Senior EHS and Security Compliance Specialist – Onsite in Etna, OH

Optum is a global organization 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. 

The Senior EHS & Security Compliance Specialist will oversee the development and implementation of comprehensive Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) programs and security policies to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, protect personnel, and safeguard company assets. This role will focus on fostering a culture of safety and security while integrating EHS and security requirements into the daily operations of the pharmaceutical wholesale facility.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS):
  • Contribute to the development, implementation, and maintenance of EHS policies, programs, and procedures in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations (e.g., OSHA, EPA)
  • Collaborate with corporate on required programs, training, and reporting for pharmaceutical wholesale distribution
  • Conduct regular risk assessments, audits, and inspections to identify and mitigate safety and environmental hazards
  • Establish training programs to ensure employee awareness and compliance with EHS wholesale distribution standards
  • Coordinate required training with 3^rd party vendors
  • Monitor and manage waste disposal, handling hazardous materials, and environmental protection initiatives
  • Investigate incidents and accidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions
  • Prepare and submit regulatory reports and maintain compliance records
  • Facilitate cadenced safety committee meetings
• Security Management:
  • Coordinate security protocols with corporate to protect personnel, facilities, and sensitive assets
  • Ensure compliance with industry standards, including DEA and FDA requirements for pharmaceutical storage and distribution
  • Coordinate security systems and technology, including access control, surveillance, and alarm systems
  • Conduct internal audits and risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities
  • Update/ modify security-related training and awareness programs for employees
• Leadership and Collaboration:
  • Partner with leadership to integrate EHS and security priorities into organizational strategy
  • Act as a resource for employees and management on EHS and security matters
  • Lead and direct emergency preparedness and response planning for the facility
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Quality Assurance, Operations, and Compliance, to ensure alignment with company objectives

You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), Security, and/or related roles within a regulated industry such as pharmaceutical distribution, healthcare, manufacturing, or logistics
• Experience managing EHS and/or security programs, including risk assessments, training, audits, and incident investigations
• Experience supporting or participating in regulatory audits (FDA, DEA, State Board of Pharmacy) and implementing Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA)
• Experience developing, implementing, and improving EHS and security policies, procedures, and training programs
• Experience with change management in collaboration with leadership to drive a culture of safety and compliance
• Experience in recordkeeping, audit readiness, and compliance reporting
• Solid knowledge of OSHA, EPA, FDA, and DEA regulations
• Familiarity with security technology such as access control systems, surveillance equipment (CCTV), and alarm systems
• Physical ability to be in a stationary position, move, and inspect warehouse or production areas wearing PPE and occasional moving of objects weighing up to 25 pounds

Preferred Qualifications:

• EHS or safety certification such as Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM), or Occupational Health and Safety Technician (OHST)
• Certified Protection Professional (CPP) or Physical Security Professional (PSP) certification
• Experience in a Quality Assurance (QA) environment with knowledge of Good Distribution Practices (GDP)
• Experience handling compliance requirements related to Controlled Substances (e.g., DEA inspections, reporting, and recordkeeping)
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement initiatives to enhance EHS and security performance
• Team leadership or supervisory experience
• Knowledge of emergency response planning and business continuity planning (BCP) principles
• Familiarity with Environmental Management Systems (EMS) and EHS management software

Key Competencies:

• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Proactive mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement
• Ability to influence and inspire teams to achieve EHS and security objectives

At UnitedHealth 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 marginalized 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: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employers and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.   

UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.