. In line with the EU Pay Transparency Directive, the salary range for this role is disclosed before the interview to support transparency and consistency in our hiring process. Candidates will not be asked about their salary history. Our company uses a structured job level and salary band framework to support objective and consistent compensation decisions.