Associate Director, Environmental, Occupational Health & Safety (EMEA)
Optum is a global organisation that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
About the Role:
This role is responsible for implementing and overseeing UHG EMEA H&S strategies across UHG EMEA sites, through continuous risk management, prevention, and promotion of H&S practices in EMEA, reporting to the International EOHS leader.
The role requires a strong understanding of EMEA health and safety regulations, compliance requirements, and best industry practices, primarily for both Ireland and the UK. The individual must be capable of driving a proactive culture of safety excellence throughout EMEA, considering business growth and adapting to changing circumstances.
Experience in leading and developing a H&S team, implementing and monitoring robust safety programs, and collaborating with stakeholders to ensure compliance with H&S policies and programs is essential. The position is based in Dublin, covering primary EMEA locations within Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Travel
At least 25% travel is required between Ireland and UK sites. The individual must have a valid driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle.
Working Arrangements
This is a full-time position with standard working hours of Monday to Friday. Individuals will be required to be onsite at minimum four days per week, with up to one day working remotely. Occasional after-work hours may be required to support emergency response and operational needs.
Primary Responsibilities of the Associate Director, EOHS (EMEA):

• Define and execute EMEA H&S objectives and programs in line with country, organizational, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead and develop the EMEA H&S team, ensuring professional growth and goal achievement.
• Implement and update health and safety policies, procedures, and programs specific to EMEA UHG sites, ensuring compliance with EOHS standards and legislation.
• Conduct and maintain risk assessments across all EMEA sites, mitigating hazards and ensuring compliance.
• Develop protocols for emergency response, incident and near-miss reporting, investigation, and corrective actions.
• Track and report H&S performance metrics and KPIs, benchmarking against standards.
• Manage resources and budgets to support compliance requirements.
• Create and deliver safety training programs to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Foster a proactive safety culture and promote hazard recognition and preventative initiatives.
• Maintain relationships with regulatory agencies and industry bodies to ensure compliance and influence improvements.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to foster a shared commitment to safety excellence.
• Provide H&S expertise and mentorship to internal stakeholders and H&S teams.

Required Qualifications of the Associate Director, EOHS (EMEA):

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental, Occupational Health and Safety, a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Extensive experience managing H&S programs, including H&S management system development, emergency response planning, accident management, and risk assessment.
• Demonstrated experience managing and developing a H&S team.
• Strong knowledge of EMEA health and safety legislation, regulations, standards, and best practices.
• Strong decision-making skills, particularly in situations involving health and safety risks/incident management.
• Excellent communication, leadership, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Valid driver’s license with access to a personal vehicle and ability to travel approximately 25% of the time to EMEA (Ireland and UK) site locations.
• Ability to be on-site four out of five days per week.

Preferred Qualifications of the Associate Director, EOHS (EMEA):

• Professional certifications in health and safety (e.g., IOSH, NEBOSH).
• Experience with relevant H&S standards such as ISO 14001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management System.

Please note you must currently be eligible to work and remain indefinitely without any restrictions in the country to which you are making an application. Proof will be required to support your application.
All telecommuters will be required to adhere to the United Health Group’s Telecommuter Policy.
At United Health Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone–of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income–deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalised groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes — an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.
Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: United Health Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. United Health Group is a drug-free workplace. © 2024 United Health Group. All rights reserved.