EHS Manager - Paints and Coatings sector

Axalta has remained at the forefront of the coatings industry by continually investing in innovative solutions. We engineer technologies that protect customers’ products – whether they are battling heat, light, corrosion, abrasion, moisture, or chemicals – and add dimension and beauty with colourful finishes. We have a vast and ever-evolving portfolio of brands primed to play an important part in everything from modernizing infrastructure around the world to enabling the next generation of electric and autonomous vehicles.

We are currently looking for a EHS Manager to join us at our facility in Darlington. Full-time · Permanent · Darlington Manufacturing Site

Axalta is a global leader in paints and coatings, serving world‑class customers across automotive, industrial, and construction markets. At our Darlington site, we are looking for an EHS Manager who will play a key role in ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant operations within a high‑performance manufacturing environment. This is a strategic role for someone who wants to lead, influence, and continuously improve EHS and operational standards across the site.

As the EHS Manager, you will act as the site’s Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) expert, responsible for developing, implementing, and improving all EHS activities. You will ensure full compliance with UK legislation, Axalta corporate requirements, and international standards such as ISO 9001 and RC14001.

You will be the key liaison between the Darlington site, the EMEA EHS organisation, and Axalta’s Corporate EHS teams. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a hands‑on operational environment, enjoys leading change, and is passionate about building a strong safety culture.

- Key responsibilities:

1. EHS Leadership & Culture

• Lead the site’s EHS strategy and ensure alignment with Axalta’s corporate objectives.
• Promote a proactive, positive safety culture through leadership and employee engagement.
• Act as the site’s competent person for all EHS matters.
• Embed EHS accountability across all functions and operational decisions.

2. Regulatory Compliance & Management Systems

• Ensure compliance with all UK environmental, health, safety, and occupational hygiene legislation.
• Maintain RC14001 certification and support integration with ISO 9001.
• Lead audits, inspections, and regulatory visits.
• Manage permits, licences, and regulatory submissions.
• Maintain and update EHS procedures, standards, and documentation.

3. Risk Management & Process Safety

• Lead risk assessments across all operational activities.
• Oversee COSHH, environmental impact, manual handling, contractor, process safety, and fire risk assessments.
• Implement effective hazard identification and risk reduction measures.
• Ensure EHS risks are addressed in all project phases and Management of Change (MoC) processes.

4. Incident Investigation & Continuous Improvement

• Lead investigations into accidents, near misses, and environmental events.
• Apply root cause analysis and ensure timely corrective actions.
• Track incident trends and identify improvement opportunities.
• Share lessons learned across the organisation.

5. Environmental Performance & Sustainability

• Drive initiatives to reduce energy, water, waste, and emissions.
• Develop environmental KPIs and improvement plans.
• Ensure compliant waste management and support Axalta’s sustainability goals.

6. PPE & Occupational Safety

7. Training & Competency Development

8. Contractor & Visitor Management

9. Authority & Budget Management

- Key requirements:

• Degree in EHS, Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field.
• NEBOSH Diploma, NVQ Level 6, or equivalent required.
• CMIOSH preferred.
• Experience in manufacturing or chemical environments.
• Strong knowledge of UK EHS legislation and RC14001.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and analytical skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and EHS reporting systems.

Axalta operates its business in two segments: Performance Coatings and Mobility Coatings, which serve four end markets, including Refinish, Industrial, Light Vehicle and Commercial Vehicle, across North America, EMEA, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. Our diverse global footprint allows us to deliver solutions in over 140+ countries and coat 30 million vehicles per year. We’ve recently set an exciting 2040 carbon neutrality goal, in addition to 10 other sustainability initiatives, and we take pride in working with our customers to optimize their businesses and achieve their goals. 

Our Company:

Axalta has remained at the forefront of the coatings industry by continually investing in innovative solutions. We engineer technologies that protect customers’ products – whether they are battling heat, light, corrosion, abrasion, moisture, or chemicals – and add dimension and beauty with colorful finishes. We have a vast and ever-evolving portfolio of brands primed to play an important part in everything from modernizing infrastructure around the world to enabling the next generation of electric and autonomous vehicles.  

Axalta operates its business in two segments: Performance Coatings and Mobility Coatings, which serve four end markets, including Refinish, Industrial, Light Vehicle and Commercial Vehicle, across North America, EMEA, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. Our diverse global footprint allows us to deliver solutions in over 140+ countries and coat 30 million vehicles per year. We’ve recently set an exciting 2040 carbon neutrality goal, in addition to 10 other sustainability initiatives, and we take pride in working with our customers to optimize their businesses and achieve their goals.

Axalta may use technology-assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to support certain aspects of the recruitment and selection process. These tools may be used to help manage applications, identify job-related qualifications, and assist recruiter review. All hiring decisions involve human oversight and review.

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