Senior Counsel for Environmental, Health, and Safety
Northbrook, IL, US, 60062
Job Description
Stepan Company is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and experienced attorney to join our legal team as a Senior Counsel for EHS. In this critical role, you will provide legal support, guidance, and collaboration on environmental and occupational health and safety matters. Your expertise will be instrumental in ensuring compliance with regulations and fostering a safe and sustainable work environment. As part of our global chemical company, you’ll work closely with cross-functional teams and contribute to our commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and sustainability.
Responsibilities:
1. Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety Compliance:
- Provide legal counsel on applicable aspects of air quality, waste management, wastewater, and occupational health & safety compliance.
- Collaborate with EHS&S (Environment, Health, Safety, and Security) teams to develop and implement company-wide initiatives, including sustainability matters.
- Anticipate, assess, and manage legal impacts on major business decisions related to EHS.
- Train internal stakeholders on EHS laws, regulations, and compliance best practices.
- Stay informed about emerging trends in EHS laws and regulations in the US and applicable international jurisdictions (e.g., EU).
2. Regulatory Agency Interaction:
- Oversee external legal counsel in matters related to EHS.
- Investigate and respond to requests for information, notices of violation, and citations from governmental agencies.
- Participate in meetings and proceedings with regulatory agencies.
3. Due Diligence and Site Remediation:
- Manage legal support for EHS due diligence during mergers and acquisitions.
- Support existing site remediation projects, ensuring compliance with environmental standards.
4. Policy Development and Implementation:
- Provide legal advice on EHSS policies and procedures.
- Draft and implement policies to enhance safety, environmental protection, and sustainability.
Qualifications
- A minimum of 7 years of legal experience primarily focused on environmental and workplace safety and health issues, preferably within the chemical, heavy manufacturing or energy industry.
- Prior in-house counsel experience, U.S. air compliance experience, and experience with EHS matters outside the U.S. preferred.
- Strong understanding of federal, state, and international EHS regulations.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
Education
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree required.
#LI-Hybrid
Established in 1932, Stepan Company is a major manufacturer of basic and intermediate chemicals including surfactants, polymers, as well as specialty ingredients that go into consumer, household, and institutional products such as laundry detergents, shampoos, and surface cleaners. Stepan Company currently has 22 global manufacturing locations and over 2,500 employees. We have a strong record of growth. Our growth allows us to provide meaningful career opportunities and stability to our team members. We have big goals at Stepan and know every team member will be crucial to achieving our objectives. Regardless of function, we are looking for team members who bring with them a growth mindset, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the ability to thrive in an evolving environment.
We celebrate diversity at Stepan and are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Nearest Major Market: Chicago