Site SHE Manager (all genders)

Melbourne, Australia   |   full time   |   Job ID: 7622 

BioNTech is establishing an mRNA research and manufacturing facility in Melbourne based on its modular mRNA manufacturing approach called BioNTainers that will support R&D and the evaluation of mRNA vaccine candidates in clinical trials in Australia, with the aim of strengthening Australia’s mRNA ecosystem.  

In this exciting role, the Site SHE Manager will be responsible for implementing and overseeing safety protocols and procedures to ensure a secure and healthy work environment for employees and visitors at our Innovation Center and R&D & GMP Manufacturing Facility. The role will be crucial in ensuring legally compliant and secure handling of hazards, along with the associated monitoring of workstations in accordance with the hazmat directive, environmental protection, health protection, and occupational safety directives.   

Your main responsibilities: 

• Lead the implementation of Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE) programs and protocols to minimize employee exposure to workplace stressors at the facility level. These programs include but are not limited to:  occupational health and safety, industrial hygiene, chemical safety, risk management, environmental permitting and compliance, sustainability, ergonomics, and illness and injury prevention.  

• Develop and implement environmental and sustainability strategies in alignment with BioNTech’s policies.

• Compare planned Designs and Processes to Australia SHE standards/norms e.g., Workplace Guidelines, storage of hazard materials, escape routes. 

• Ensure that all activities are completed in compliance with governing GMP, manufacturing, environmental, and safety instructions and directives, while also observing compliance with GxP.  

• Review and coordinate site compliance management with regulatory standards, insurance requirements and SHE policies and procedures (local and corporate).  Provide regular updates of progress on SHE key performance indicators. 

• Collaborate with all departments, safety, health, and environmental action organizations, and perform SHE processes for BioNTech’s local Australia sites.   Support in local environmental management and supervision of inspections in independent project implementation. 

• Close cooperation with global SHE Experts.

• Serve as a liaison with regulatory agencies, external auditors, and other stakeholders on SHE matters. 

• Communicate regularly with site leadership to provide updates on SHE performance, initiatives, and challenges. 

• Manage site emergency response plans and procedures; keep updated and ensure appropriate exercises/drills are conducted.  Lead site emergency response team and act as an emergency response coordinator. 

• Support the set-up of logistics processes including the handling of raw materials and hazardous goods, ensuring compliance with work safety protocols, proper use of work clothing and safety gear, and the optimization of working routes in the warehouse. 

• Set up plans for local employees to follow-up SHE requirements (e.g. working instructions).  

• Specialist workforce support for internal and external matters related to SHE issues, predominantly related to occupational safety (as a subject matter expert for occupational safety), but also for health protection, environmental protection, waste disposal, gas monitoring, explosion prevention, etc.  

• Support the coordination for in-house employees with safety functions (safety representatives, first responders, and fire protection assistants). 

• Perform and update job-specific, safety-relevant training and instruction team.  

• Provide SHE input to hazard assessments, risk analysis, and operating procedures.  

• Oversee resources and safety processes in place for high-risk activities, including a work permit system, contractor management, construction management (SHE by Design), and in-person safety inspections.  

• Outline a robust process for registration of raw materials in an internal database. 

What you have to offer: 

Education:  

• Successfully completed an MSc academic degree in engineering, life sciences, or business engineering (or comparable qualification)   

Professional experience: 

• 7+ years of experience in the field of occupational safety / SHE management 

• Experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech, or related industry 

• Experiences in environmental protection (e.g., waste management officer, water protection) 

• Profound technical knowledge in building solutions 

• Working knowledge with all relevant local Victorian state and federal regulatory requirements (e.g. Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004) 

Other requirements: 

• Practical experience with SHE management systems/Occupational Safety (ISO 45001/14001/50001)  

• Constructive work habits, flexibility, solution orientation, job ownership, quality awareness, and exceptional planning and organizational skills  

• Project management experience and advanced communication skills  

• Knowledge with GMP-compliant documentation desired  

• Detail-oriented with a commitment to continuous improvement and proactive hazard identification 

• Application of common MS Office tools  

Languages: 

• Good written and verbal English proficiency  

Competencies: 

• A self-starter with ability to work independently, deal with ambiguity with strong problem-solving skills 

• Exemplary communication and stakeholder management skills 

• Ability to be agile and collaborative in a dynamic, cross-functional international environment  

• High degree of conscientiousness and diligence  

• Constructive work habits, flexibility, solution orientation, job ownership, quality awareness, and very good planning and organizational skills in a fast-paced environment 

• Sense of ownership and honesty (proactive handling of errors)  

• Ability to thrive in an environment of rapid growth and be able to adapt to change 

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess risk, analyze data, and develop effective solutions 

Your Benefits:

BioNTech is committed to the wellbeing of our team members and offers a variety of benefits in support of our diverse employee base. We offer competitive remuneration packages which is determined by the specific role, location of employment and also the selected candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Note: The availability, eligibility and design of the listed benefits may vary depending on the location. The final requirements for the individual use of our benefits are based on the company's internal policies and applicable law.

How to apply:

Apply now by sending us your application documents including Curriculum Vitae, copy of ID, copies of degree certificates and professional certificates, motivation letter as well as your contact details via our online form.

Please note:

Only applications sent via our online form shall be considered. By submitting your application, you acknowledge that a background check will be conducted as part of the recruitment process in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. If you are considered for the position, BioNTech will conduct the background check through our service provider ‘HireRight’. You will be informed accordingly by your Recruiter.

We are looking forward receiving your application.