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• Head of HSE

• Permanent
• Full time
• EC2A1AJ, London, England, United Kingdom

Epoch Biodesign

Epoch Biodesign is a well-funded, venture-backed start-up using biology to make every type of plastic recyclable - starting with nylon.

Using a unique combination of AI, synthetic biology and green chemistry, we are scaling enzymatic recycling in order to transform currently unrecyclable plastics and textiles into new, virgin-quality materials. Our technology yields substantial reductions in carbon emissions with disruptive unit economics, preventing waste from entering landfill or the environment, allowing us to solve this very urgent challenge.

With our pilot plant already operating, we will imminently complete construction on our larger demo facility. This site will produce material destined for use in garments made by some of the world’s biggest fashion, sportswear and luxury brands, and also in components for some of the world’s largest car companies.

As Head of HSE at Epoch, your core function will be:

To build our safety function from the ground up. As we transition from chemistry R&D and pilot laboratories into demo-scale manufacturing, this is foundational work. Our processes are still being defined, our frameworks are early-stage, and the person in this role will be the one to create them. You will not be stepping into an established system. You will be designing it: writing the procedures, setting the standards, and embedding a safety culture in a fast-moving scientific environment where the work itself is evolving.

This is not a desk role. We need someone present on the ground, who notices issues as they emerge and who has the experience to anticipate problems before they arise. If you are energised by building something that doesn't yet exist, and by the responsibility that comes with that, this role is made for you.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Governance & Culture

• Develop and maintain high-level HSE policies and procedures across chemistry, biology, and manufacturing sites, ensuring safety standards are active operational realities rather than static documents.

• Own the risk assessment process end-to-end - establishing a system that is rigorous, efficient, and fit for a fast-moving environment. In the near term this will require direct, hands-on involvement; as the function matures, you will delegate effectively to the team while retaining overall accountability.

• Drive a proactive, safety-first culture through visible engagement, KPI trend analysis, and the development of technical training standards in partnership with site leadership.

• Oversee comprehensive investigations into incidents and near-misses, utilizing Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to drive corrective actions and shared organizational learning.

Operational Safety & Process Engineering

• Lead formal HAZOP, LOPA, and FMEA studies to ensure the safe transition of chemical processes from benchtop to reactor.

• Manage the specification, procurement, and maintenance of all critical safety infrastructure - including PPE, lab-scale LEV/fume hoods, pilot-plant pressure relief systems, and automated gas detection networks. And whatever else is needed to make our environment uncompromisingly safe. If it matters for safety, it is in scope.

• Identify and mitigate operational risks by implementing robust, site-wide audit and inspection programs.

Regulatory & Environmental Stewardship

• Ensure total adherence to COSHH, COMAH/Seveso, and GMO/Biosafety regulations across all research and production activities.

• Lead environmental compliance, including industrial permitting, bulk chemical handling, and complex hazardous waste management.

• Act as the primary point of contact for all regulatory bodies (e.g., HSE, Environment Agency) and external auditors across the HSE function.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related Life Science; must "speak the language" of the laboratory to effectively influence senior scientists.

• NEBOSH National Diploma (or NCRQ equivalent) and active membership in a professional safety body (e.g., IOSH).

• Significant experience managing HSE within both high-velocity chemical R&D laboratories and regulated pilot plant/manufacturing environments.

• Hands-on experience leading formal process safety reviews (HAZOP, LOPA, FMEA) specifically for chemical installations and scale-up activities.

• Expert knowledge of COSHH, GMO regulations, and biosafety frameworks, alongside a deep understanding of chemical compatibility and bulk storage protocols.

• Qualified Lead Auditor (ISO 9001 and/or ISO 45001) with proficiency in implementing and managing digital safety reporting systems.

• Proven track record in managing complex hazardous waste streams and industrial environmental compliance.

• Strong interpersonal skills with a proven ability to lead incident investigations (RCA) and embed safety cultures across multidisciplinary teams.

Nice to Have:

• Prior experience in a Contract Development & Manufacturing organization, managing diverse client chemistries.

• CMIOSH, CSP, or equivalent professional safety accreditation.

• Experience building and leading internal Emergency Response Teams (ERT) for chemical spill and fire scenarios.

• Certification in ISO 45001 or ISO 14001 management systems.

Benefits

Epoch Biodesign offers a comprehensive benefits program. At the moment this includes:

• A generous allowance of 30 days paid holiday (plus the usual 8 bank holidays)

• Meaningful EMI Share Options

• A non-contributory pension of 9% employer contribution

• Optional company covered private medical insurance with Vitality

• Group Income Protection

• Group Critical Illness

• Flexible working around the core times of 10am to 4pm

• Cycle to work scheme

• The opportunity to be part of building something remarkable

On-the-job perks:

• Complementary fresh fruit, coffee, tea and snacks

• Onsite gym

• Various staff social activities

And we’re continuously reviewing and enhancing our benefits and work environment.