Prepare for your Senior EHS Manager interview. Understand the required skills and qualifications, anticipate the questions you may be asked, and study well-prepared answers using our sample responses.
The OSHA standards are a set of regulations that employers must follow in order to ensure the safety of their employees. Employers ask this question to make sure that you are familiar with these regulations and how they apply to the workplace. In your answer, explain that you are aware of the OSHA standards and have experience implementing them in previous roles.
Answer Example: "Yes, I am very familiar with the OSHA standards. I have worked in the EHS field for over 20 years, and I have always taken compliance very seriously. I understand that these regulations are in place to protect workers from potential hazards in the workplace, so I make sure to follow them closely."
This question can help the interviewer gain insight into your safety management skills and how you apply them in the workplace. Use examples from previous roles that highlight your ability to implement safety practices, train employees on safety procedures and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Answer Example: "In my last role as senior EHS manager, I implemented several safety practices that helped our company reduce its accident rate by 50%. One of the most effective strategies we used was creating a culture of safety within the organization. We did this by encouraging employees to report any unsafe conditions or practices they observed and providing them with training on how to prevent accidents. We also implemented automated systems that tracked employee compliance with safety protocols and provided real-time feedback on our progress."
This question can help interviewers understand how you would handle a challenging situation. Use examples from past experiences where you helped an employee improve their behavior or performance in a timely manner.
Answer Example: "In my last role as a senior EHS manager, I had an employee who consistently violated safety protocols. They would leave their station unattended for long periods of time, which put other workers at risk. After several meetings where we discussed the importance of following safety procedures, the employee still refused to change their behavior. In this case, I decided to terminate their employment."
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a federal agency that regulates environmental standards. The interviewer may ask this question to assess your knowledge of environmental regulations and how you would apply them in your role as an EHS manager. Use your answer to highlight your understanding of EPA guidelines and how you would apply them in your work.
Answer Example: "I am very familiar with the EPA’s guidelines on waste disposal. I have worked in several companies where we had to follow these regulations strictly. In my last position, I was responsible for ensuring that our facility met all requirements for disposing of hazardous waste. I also trained employees on how to properly dispose of hazardous materials."
This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you possess the skills and abilities needed for this role. You can answer this question by listing some of the most important qualities for an EHS manager and explaining why they’re so important.
Answer Example: "I believe that one of the most important qualities for an EHS manager is being able to communicate effectively. An EHS manager needs to be able to communicate with other employees, managers and stakeholders about safety issues and procedures. They also need to be able to communicate with regulators about compliance issues. Another important quality is being organized. An EHS manager needs to keep track of all the different projects going on within their department. They also need to be able to organize information so they can easily find it when they need it. Finally, I think empathy is an essential quality for an EHS manager. They need to be able to understand the concerns of their employees and take those concerns into consideration when making decisions."
Employers ask this question to see if you can work well with others. They want to know that you can collaborate with other departments and teams to achieve goals and solve problems. When answering, think of a time when you worked well with others. Explain what made the situation successful and how it benefited everyone involved.
Answer Example: "I believe my teamwork skills are excellent. I have always been someone who enjoys working with others, and I find that collaboration leads to better results. In my previous role as a Senior EHS Manager, I worked closely with other departments to ensure we were all following safety protocols. We had several instances where we needed to collaborate on projects, and I found that working together allowed us to get things done more efficiently."
This question can help the interviewer understand your experience with a specific type of audit. Environmental audits are used to assess a company’s environmental practices, so your answer should show that you have done this type of work before.
Answer Example: "In my last role as senior EHS manager, I was responsible for conducting quarterly environmental audits throughout our facility. These audits helped me identify areas where we could improve our environmental practices and reduce our waste production. I also used these audits to train employees on how to properly dispose of materials and recycle. These audits helped us achieve an ‘Excellent’ rating on our last OSHA inspection."
Employers ask this question to make sure you’re up-to-date on the regulations in the state or country where they’re located. They want to know that you can comply with the law and help their company avoid any penalties or fines. Before your interview, research the environmental, health and safety regulations in the area. Make sure you know which ones are most important for the company you’re interviewing with to follow.
Answer Example: "I am very familiar with the environmental, health and safety regulations in this state/country. I have been working in EHS for over 20 years, so I have seen many changes in the laws. I am also up-to-date on any new regulations that have been put in place recently."
This question can help the interviewer determine your knowledge of EHS management and how you prioritize tasks. Your answer should include a list of important aspects, along with an explanation of why they’re important.
Answer Example: "I believe that environmental, health and safety management is most successful when it’s integrated into the company’s overall business strategy. I always make sure that EHS is included in any plans for growth or expansion, as well as any changes in processes or procedures. In addition, I make sure that all employees are aware of their responsibilities when it comes to EHS management."
This question can help interviewers understand how you would handle a challenging situation. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills, communication abilities and ability to implement effective solutions.
Answer Example: "I would first speak with the employee about their failure to follow procedures and explain why it’s important to follow them. If they continue to disregard safety protocols, I would meet with them again along with their manager to discuss the issue. If the employee still doesn’t change their behavior, I would implement disciplinary action such as suspension or termination."
This question can help the interviewer understand your experience with a key aspect of EHS management. Use examples from previous work to highlight your skills in this area, such as how you conducted risk assessments or managed risks in a company.
Answer Example: "In my last role, I was responsible for conducting annual risk assessments for our entire facility. This involved meeting with department managers to discuss potential hazards in their areas and developing plans to mitigate those risks. We also used the results of our annual risk assessment to create a plan for improving our overall safety practices. For example, we used the information to develop new training programs for employees."
