Chemical Safety Manager

Bedford , United States

AI overview

Design and execute comprehensive safety strategies while managing regulatory compliance and fostering a proactive culture of safety and sustainability at Ocular Therapeutix.

Ocular Therapeutix, Inc. (NASDAQ:OCUL) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the formulation, development, and commercialization of innovative therapies for diseases and conditions of the eye using its proprietary bioresorbable hydrogel-based formulation technology, ELUTYX™. Ocular Therapeutix has built a robust product pipeline of drug delivery solutions developed to reduce the complexity and burden of the current standard of care and position itself to become a leader in the ophthalmic space.

Outside of the ophthalmic realm and behind the doors of our headquarters in Bedford, MA, we strive to build a strong culture where employees can flourish and achieve their career goals. We encourage out of the box thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and creativity.

Position Summary:

The Chemical Safety Manager is responsible for our chemical health and safety programs, ensuring the highest standards of regulatory compliance, workplace safety, and environmental oversight. In this role, you will design and execute comprehensive safety strategies, manage robust policy frameworks, and conduct robust risk assessments. In this key role at Ocular Therapeutix, you will ensure full adherence to local, state, and federal mandates while championing a proactive culture of safety and sustainability.

This is a new role at Ocular Therapeutix that will be initially reporting to the VP Global Quality.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

Strategy & Policy: Align chemical safety strategies and policies with business goals and regulatory requirements.

Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure EPA, MassDEP, and Town of Bedford Board of Health and Fire Department compliance. Conduct inspections, risk assessments, and incident investigations to mitigate hazards.  Responsible for renewal of annual flammable, chemical and hazardous material permits and licenses.

Program Management: Direct and participate in chemical and waste programs, including process safety, emergency response, and hazardous material contingency planning. Manage all related training and recordkeeping.

Chemical Safety Officer: Oversee inventories and vendor disposal services including maintaining and documenting all manifests and logs. Lead lab/manufacturing and chemical storage areas inspections, PPE programs, and technical design reviews and provide safety assessments for new manufacturing and lab processes. Collect and transport accumulated chemicals and hazardous materials from cleanroom and labs and deliver to main accumulation areas for storage.   Provide review and approval of all new chemicals including management of Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

Culture & Training: Educate staff on safety protocols to foster a proactive culture of environmental health and stewardship.

Collaboration: Partner with internal departments to integrate safety principles across all business operations.

Performance Monitoring: Define and track KPIs to continuously improve safety performance.

Support: Manage Lab Coat Program including coat inventory management and biweekly coat pickup/drop off with vendor.  Execute additional duties as required to meet evolving organizational needs.

Qualification Requirements:

  • BS/BA in Engineering, Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Science, Life Science, or a related technical field.
  • Minimum 5 years of progressive Chemical Health & Safety experience, ideally within biopharma/biotech.
  • Strong knowledge of EHS management systems, regulations, and ISO 14001/45001 standards.
  • Expertise in environmental programs, including hazardous waste management.
  • Experience in chemical hazard control, inventory/disposal, and laboratory design.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with regulatory agencies, auditors, and local authorities to secure required permits.
  • Proficient in reviewing safety data sheets and advising on safe chemical handling.
  • Skilled in performing safety assessments for laboratory and manufacturing processes.
  • Ability to manage vendor relationships (e.g., waste disposal, lab coat services).
  • Proven cross-functional collaboration and strong communication skills.
  • Data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement mindset.
  • Strategic, results-oriented, and highly adaptable in fast‑paced environments.
  • Professional EHS certification (CIH, CSP) preferred.
  • Ability to lift ~50 lbs and move waste drums using a dolly.

Working Conditions:

  • Clean room environments requiring gowning and plant uniform
  • Laboratories requiring lab coats and PPE
  • Office Environment

 

Salary Range
$160,000$175,000 USD

Ocular Therapeutix is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding nondiscrimination. Ocular Therapeutix provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or status as a veteran. For information on how Ocular Therapeutix collects, stores, and utilizes candidate information please see our privacy policy found at https://www.ocutx.com/privacy-policy/. For the Privacy Notice for California Job Applicants, please see CCPA Applicant Notice.

Salary
$160,000 – $175,000 per year
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